12/05/2025
This week we are delighted to welcome two historic Norwegian ships to Orkney waters
The visit of the Museum Ship Hestmanden and the Andholmen marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War and Orkney’s Norwegian Day celebrations.
During Norway’s occupation in WW2, several Norwegian vessels played a significant role in the Allied resistance against the N***s, in part by creating a secret transport link known as the “Shetland Bus” but which included Orkney, to transport soldiers, civilians, weapons, and supplies between the UK and Norway.
To mark the significance of these vessels and the connections between Norway and the UK during the Second World War, many of these ships will be coming into British ports for the public to learn more about them, kindly funded by the Norwegian Government.
The ships will be open to the public in Stromness on 13 and 14 May from 12 noon - 5:00 pm.
In Kirkwall they'll be open on Saturday 17 May (3pm-6pm) and Sunday 18 May (11am-5pm).
We strongly advise that the public follow the designated walkways and avoid gathering near the pier edge. Please be aware that our piers are live operational zones with regular movement of heavy vehicles, both from ferry operations and aquaculture servicing. So please take care and follow all signage.
For more information on the Liberation Convoy please visit: https://liberationconvoy.com/