Edinburgh’s Christmas Tree

Bernard Hunter continues proud tradition of supporting Edinburgh’s Christmas tree installation

Each year, a Christmas tree stands proudly on The Mound in the heart of Edinburgh—a symbol of friendship and gratitude from Vestland County in Norway to the people of Scotland, recognising their support during the Second World War. This annual gesture, which began in 1947, has become a beloved tradition in the capital.

Since the 1960s, Bernard Hunter has proudly supported this tradition by providing a mobile crane and experienced lifting team free of charge to hoist the tree into position. This service is given as a gift to the city, reflecting our commitment to the people and traditions of Edinburgh.

Each November, one of our Liebherr mobile cranes is deployed to carefully lift the Christmas tree into place on The Mound—ready to take its place at the centre of the city’s festive celebrations.

This long-standing partnership is a point of pride for Bernard Hunter, demonstrating our dedication to community, heritage, and supporting meaningful moments in the life of the city.

“Dear Mark, The City of Edinburgh Council would like to place on record our thanks to Bernard Hunter for their generous support to the citizens of Edinburgh and Hordaland Council. As you know, the task of placing the Christmas tree at The Mound is an important symbol of the spirit and support given by Scotland’s people to Norway during the Second World War. The cost of the tree itself is gifted to Edinburgh by the people of the Hordaland region in recognition of that support. On behalf of myself and everyone at the Council we are grateful for your contribution once again and would appreciate if you could please convey our thanks to the staff involved with the installation on Friday 1 November.

Yours sincerely,
Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost”

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