Orkney Islands Council pays tribute to King Harald V of Norway

Orkney Islands Council is paying tribute to King Harald V of Norway, who died today at the age of 89.

Orkney's relationship with Norway dates back to the Norse settlement of the islands in the late 700s, and has stayed close ever since. Orkney has held a twinning agreement with Vestland County since 1983, and celebrates Norwegian Constitution Day every 17^th of May.

King Harald himself visited Orkney on the 7^th of July 1994, and in 2017 the then Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, now King and Queen, visited the islands for the 900th anniversary commemorations of the death of St Magnus.

As a mark of respect for that longstanding friendship, the Norwegian flag will fly at half mast from Kirkwall Town Hall.

Council Convener Graham Bevan said: "Orkney has always felt fortunate to share such strong and lasting ties with Norway – a true friendship built over many generations.

"It’s a relationship that many Orcadians feel personally, and on behalf of Orkney, our deepest condolences go to our friends and neighbours in this difficult time.”

Lord Lieutenant of Orkney, Elaine Grieve, said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of His Majesty King Harald V, who served with true devotion for over three decades.

“Our thoughts are with Queen Sonja, King Haakon and the people of Norway at this sad time.”