Norwegian Consulate Orkney

09/09/2026

As well as being Honorary Norwegian Consul, Leslie Burgher is one of the St Magnus Cathedral bellringers, and chose to mark the Funeral of HM Harald V earlier today by tolling the main bell of St Magnus Cathedral immediately before the start of the late King's funeral in Oslo.

The Cathedral was, of course, built when Orkney was under Norwegian rule and was under the Archdiocese of Nidaros in Trondheim. The bells were originally hung in 1528, less than 60 years after Orkney became part of Scotland.

With the funeral over, the flag at the Consulate is now back at the top of the pole and we send best wishes to Haakon VIII, his family and all Norwegians.

The new King visited Orkney with Queen Mette-Marit in 2017, when they attended the St Magnus International Festival as Crown Prince and Princess. Prior to that he carried out the official opening of the St Magnus Centre in 2001.

The cathedral was witness to the funeral of an earlier Norwegian King: Haakon IV: Haakon Haakonson. Following the Battle of Largs in 1263 he became ill and died in the Bishop's Palace in Kirkwall. His body was interred in the Cathedral until the following Spring when it could be returned to Norway.

A book of condolence which was placed in the Cathedral by Orkney Islands Council will be forwarded to the Royal Palace in Oslo.

02/09/2026

A book of condolence for the late King Harald has been placed in St Magnus Cathedral

🇳🇴 A book of condolence for King Harald V of Norway has opened today at St Magnus Cathedral, for those who would like to pay their respects.

You can sign the book in person, or send a message of condolence by email to [email protected].

The book will close at 12pm on Wednesday 9 September, to coincide with the King's funeral, and the Norwegian flag will fly at half mast from Kirkwall Town Hall on the day as a further mark of respect.

28/08/2026

The Royal Palace has announced the death of King Harald V of Norway. King Harald passed away quietly at the National Hospital on Friday 28th. august, at 0635 am.
Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and all the people of Norway at this sad time

14/07/2026

Norway's Football team are welcomed home in Oslo.

09/07/2026

The Consul joined the Captain, crew members and passengers of Skoleskipet Gann at Hatston to perform the "Viking Row" before the ship's departure back to Stavanger this afternoon. Thanks to all the Ship2Shore Orkney and Orkney Harbours staff for making this happen as a reminder of our strong links with Norway.

19/05/2026

A great day on Sunday. A shame that our sailing friends were unable to get here due to the weather in the North Sea. There's always next year, Jarle Haugum, Terje Ollestad, Galeasen Loyal. However, we were joined by Ordfører Beate Skretting from Grimstad as guest of honour. After the usual remembrance service at St Olaf's Cemetery, there was a large tog - led by Kirkwall City Pipe Band - and a concert in St Magnus Cathedral by Hadhirgaan and other KGS pupils. The event was rounded off by the Orkney Norway Friendship Association dinner.

15/05/2026

Looking forward to Sunday's Syttende Mai celebrations. This year's guest of honour is Beate Skretting, Mayor of Grimstad: the home area of the family of Norse Earls Magnus and Rognvald. Each year, we receive a Christmas tree from Fjære historielag, Grimstad and it is great to welcome Beate to the Constitution Day celebrations. Timings are different this year because it is a Sunday, with the graveside service at St.Olafs at 1345 and the Tog (procession) with the Kirkwall City Pipe Band setting off from the pierhead at 1500 followed by a concert in the Cathedral afterwards. Everyone is welcome to join in. Look forward to seeing you there!

25/04/2026

Great to meet members of Norwegian charity In the same boat who are on a three week visit to Orkney. Since 2017 they have cleared 1800 tons of plastic waste from the Norwegian Coast using environmentally friendly sailing boats to get to remote beaches. They hope to expand their work as far as Geeenland. Remember that this is the last weekend of Bag the Bruck 2026 but that you can Pick Up Three Pieces of litter from the beach any time you go for a walk.

16/04/2026

Today we are flying the Consulate flag to celebrate St Magnus Day. Orkney's Norse patron saint is depicted in this picture by Haakon Gullvaag, which hangs in St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall.