The Stone of Friendship arrives in Dumfries – courtesy of DFDS!
The well-known shipping firm, DFDS, has supported this venture by donating all transportation costs! After picking it up from the quarry in Sandefjord, the Stone was taken to Brevik, where it was loaded onto their ship, ‘Ficaria Seaways’, bound for Immingham.
The last leg of the journey to Dumfries was by road – a total of 1126 miles!
Once here, Dumfries and Galloway Council took up the baton!
DGC continued the goodwill – by engaging local contractor David Hardie Engineering – to construct a base for the Stone, designed by Michael Thom (SNC Scottish Representative).
Michael says, ‘Believe me, when you see the stone on its base – with the River Nith and Devorgilla Bridge as its glorious backdrop – you will think it is a match made in Heaven! I can’t get over how well they complement each other.’
A view – ‘weel-kent’ by many.
Dumfries Camera Club have generously offered to photograph all the events over the weekend, for posterity and the benefit of all the participants. We hope that their kind efforts lead to a future display of their accumulated work!
On Saturday, 16th September at 4:30pm the group will gather at the foot of Devorgilla Bridge, on the White Sands to unveil the Stone.
The Royal Households, of both the United Kingdom and Norway, have each appointed a personal representative to attend.
Lord Lieutenant, Fiona Armstrong, will welcome Captain Pål Hope, Norwegian Defence Attaché to UK, to perform the unveiling and present the Stone to the Community.
This will begin with The Buccleuch and Queensberry Pipe Band leading a procession of Norwegian visitors and SNC Members from the Robert Burns Centre, across Devorgilla Bridge, to arrive at the Stone of Friendship.
So many people, across both nations, have worked tirelessly, and given so much, to make this occasion a memorable one. Come and share in this ‘Stone of Friendship’ unveiling. Be a part of the Towns’ history.
