Whit’s on this weekend?

December has finally begun, so it’s time to join the festive fun!

At a loss for what to do? Have no fear!

The Orcadian is here with some seasonal cheer…

Fred Morrison, King Street Halls, Kirkwall

Renowned Scottish musician, Fred Morrison, will soon set off on his annual solo winter tour, which will take him to 20 venues across Scotland, from Orkney to the Borders.

The tour will kick off in Kirkwall tonight (Friday) at the King Street Halls. Fresh from a tour of the States, Fred is on top form, having recently won the Interceltic Trophy in Brittany for the ninth time and played at major festivals across Europe throughout the summer.

The acclaimed musician will be performing on the Highland, uilleann and reel pipes and whistle and will be including many new pieces in his concert set, which will be featured in his forthcoming album, due to be released in 2018. His mix of heart-warming music and engaging stories make for a perfect recipe for a winter’s evening.

The concert is set to begin at 8pm, with tickets available on the door.

Fairs, Fancies and Festive Fun

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and there’s bound to be a special buzz out and about this weekend, as folk dive headfirst into a mountain of Christmas shopping. Following on from BIDs festive day out, last Sunday, Kirkwall will continue to play host to seasonally themed fairs, pop-up shops, and exhibitions.

It’s seems Santa has a busy time of it, especially, as he and his elves are due to make a visit to both William Shearer’s and the Scapa Distillary, on Saturday afternoon.

The distillery will be hosting their Christmas Fair, with lots of locally produced goodies and specially made stocking fillers. This includes the launch of Orkney Infusions, a range of sweet and savoury preserves made by this year’s Orkney College Young Enterprise Team.

Meanwhile, Shearer’s will be overflowing with fun and Christmas capers, as they host a weekend full of face painting, falconry, and festive balloons. The shop will also see a return visit from old Saint Nick on Sunday afternoon.

Tree Lightings Galore! 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, as all the lights and decorations bring an extra warm glow to he county’s villages and towns, each night. Orkney’s tree lighting season got underway on Wednesday nigh, beginning with Stromness.

This weekend will see similar ceremonies take place across the county. Tonight (Friday) will see trees lit in St Margaret’s Hope, Dounby, and Shapinsay. On Saturday, the communities of Sanday, Burray, St Marys, Flotta, and Westray will all light their trees. Rounding off the weekend will be Orphir’s ceremony, which is set to take place on Sunday evening.

The festive spirits continue through into next week, with tree lightings in Stenness, Finstown, and Kirkwall all due to take place.

Orkney Islands Council recently took their annual delivery of Christmas trees for both inside and outside St Magnus Cathedral, which have travelled all the way from Grimstaad and Hordaland respectively.

Here at The Orcadian, we’re going to have a very busy time trying to get photographs of the festivities. To cover as many tree lightings as possible, we’re going to need YOUR help! We’d be very grateful to anyone who wishes to send in their snaps of their local ceremony to newsroom@orcadian.co.uk