The five-year-old from Gatehouse of Fleet has been a patient at the hospital, and turned on the lights at an event which saw music supplied by a choir of pupils from St Joseph’s College in Dumfries.
Her dad Scott Elliot said: “Zara’s been a patient since before the new hospital opened, and it’s been a great honour for her to come and switch the lights on because she really enjoys Christmas.”
Children’s Ward Senior Charge Nurse Kirstine Burns introduced Zara to the crowd and started the countdown before the youngster pressed the red button to turn on the lights.
Kirstine, below right, said: “Zara was an absolute star, and a natural in front of the crowds. We were really pleased that she could come along to switch on the lights and usher in that Christmas feeling.
“We also owe a really big debt of gratitude to the children from St Joseph’s College in Dumfries, who came along and entertained visitors and patients in the hospital atrium before venturing outside to accompany the lighting of the Christmas tree.”
