Orkney will celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day this weekend as events take place across Kirkwall marking the islands’ long standing ties with Norway.

Norwegian Constitution Day takes place annually on 17 May and marks the signing of Norway’s constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814 which established the country’s independence and democratic foundations.

The day is Norway’s national celebration and is traditionally marked with parades, music, community gatherings and national dress across the country.

In Orkney, the occasion carries additional meaning because of the islands’ historic Norse connections dating back to the late eighth century.

Those links continue to shape Orkney’s culture, place names and relationship with Norway today.

The traditional greeting “Gratulerer Med Dagen” meaning “congratulations on your day” will once again be heard around Kirkwall during the celebrations.

Orkney’s modern relationship with Norway is also reflected through its formal twinning agreement with Vestland County which has helped maintain cultural exchanges and links between the two areas over many years.

One of the most recognisable symbols of that relationship is the annual delivery of Christmas trees from Norway to Orkney.

Each year a tree from Grimstad stands inside St Magnus Cathedral while another from Vestland is displayed outside.

This year’s Norwegian Constitution Day celebrations in Kirkwall will include the annual Tog parade from Kirkwall Pierhead to St Magnus Cathedral beginning at 3pm on Sunday 17 May.

The parade will be followed by speeches outside the cathedral and a concert inside.

Members of the public including local school pupils are being encouraged to take part in the event.

This year’s guest of honour will be Beate Skretting who became Grimstad’s first female mayor and currently represents Norway’s Conservative Party, Høyre.

Skretting was first elected mayor for the 2019 to 2023 term and was re elected for a second term running until 2027.

The annual celebration remains one of the clearest modern reminders of Orkney’s deep historical links with Scandinavia and the continuing friendship between the islands and Norway.