Orkney marks Norwegian Constitution Day

Norwegian Constitution Day is being celebrated in Orkney today.

This morning a remembrance service was held at the Norwegian war graves at St Olaf’s Cemetery.

Then, at 12pm the Tog, or parade, set off from the Kirkwall pierhead to the the merkat cross led by members of the Kirkwall City Pipe Band, Norwegian visitors, school children and members of the public.

The Norwegian national anthem was played on the kirk green before speeches by OIC convener Councillor Harvey Johnston and Norwegian guest of honour Beate Husa.

The pipe band then performed outside, followed by the Orkney Norway Friendship Association Concert in St Magnus Cathedral.

The events will conclude this evening with the Orkney Norway Friendship Association Dinner Dance at the Commodore at 7pm.

Norwegian Constitution Day is celebrated in Orkney every year, and the longstanding relationship dates back many centuries to when the islands were populated by Norwegians in the late 700s.

In 1983 an official Twinning Agreement was signed with Hordaland County Council and at Christmas a tree is delivered to Orkney as a gift from the region — with a delegation from Hordaland visiting as part of this every December. The last visit by Orkney Islands Council to Norway was in 2008, to mark the 25th anniversary of twinning arrangement.