The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Norwegian royalty walk in footsteps of St Magnus
Memorial: Call for peace as northern isles mark saint’s 900th year
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 wreaths 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.
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 greeted the royal couple off their plane at Kirkwall Airport and then hosted them at a lunchtime reception.
He said: “It’s a huge thing for Orkney to have the Norwegian royals here.
“We have a long, long association with Norway going back 1,200 years and a lot of Norwegian royals have visited over that time. It reinforces the links between us.”
Mr Johnston said many in the islands put their Orkney heritage before their Scottish identity.
He said: “A lot of Orcadians do not feel particularly Scottish at all and wearing a kilt is not really an Orkney thing.
“Orkney is different, it is a distinct entity to the rest of Scotland.”
The crown prince last visited Orkney in 2001 – while it was the first visit for the crown princess.
He addressed gathered dignitaries at a lunch in Kirkwall Town Hall.
He said: “We are struck by the rough beauty of your islands. The history, the cultural heritage, the landscape and sagas have made an impression on us.”
He paid tribute to St Magnus who was Earl of Norway until his death in 1118. He was renowned for his gentleness and refused to fight a battle in Wales because of his religious convictions, instead remaining aboard his ship singing psalms.
“Celebrating St Magnus gives us an opportunity to value his character”
The crown prince said: “Celebrating the life of St Magnus gives us an opportunity to value the character of this man – and maybe try to learn something from him.
“Unfortunately – in Magnus’ case – there was no earthly payback for his gentleness, as he ended up being murdered on his cousin and rival Haakon’s command – who was the other earl of Orkney.
“Still – the saga of St Magnus is an inspiration to acknowledge that we always have a choice.”