Watch: Edinburgh's Christmas tree goes up on The Mound

Standing at a majestic 60ft, the Edinburgh Mound spruce was supplied by Kirkliston’s Conifox Adventure Park.

Edinburgh-based companies Bernard Hunter Cranes and Field and Lawn were both involved in erecting and decorating the Sitka Spruce, which was sourced from a forest in Kintyre.

The tree continues to be a gift from the citizens of Hordaland to mark the help given by the Scots to Norway during WWII.

Conifox Adventure Park are supplying the 60ft tree which will sit atop the Mound this year

Conifox Adventure Park director James Gammell said: “From its origins in 1949 when the traditional gifted tree came from Scandinavia, through to 2008 and beyond when it’s been sourced directly from Scotland, the tree on The Mound has always been the starting beacon for Christmas in the Capital.

“Seeing the community come together to marvel at the thousands of twinkling lights on a spruce that has united Scotland and Norway for over 70 years, is incredibly heart-warming.

“Although this year we will all be celebrating Christmas a little differently, we will still feel at home when we look up and see this symbol that is the spirit of Christmas.”

Conifox Adventure Park is also marking the launch of its Christmas tree market and hopes the Scottish-grown Christmas tree will encourage Edinburgh residents to source their own trees locally, reducing carbon footprint.

Gifted by Hordaland County Council, this tradition dates back to 1949 and is a gesture of thanks to Scotland for providing assistance to Norway during the Second World War.

Last month, the park also announced Scotland’s only festive drive-thru experience which will allow guests to stop their cars at various points to enjoy scenes and actors in the Toy Workshop, the Reindeer Flying School, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen, the Enchanted Forest and most importantly, Santa’s Livingroom, where they will meet the big man himself.

Running from December 3 until December 23, tickets for Scotland’s only drive-thru Christmas experience will be available from between 2pm and 4pm costing £20 per car and 4pm until 9pm at £25 per car.

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