Statsraad Lehmkuhl visits in centenary year

The prestigious Norwegian sail training ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl arrived in Kirkwall this morning, the first visit of the year of the ship, which is now 100 –years–old.

Norwegian Consul in Orkney Bill Spence, who is also Lord-Lieutenant of Orkney, was present for the first of the centenary celebrations, which took place in Bergen earlier this year to mark the anniversary of the launch of the ship, which took place on January 14, 1914.

Mr Spence explained that the vessel first visited Orkney in August,1987, and has been a regular caller, mainly during the summer months, since then — visiting a total of 86 times.

The vessel is operated by the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation and is based in Bergen. Over the years, thousands of Norwegian students have taken the opportunity to visit Orkney on board the ship as part of sail training adventures across the North Sea.

The ship has also visited the islands in winter after crossing the Atlantic with navy cadets, following her many voyages to the United States.

A reception is set to be held in The Girnal in Kirkwall tonight to mark the anniversary here in Orkney.