News / Christmas trees arrive
LERWICK’S Christmas tree is to return to the Market Cross this year.
Following some unfavourable comments when the tree stood in a salmon bin at Harrison Square last year, Living Lerwick said on Wednesday that the popular tradition of having the tree at the Market Cross would be reinstated this year.
The Lerwick tree has now arrived on board the NorthLink ferry together with two Norwegian trees gifted to the isles to commemorate the Shetland Bus. These trees will be erected in Scalloway and Whalsay.
Living Lerwick vice-chairman Steve Mathieson said: “We surveyed our members on how we could improve our winter festival. The results were definitely conclusive on where people want a Christmas tree.
“Buying, transporting, erecting and decorating a large Christmas tree is hugely expensive, so we had to look at how to provide that without blowing our budget.
“Working in partnership, we have managed to find a solution which benefits everyone.
“Northwards and NorthLink have transported all three trees from Aberdeen for us free of charge and Shetland Islands Council roads department will erect our one at the Market Cross.”
He added that Lerwick Community Council had provided funding to help decorate the tree.
Meanwhile, plans for this year’s winter festival are well underway. It will kick off with the Christmas light switch-on parade at 3.30pm on Saturday 28 November.
Mathieson said the parade would start at Victoria Pier, where Santa is due to arrive by lifeboat.
“The bairns from Peerie Foxes will switch on the Christmas lights with their wands as the parade progresses through the town centre,” he said. “The parade will end at the Market Cross with the switching on of the Christmas tree lights.”
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