As our pages this week amply illustrate, the Christmas spirit is alive and well across Argyll, the isles and Lochaber.
Our pages are full of photographs of people from across our communities celebrating the festive season and carrying out charitable work to try to ensure that the season of goodwill extends to everyone, including those less fortunate.
Among them are the staff at Hope Kitchen in Oban, who will be opening the cafe on Christmas day to make sure that people who otherwise would be alone are able to join in and enjoy a festive meal and all that goes with it. The Hope Kitchen workers will also be handing out presents to all their guests. It is at time like this that the best of human nature comes to the fore and we want to say a big thank you to all those selfless individuals who give of their time.