The tree is arranged by Living Lerwick on behalf of all the businesses in the town centre as a thank you to the local community for their support throughout the year. Delivery of the tree is supported by Northwards Ltd who transport the tree from Solihull in England to Lerwick, through Aberdeen, with Serco NorthLink providing sea freight. Installation of the tree is organised by Shetland Islands Council’s Roads Service, with assistance from Northwards Ltd.
This year, Ness Engineering are donating lights for the tree and will install them as part of the wider contract held with Living Lerwick to install the festoon Christmas lighting throughout the town centre.
In addition to the Market Cross Christmas tree, Northwards Ltd and Serco NorthLink also generously provide logistical support from Aberdeen to ship the three trees which are still gifted from Norway to the communities of Scalloway and Whalsay, and from Shetlandslauget in Måløy, to Lerwick Town Hall.
Living Lerwick Project Manager, Emma Miller, said “We are always so grateful to the staff and management at Northwards and NorthLink for their continued support in bringing the Market Cross tree to the town centre, and to the Council’s road boys for their input in getting it set up. Additional support from Ness Engineering this year with the lights is gratefully received and we hope that the Christmas displays will keep the town centre bright and cheery for Christmas shoppers and party go-ers through the festive season.”
The official switch on event for the Christmas lights will take place on Saturday 29th November, when Santa will arrive ashore at Albert Wharf, assisted by the crew of the Lerwick Lifeboat around 3.15pm. The parade will take place from north Commercial Street to the Market Cross between 3.30pm and 5.00pm. Drivers should note there may be short delays on the Esplanade and Commercial Street will be closed to traffic from 1pm to 6pm for safety reasons.
Additional Christmas events and activities arranged for the town centre are detailed on the Living Lerwick website and Facebook page, and include 4 days of Santa’s Grotto and a snowman trail.
Left to right: Edna Irvine-Living Lerwick Director and business owner at Smith & Robertson, Jane Leask-NorthLink, John Henry Pearson-Shetland Island Council, Neil Graham-Ness Engineering, Gary Smith-Shetland Island Council.