Scores of people, young and old, turned out tonight to watch as Aberdeen’s Christmas tree was lit up for the first time, ushering in the festive period.
The annual ceremony was held on the city’s Castlegate, with the crowds gathering from about 7pm.
This year’s event had added significance as it marked 25 years since Aberdeen was twinned with the Norwegian city of Stavanger.
Prayers were said and carols sang, with musical accompaniment provided by the Salvation Army’s brass band.
Then Lord Provost George Adam, along with the deputy mayor of Stavanger, Bjorg Tysdal Moe, both took to the stage.
Both highlighted the 35ft spruce – which is annual gift from the Norwegian oil capital – as a symbol of the special bond between the two cities.
They then counted down from 10 with the crowd’s help and switched on the lights, leaving the cobbles and granite sparkling under the winter sky.
Ann Kristin Soervaag, a soloist from Stavanger, closed the event with a mass rendition of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing followed by We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
Aberdeen’s Christmas tree lit up to usher in festive season