Christmas is coming

TOWN centre organisation Living Lerwick is getting ready for the festive season after the Market Cross Christmas tree was erected on Thursday.

Three large Norwegian Christmas trees – one for Lerwick, one for Scalloway and one for Whalsay – arrived on board the NorthLink ferry earlier the same morning.

Living Lerwick director Ben Mullay said: “It’s clear everyone wants a tree at the Market Cross.

“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 free of charge and Shetland Islands Council’s roads department have erected our one at the Market Cross. Living Lerwick are decorating the tree.”

Meanwhile, preparations for Living Lerwick’s Magical Christmas Lights Switch-on event are well underway.

The now traditional parade will kick off on Saturday 2 December at 3.30pm from Thulecraft.

Santa will arrive off the lifeboat at 3.15pm at Albert Wharf, turn right on to the Esplanade and travel up onto Commercial Road before taking his place as leader of the parade.