In a unique twist during the World Cup, a corner of Scotland is set to cheer for Norway when they face England. The Orkney Islands, an archipelago north of mainland Scotland, feel a distinct bond with Norway, forged over centuries of shared history.
This connection is evident in various aspects of Orcadian life. Visitors to Kirkwall, the islands' capital, will find pubs named Helgi’s, St Ola, and Torvhaug, and a primary school that uses a longship as its emblem. Many local students bear Norse names such as Magnus, Sigurd, and Thorfinn. A significant number of Orkney’s islands retain names derived from their Norse origins, like Sanday and Westray. Historically, Orcadians were bilingual until the mid-17th century, speaking both English and an old version of Norwegian known as Norn.
Orkney's flag bears a striking resemblance to Norway's, differing only in the color of the cross's outline. Each May, the islands celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day with a street parade in Kirkwall that blends Scottish tartan with Norwegian 'bunad' traditional dress. The celebration culminates at St Magnus Cathedral, named in honor of Magnus Erlendsson, who co-ruled Orkney centuries before it became part of Scotland in 1468.
"There is a strong connection that folk feel, I think," said Leslie Burgher, Norway’s honorary consul in Orkney. He noted that while other places with direct Norwegian heritage celebrate Norway's Constitution Day, Orkney's observance is rooted in cultural connection rather than immediate family ties. The Orkney Islands Council also has a long-standing twinning agreement with the Norwegian county of Vestland.
Genetic studies have further highlighted this historical link. A 2019 study found that Orkney and Shetland populations are genetically distinct within the British Isles, with up to 18 percent of Orcadians' DNA showing Norse ancestry. Robert Leslie, an Orcadian who claims Viking blood, noted that his online DNA testing revealed a 15 percent genetic link to Norway.
Even traditional Orcadian games reflect this heritage. The Kirkwall Ba' street football game, with origins stretching back centuries and possibly to Viking times, features teams named Up-the-Gate and Doon-the-Gate, with 'gate' derived from the Norse word 'gata' for street. Surnames common in Orkney, such as Flett, may also have Norse origins.
The cultural ties extend to local businesses. Orkney Distillery produces a gin named Kirjkuvagr, the Norse name for Kirkwall, and Orkney Brewery's Skull Splitter ale is inspired by Viking Earl Thorfinn Torf-Einarsson. Norwegian visitors, like Captain Even Bjørheim of the MS Gaan, often remark on the islands feeling like home, appreciating the friendly atmosphere and the strong sense of shared heritage.