Stromness Tree Lighting kicks off festive season
Orkney’s festive season got off to a fine start last night (Wednesday), as the community of Stromness gathered for their annual tree lighting ceremony.
Kicking off celebrations at 5.45pm were the Salvation Army Band, who played a selection of Christmas tunes, followed shortly by a chorus of Away in a Manger sung by Stromness Church Choir.
After a Christmas Prayer, led by Reverend John Butterfield of Stromness Parish Church, the spectacular lights were switched on by Stromness Primary pupils  Zara Johnston and Katrina Braddock. This was followed by a Christmas messaged, delivered by Reverend Tom Miller of Stromness Episcopal Church, and closing remarks from Orkney Islands Council leader, James Stockan.
Among the host of public figures who turned out for the event, none was more highly anticipated or joyfully received than the man himself — Santa Claus — who greeted the children of Stromness, stocking in hand.
Stromness is the first in a series of tree lighting ceremonies set to take place across the county over the next week. To see lights in their full glory, check out our selection of photos, below.