Christmas tree brings festive cheer to Da Cross

LERWICK’s Commercial Street is looking that bit more festive after the Market Cross Christmas tree was put in place.

The tree – purchased from a new supplier this year – was set in place on Tuesday morning, with the lights still to be added.

Town centre organisation Living Lerwick sourced the Norwegian tree, with support from Shetland Islands Council, and it said it is very grateful to NorthLink Ferries and Northwards Ltd for providing free transport.

Festive lights will be switched on later this week in time for late night shopping on Thursday.

New features around the centre this year also include light up reindeer on the planter boxes, some of which are said to be inviting the public to have a chat by text.

The Christmas tree and other street furniture will also be “up for a chat” – see signage around the town centre.

Trail activities begin this weekend too, with an Elf hunt and nostalgic photo archive trail available from Saturday.

The competitive Christmas window competition also begins this Saturday, with voting forms available in participating shops or from the VisitScotland office.

Monday will see the beginning of the Winderfil film trail with the Shetland Film Archive.

Living Lerwick director Edna Irvine said she was “delighted” with the tree this year.

“We took the decision to source it from a new supplier and we couldn’t be happier with the result,” she said.

“With all the fun family activities we have this year, including the new lights, and the alternative Grotto event, I think there is something for everyone in the town centre, including many free activities.

Festive opening hours are being updated regularly on the Living Lerwick website events page, and the Spend at da Street loyalty scheme continues to 18 December and double stamps will be given on Thursday evenings.