The Dumfries and Norway Connection: September Events
From 15 – 18 September there will be special events happening in Dumfries to celebrate the connections between Dumfries and Galloway Norway, that was established during the Second World War.
A four-day event is taking place this weekend in Dumfries to celebrate the connections between our region and Norway, established during World War Two. Organised by the ‘Scottish Norwegian Connection’ (SNC) there will be around 40 visitors from Norway along with Scottish people who have connections with Norwegians. King Harald V of Norway has appointed Captain Pål Hope, Norwegian Defence Attaché to the UK, and Honorary Norwegian Consul General, Prof. Julian Jones, as his representatives for the visit.
There are three public events taking place, and local people are encouraged to come along and support the occasions – as well as enjoying the music and spectacle.
Friday 15 September
At 10:00 am at the Midsteeple, the Norwegian flag will be raised, accompanied by the singing of the Norwegian and British national anthems. The Council Convener, Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, and Depute Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, John Henderson, will be participating.
Saturday 16 September
At 4.30pm at the Whitesands beside Devorgilla Bridge, there will be the unveiling of the ‘Norwegian Stone of Friendship’ by Captain Pål Hope, Norwegian Defence Attaché to UK. This will begin with a parade, starting at the Robert Burns Centre, crossing Devorgilla Bridge by the members of the Scottish Norwegian Association led by the Buccleuch and Queensberry Pipe Band. Many of the Norwegian representatives will be in national costume. The Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Fiona Armstrong and the Provost of Dumfries, Maureen Johnstone, will be participating.
Sunday 17 September
A special commemorative service will be held at St Michael’s and South Church at 11.00am, led by Rev Bill Hogg and supported by two Norwegian Deacons. The Lord-Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong will also be participating. At Troqueer Cemetery at 3.00pm, the Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries Fiona Armstrong, the Depute Convener Councillor Gail Macgregor and Provost of Dumfries Councillor Maureen Johnstone and SNC representatives will lay wreaths during a Service of Remembrance to the Norwegians who lost their lives while stationed in the Dumfries area. Norwegian members of the SNC will then lay wreaths on the 13 war graves and the nearby grave of Captain Stensones. Members of the Royal British Legion will be in attendance.