He was joined by representatives from Edinburgh Candlemakers, the Norwegian Embassy and the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, marking the start of the city’s festive celebrations.
Honorary Consul General of the Norwegian Consulate General in Edinburgh, Professor Julian Jones said: “The Christmas tree symbolises all that is best about what Norway and Scotland, and what Vestland and Edinburgh, have in common. Every year Vestland gives a Christmas tree as a gift to Edinburgh, as a ‘thank you’ for the help received from Scotland during the Second World War.
“Norway and Scotland are neighbours, and we have a common history going all the way back to the Viking times. There are strong ties between Edinburgh and Vestland, and our culture and our heritage bring us together in our Christmas festivities, with a splendid concert in St Giles cathedral following the lighting of the Tree, with Scottish and Norwegian musicians.
“The Christmas tree celebrates all that we have done together in the past, and all that we will do together in the future.”
5. Pipe up
The tradition of gifting the tree began in 1947, and although it has been sourced from Scotland since 2008, it remains a meaningful token of friendship and solidarity between the two nations. | Edinburgh's Christmas Photo: Katie Casson
6. Dignataries
Counsellor Dr. Øystein Lund , Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, and Honorary Consul General Professor Julian Jones from the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, pictured at the Christmas tree lights switch-on at the Mound in Edinburgh. | Edinburgh's Christmas Photo: Katie Casson
7. Speaker
Honorary Consul General Professor Julian Jones from the Norwegian Honorary Consulate General, pictured speaking at the event in Edinburgh on Monday night. | Edinburgh's Christmas Photo: Katie Casson
8. The start of the festive season
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: "Edinburgh’s famous Christmas tree is a fixture on the Mound every winter and the switch on of the lights not only signals the start for the festive season it is an important reminder of our close ties with Norway and of the strength and universal values of friendship, solidarity and compassion. I hope Edinburgh residents and visitors alike will enjoy the opportunity to view this beautiful Christmas Tree in the heart of our city." | Edinburgh's Christmas Photo: Katie Casson