Danish royal yacht alongside in Kirkwall

The arrival of the Danish royal yacht Dannebrog alongside Kirkwall Harbour today, Sunday, prompted rumours that the islands could well be playing host to a royal visit this morning.

The vessel serves as the official and private residence of members of the Danish royal family, both when they are on official visits overseas, or on summer cruises.

However, officers onboard the vessel explained that the ship – believed to be making her very first visit to Orkney – is in fact on a two day visit to Kirkwall before heading for the Faroe Islands.

Once in Faroe, members of the royal family will spend five days onboard the ship, cruising around the islands.

Dannebrog was built in 1931-1932 at the Naval Dockyard in Copenhagen as a replacement for the previous royal vessel, the paddle steamer Dannebrog which served from 1879.

Further details in The Orcadian Marine Scene section, on Thursday.