The Norwegian Royal Family has promised an enduring relationship with the Orkney islands after a “heartwarming” welcome from locals.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit described the islands as “mythical” as they brought their two day visit to the islands to a close.
The Royal couple braved rain and wind to visit Skara Brae on Saturday morning, bringing a packed schedule to a close.
PICTURES: Orkney’s Norse links reinforced by Norwegian royal visit
They toured the neolithic site amongst the large crowds arriving on coach trips to the area.
Crown Prince Haakon is first in line to the throne of Norway and has visited the islands before in 2001.
But it was the first time that Crown Princess Mette-Marit had visited Orkney – and she said she felt “really at home” in the islands.
She said: “There is a connection between the people (of Orkney and Norway). Like a lot of people in Norway I’ve always dreamed of travelling to these islands.
“When I said we’re going to the Orkney islands, all my friends that we were talking to would say ‘oh I always wanted to go’.
“I think it’s a bit of a mythical place in how Norwegians look at the Orkneys.
“Also because of our shared history and our Viking history, it has a mythological sense to it for a lot of Norwegians.”
The crown prince added: “I was fortunate enough to be here in 2001 for the opening of the St Magnus Centre.
“Many things make us together. Our shared history of course and our common heritage.”
“I think it’s a bit of a mythical place in how Norwegians look at the Orkneys.
“Also because of our shared history and our Viking history, it has a mythological sense to it for a lot of Norwegians.”
The prince described the welcome they had received from the islands as “heartwarming”.
Speaking about the future of the relationship between Orkney and Norway, the heir to the throne said there would be a lasting link.
He said: “We have a lot of links of course to Britain and to Orkney when it comes to that as well I guess with the petroleum industry.
“Maybe there is more we can do when it comes to exchange of knowledge.
“I was talking to the convener (of Orkney Islands Council Harvey Johnston) about that yesterday, maybe there’s more than we can do there.”
The Royals returned to Norway on Saturday afternoon at the conclusion of their visit.
They traveled to the islands to mark the 900th anniversary of the death of St Magnus, the 12th century Norwegian Earl of Orkney who has left a lasting legacy.
A highlight of the visit for the couple was attending the opening concert of the St Magnus Festival at the cathedral which bears his name in the centre of Kirkwall on Friday evening.
During their visit they also laid flowers on the graves of the World War II Norwegian sailors buried at St Olaf’s Cemetery in Kirkwall and took a tour of St Magnus Cathedral, after watching an open air performance by local children outside the church.
CLOSE LINKS
The close links between Orcadians and Norwegians means the islanders even celebrate the Norse national day in May.
The relationship is maintained by the Orkney Norway Friendship Association (Onfa).
Members of the group hosted a special commemoration event at St Olaf’s Cememtery where Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit laid a wreath at the grave of Norwegian sailors buried there during World War II.
Onfa chairwoman Ishbel Borland said the royal visit was important in maintaining the centuries old connection between Norway and Orkney.
She said: “I think it’s very special, particularly to have the crown prince and crown princess visiting at the start of the Magnus 900 celebrations.”
She added: “At Onfa we try very hard to keep the links going. I am involved with music and I play the accordian.
“We’ve taken groups three times to Norway and met up with groups and choirs over there so through the music links that keeps things going.
“It’s getting more difficult to keep young people involved. I think sports are the way to go perhaps.”