So, the big red truck rolled into town and instantly caused chaos at a certain shopping centre car park at the weekend.

Coca Cola sends its large red lorry decorated with Christmas lights all over it, to many places around the UK leading up to Christmas, and Scotland’s two dates were at the weekend.

Unfortunately, at Silverburn, where the truck was visiting for most of the day, it trapped rather a lot of people – some for up to two hours – because of where it parked, and prevented many vehicles from leaving the actual venue.

So, on reflection now, I don’t feel so bad that I couldn’t secure the truck for Erskine when I applied several years ago for it to visit as part of Erskine and District Rotary’s Christmas Tree light switch on.

I thought it would be an added interest to those who turned out to our local event, but now, on reflection, perhaps it might just have caused too much chaos.

So, I can tell you, the big red truck will not be at this year’s event, but here are the details of Erskine’s free event, should you, and yours want to take part.

The Erskine & District Rotary Christmas Lights Switch on, will begin from the Mains Drive Shops to Bridgewater Shopping Centre at 6.45 pm on November 24. You are encouraged to take part in the torchlight procession from here to arrive at Bridgewater Shopping Centre.

Here, the Christmas tree lights will be switch on at 7.15pm, followed by Christmas fun, with children’s rides; doughnuts; The Salvation Army Band; Rashilee School Choir, a tombola and SANTA.

So, if you would like to take part, just put some Christmas sparkle on – and bring a torch, and enjoy the evening.

The event costs nothing, The Rotary Club arrange the evening, and you can have a fun night with your little ones, who have a good chance of meeting Santa on the night.

Have fun.