The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Norway royals visit to Orkney reinforces centuries-old link
The centuries old connection between Orkney and Norway has been celebrated as the heir to the throne of the Scandinavian country visited the islands.
Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit are in the northern isles to help mark the 900th anniversary of the death of St Magnus, the patron saint of Orkney.
The prince used the visit to call for people to embrace St Magnus’s message of peace and “spirit of gentleness”.
The royal couple laid wreathes at the graves of Norwegian sailors at St Olaf’s Cemetery in Kirkwall before touring St Magnus Cathedral, receiving a rapturous welcome from a large crowd of locals welcoming them outside.
They returned to the cathedral in the evening to attend the opening night of the St Magnus Festival, a joint production between Scottish and Norwegian performers.
Orkney Island Council convener Harvey Johnston hosted the royal couple at a lunchtime reception.
He said: “It’s a huge thing for the people of Orkney to have the Norwegian royals here.
“We have a long, long association with Norway going back 1,200 years.”
The crown prince last visited Orkney in 2001 – while it was the first visit to the county for the crown princess.
He addressed gathered dignitaries at a lunch in Kirkwall Town Hall.
He said: “We are struck of course by the rough beauty of your islands.
“The history, the cultural heritage, the landscape and the sagas of the Orkney Islands have made an impression on us.”
He paid tribute to the memory of St Magnus who was Earl of Norway until his death in 1118.