These are first shots of tonight’s magical 2009 Lochgilphead Lantern Parade.

The procession was led by the Mid Argyll Pipe Band and driven from the rear by the Salsa Band. The lanterns - as you will see from these photographs -  were ambitious, imaginative and fun.

The huge crowd, lining the streets and crushing ten deep around Colchester Square, clapped and cheered as one tour de force was succeeded by another.

The crowds were entertained by singing from children from the local Primary School.

The pied piper of the Lantern Parade led the crowd on  a crisp dry night along the main road out of town to watch the bonfire and a spectacular fireworks display on The Corran.

The entire imaginative event, including the lantern-making workshops and the parade itself, is annually organised by the Dalriada Project

Photographs by copyright holders, Rebecca Martin and Paul Hadfield.