Working hard to keep close links

The close links between Orcadians and Norwegians means the islanders even celebrate the Norse national day in May.

The relationship is maintained by the Orkney Norway Friendship Association (Onfa).

Members of the group hosted a special commemoration event at St Olaf’s Cemetery where Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit laid a wreath at the grave of Norwegian sailors buried there during World War II.

Onfa chairwoman Ishbel Borland said the royal visit was important in maintaining the centuries old connection between Norway and Orkney.

She said: “I think it’s very special, particularly to have the crown prince and crown princess visiting at the start of the Magnus 900 celebrations.”

She added: “At Onfa we try very hard to keep the links going. I am involved with music and I play the accordion.

“We’ve taken groups three times to Norway and met up with groups and choirs over there so through the music links that keeps things going.

“It’s getting more difficult to keep young people involved. I think sports are the way to go perhaps.”