A Viking Invasion!

Shetland Viking history meets cosmopolitan Glasgow ahead of Follow the Vikings events!

Article Source: Visit Scotland
Last Updated: 27 July 2017 9:52

Vibrant Glasgow got a taste of Scotland’s Norse history this week as a squad of Shetland Vikings descended on the city for an exciting and rambunctious visit. The ancient Scottish islanders were in Scotland’s largest city for some pampering and relaxation ahead of the Follow the Vikings events this September (2-3, and 9).

In a short video, released today by VisitScotland, the Shetland heroes can be seen enjoying a leisurely bike tour by the River Clyde, a visit to the spectacular Riverside Museum, some hipster styling at House Martin Barbers, and a few well-earned cocktails and food at the beautiful Spanish Butcher restaurant. The video highlights Scotland’s rich and varied history, as well showcasing the country’s modern, progressive and lively culture.

To celebrate Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, the Vikings also met the locals to talk about Shetland’s Follow the Vikings festival, taking place this September. Held over two weekends, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Scotland’s rich Viking legacy on Unst, Britain’s most notherly island and one of the Vikings first landing places in the North Atlantic, and in Lerwick, Shetland’s capital.

The Unst Viking Festival, 2-3 September, will feature the local squad joined by visiting Viking - Ardglass from Northern Ireland (featured in the TV series Vikings) and Walhalla from Poland. Visitors can expect re-enactments of Viking combat and a re-creation of Viking life around the replica longhouse and longship at Haroldswick, Unst. Local re-enactors and crafts people will add to the atmosphere of a busy Viking community. A Viking Feast will be held on the Saturday evening featuring Viking food and entertainment!

The Viking Activity Day will take place at Shetland Museum and Archives (SMAA), Lerwick on 9 September. It will consist of talks, workshops and re-enactments for all the family. The SMAA will go totally “Viking” for the day, with particular emphasis on the Norse elements of the SMAA collections. A Viking themed meal will be held in Hay’s Dock Café Restaurant in the evening; illustrating the best of contemporary cuisine with a Nordic twist, presided over by the Lerwick Up-Helly-Aa Guizer Jarl in his role as King SweynForkbeard.

Loganair operates up to 24 services each weekday between Sumburgh and Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Begen. Lead-in fares commence at £92.03 and every ticket includes 20kg of complimentary baggage allowance. To make a reservation for travel before August 31 visit www.flybe.com and to depart after September 1 book via www.loganair.co.uk.

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