Norwegian visitation to the Kirkwall Legion

In an event which further strengthened links between Norway and Orkney, a group of Norwegian ex-servicemen have travelled to Orkney where they presented the Kirkwall Branch of the Royal British Legion with a number of gifts, as well as passing on greetings from the Norwegian Royal family.

Pål Heggemsnes-Forsmo, Reidar Bragstad and Bengt Wallden, all former members of HM The Royal King’s Guards Regiment in Olso, made the presentation to the committee and members of the Legion last night, Wednesday.

Presenting gifts of military memorabilia, including pictures and medals, they conveyed the best wishes from HM King Harald Rex of Norway, who is the grand officer in command of The Kings Guards.

Mr Heggemsnes-Forsmo, from Trondheim, explained that the three were on a trip to Scotland and especially wished to visit Orkney and the Kirkwall branch of the Legion.

He said that they had been “extremely well received” since their arrival, and had very much enjoyed the hospitality shown to them during their stay.

Orkney Islands Council vice – convener Jim Foubister also attended the Legion to greet the guests.

Branch chairman Mally Johnston welcomed the visitors to the branch and thanked them very much for their gifts. He said that he hoped that they enjoyed their time in Orkney.

To reciprocate, he also presented the visitors with gifts from the Royal British Legion, and a framed aerial picture of St Magnus Cathedral.