The Convener of Shetland Islands Council has praised the local community for the positive reception given to the Liberation Convoy that arrived from Bergen last Tuesday.
Andrea Manson said: “It has been a special week for so many people to see these historic vessels and their crews in Shetland, renewing the bond that we have with our Norwegian friends and neighbours. The sunshine of the last few days has helped but there’s a deep warmth in our relationship which has endured for many years. It’s been a joy to see so many Norwegian flags on our streets and in our harbours to greet the visitors. I’d like to thank everyone in Shetland who has welcomed the Liberation Convoy and for the many connections that have been made.”
“On the 80th Anniversary of VE Day last week, we also remembered those who gave their lives in World War Two and celebrated the peace we have enjoyed since 1945. We were joined by members of the Royal Norwegian Navy and Tore Hattrem, the Norwegian Ambassador to the UK, who also spoke of the fragility of peace and the need to protect democracy. Preserving alliances is vital to our future security, so that we can also preserve our peace.”
At a civic reception at Lerwick Town Hall last Wednesday evening, Convener Andrea Manson presented Ambassador Hattrem with a framed painting of Norwegian naval vessel KNM Hitra by Scalloway-based artist, Sam Davies. KNM Hitra was one of three ‘submarine chasers’ that took over the ‘Shetland Bus’ operations in 1943 until the end of World War Two, conveying supplies and weapons to the Norwegian resistance in German-occupied Norway.
Still in Shetland waters today are the vessels M/K Andholmen, currently in Scalloway, and M/K Heland, which left Baltasound late yesterday. The Norwegian War Sailors Museum S/S Hestmanden has arrived in Stromness and will be in Orkney this week. M/K Erkna and M/B Arnefjord have now left Shetland to return to Norway.