A special festive gift for the Orkney community has arrived in the county.
The live Christmas tree is a traditional gift from Vestland in Norway – the county formed by the merger of Sogn og Fjordane and Hordaland.
It arrived at Hatston Pier after being transported to Aberdeen, courtesy of the Norwegians – with onward transport to Kirkwall kind courtesy of NorthLink Ferries and Northwards.
The tree will stand outside the St Magnus Cathedral until just after the New Year.
The tree lighting ceremony was officiated by Convener Graham Bevan, with guest speaker His Excellency Tore Hattrem, Norwegian Ambassador to the UK.
A second tree – for inside the Cathedral – has been gifted from the town of Grimstad’s Fjaere Kirke.
Councillor Bevan said:
“For many years our Norwegian friends across the North Sea have marked our ties with the generous gift of a Christmas tree.
“This gesture of friendship and exchange resonates strongly and is very much appreciated.”
