Orkney: Watch as crowds gather for the annual Stromness Yule Log Pull

The event happens in the Orkney town every Hogmanay.

Crowds gathered in Stromness on New Year’s Eve to watch and take part in the town’s annual Yule Log Pull.

The tug of war competition, which pits those living in the north end of the town against those from the south end, is a battle of strength as a large log is dragged through the streets of the town to opposing goals.

Traditionally, the Yule Log Pull took place on Christmas Eve, with the log taken under the cover of darkness from a local garden.

In 1933, the council officially outlawed the cutting down of a tree for the Yule Log, threatening to prosecute any offenders.

placeholder image
Iconic Media Group

Yule Log tradition revived in 2017

Until its revival in 2017, the game was last known to have been played 80 years prior, in 1937.

Now the game takes place on Hogmanay and the log, weighing in at almost half a tonne, is sourced from a Scottish sawmill.

Since 2017, the event has also been supported by many local companies and businesses through in-kind donations.

Make sure you keep up to date with news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.

2018 saw the addition of the Junior Log Pull.

The Senior event begins at the Commercial Hotel while the Junior event at the Pier Arts Centre lane.

Comments

 0 comments

Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.

Dare to be Honest
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice