The Kirkwall Christmas tree lighting took place on Saturday 3rd of December.

The Christmas tree on the Kirk Green outside St Magnus Cathedral was gifted by the county of Vestland in Norway, the county formed by the merger of Sogn og Fjordane and Hordaland, which has gifted the tree for many years.

A second tree inside the Cathedral was gifted from the town of Grimstad’s Fjaere Kirke.

Broad Street thronged with islanders of all ages as Kirkwall City Pipe Band started off the proceedings with a parade.

The St Lucy Procession and various guests then proceeded into the Cathedral where a service took place.

Outside, although many had gone home, children amused themselves and kept warm by playing on the Kirk Green.

Then what we had all been waiting for as the tree was lit up with a little bit of help from St Lucy and her attendants.