Norse heritage events

[kmahon2001]

With all this talk on another thread about the Norse Heritage of Caithness, I was wondering if there are any events that celebrate that heritage?

As a relative newcomer to this part of the world, I've seen events like the Highland Games, where the Gaelic, kilt wearing, pipe playing side of things is celebrated very successfully, but what about the Vikings around here. Are there any Viking events? They have them in Shetland, are there any here in Caithness?

[gleeber]

I'm not aware of traditional Norse events along the lines of highland games. I think Caithness became complacant about it's heritage and apart from being brought up with the idea that our natural leanings was Norse, theres nothing. Dont let that put you off though. I feel Caithness may wake up soon to it's roots.

[davie]

I think Norse events like looting,pillaging, and the other one are frowned upon in these p.c. times.

[kmahon2001]

I'm not aware of traditional Norse events along the lines of highland games. I think Caithness became complacant about it's heritage and apart from being brought up with the idea that our natural leanings was Norse, theres nothing. Dont let that put you off though. I feel Caithness may wake up soon to it's roots.

Maybe we should look at how the Northern Isles celebrate their Norse heritage and come up with some events to celebrate Caithness's own Norse heritage? Perhaps something with Viking ships/long boats - there's a fabulous coastline in this county - maybe a Viking boat race from Wick round to Thurso? Viking parades? - I dunno, I'm not very good at coming up with ideas like this.

Also I know that Orkney have recently got a new flag, which is very similar to the Norwegian flag, Shetland has it's own flag and the Western Isles have their own flag. The only flag I can find that would include Caithness is the Scottish Highlands flag below - maybe this flag could be modified in some way into a flag for Caithness, which would create a real sense of identity for this unique county, whilst at the same time retaining the links with the rest of the Highlands.

Interesting that the flag for the Scottish Highlands should have a Nordic Cross! ;)
http://www.hie.co.uk/getimage.aspx.ID-77827.gif

[rich]

If you are stuck for a bit of pillage and rapine you might try Up Helly A in Shetland. They may even give you a build your own viking ship kit, with instructions on how to burn the thing.

The Norse heritage of Caithness can be found in the Orkney Saga. Many bloodthirsty events occurred in the county in those far of times. Anyone who is interested might like to check out Eric Linklater: The Ultimate Viking. (Sweyn of Gairsey from whom the Caithness Swansons are descended.)

Or you might like to check out the history section of the Org. Also Calder likely has something to say on the topic.

History is all around you - you just need to dig it out.

And, correct me if I am wrong, but was there not some sort of Northern Arts Festival held in Caithness a while back that perished from lack of funding? It might be an idea to revive it.

[tootler]

With all this talk on another thread about the Norse Heritage of Caithness, I was wondering if there are any events that celebrate that heritage?


The Caithness Horizons at the old Town Hall in Thurso has lots of info & displays about Caithness heritage - the wee cinema on the top floor gives a really good summary in a film of about 25 minutes.

The Castletown Heritage Centre is another good place to have a look - they were behind the archaeology project last year "In search of the Vikings" at Dunnet - we found lots of interesting stuff during the dig at Dunnet & are still debating whether one of the sites we excavated was really a Norse turf house or actually just a rectangular sand dune!:lol:

I think the latest project for 2009 is called something like "A Sinclair Oddyssey" exploring the history of Caithness through tales of the Sinclair clan. The schools will be getting involved & I think it's being organised through Lyth Arts Centre.

[crayola]

If you are stuck for a bit of pillage and rapine you might try Up Helly A in Shetland. They may even give you a build your own viking ship kit, with instructions on how to burn the thing.
I think some people would enjoy it more if they filled the boat with Inverness councillors and their Gaelic roadsigns before setting fire to it. :lol:

[Errogie]

Obviously the forthcoming Gaelic Mod to be staged in Caithness should have its own Nordic fringe events specialising in satirical swipes at the wider Highland Council area and the detested councillors in bloated Inverness.

There are plenty of decaying wooden boats in Caithness and it could be a spectacular finale to the Mod to have a Viking funeral ceremony and set fire to one on the Wick river with effigies of all the Caithness public enemies faithfully reproduced on board. It could become an annual cathartic event to rival gala weeks held elsewhere, after all the Shetland celebrations are a fairly recent Victorian invention.

I would be willing to accept an appointment as the cultural and artistic adviser!

[concerned resident]

A few years back they had a smaller version of a long boat, and some Vikings all dressed up to kill, and they set the long boat on fire, down at Thurso Harbour. Probably got Banned by Highland Council, as the money is thrown at anything Gaelic. I am all for a modified version, where the boat is filled with councillors, and the road signs to set the fire. i would even donate the matches.

[Kenneth]

nice one haha

[flowertot]

With all this talk on another thread about the Norse Heritage of Caithness, I was wondering if there are any events that celebrate that heritage?

As a relative newcomer to this part of the world, I've seen events like the Highland Games, where the Gaelic, kilt wearing, pipe playing side of things is celebrated very successfully, but what about the Vikings around here. Are there any Viking events? They have them in Shetland, are there any here in Caithness?


How's about some Norse roadsigns!

[crayola]

We have them already because so many of our towns and villages have Norse names! :D