A recreation of the martyrdom of Orkney’s famous saint is to be staged to mark the 900th anniversary of his death.
Saint Magnus left his mark on the islands like no other – including Kirkwall’s famous cathedral. Even today Magnus is still a common boy’s name on Orkney.
Now the tragic and inspiring death of Saint Magnus will be replayed on Egilsay, on April 15, as part of a weekend of free activities to formally launch the Magnus 900 celebratory year-long programme.
The drama will be interwoven with songs performed by the Mayfield Singers and there will be a chance to take part in Viking-inspired games and explore the island.
Organiser Dr Ragnhild Ljosland, from the Centre of Nordic Studies, is also appealing for anyone wanting to take part to contact her.
Later in the day, events will move to Birsay, where 7 Waves, a new artwork by Erlend Brown and Dave Jackson – which takes as its inspiration from Orcadian poet, the late George Mackay Browns’s Tryst on Egilsay – will be unveiled at St Magnus Church before a newly commissioned St Magnus Foy, written by Pam Beasant, is performed at the Birsay Hall.
Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Harvey Johnston, said: “The story of St Magnus is full of drama and certainly captured my imagination as a youngster. It permeates so much of Orkney’s culture, heritage and folklore.
“So it’s pleasing to see the community pulling out all the stops to help create a fitting celebration of this legendary figure, starting with this Easter launch.
“We’d urge the Orkney public to get involved in the events, and help celebrate and promote the story of our very own saint.”