Visit by The Royal Norwegian Consul General to Dumfries 14-16 November 2014
Provost of Dumfries and Chair of Nithsdale Area Committee Ted Thompson will host a flag raising ceremony in the presence of The Royal Norwegian Consul General at the Midsteeple Dumfries on Friday, 14 November 2014 from 10.15am. The Norwegian flag will be raised at 10.30am, signifying the Norwegian/Scottish alliance.
The visit is one that will mark the deep and lasting friendships that were formed during World War 2 (1940-1945) when Dumfries was the HQ of The Royal Norwegian Army in the UK.
Dumfries became a haven for many Norwegians during (and after) World War Two and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill now operates from the former Norway House, which was once the headquarters and cultural centre for exiled Norwegians.
During the Second World War the Germans invaded Norway in 1940. The country was quickly over run and many Norwegian servicemen pulled out along with the British troops who were fighting there.
The Norwegian servicemen made their way to the UK and most of them were sent up to Dumfries, where they were billeted at Troqueer Mills. Many settled in the area and their descendants are still here.
Since 1945, strong links have continued in the form of youth football (Greystone Rovers) and over recent years, a commemoration service has been held in St Michael’s and South Church which has been attended by The Royal Norwegian Consul General, the Provost and Councillors.
Councillor Thompson said, “It is with great pride and honour that I look forward to welcoming The Royal Norwegian Consul General to Dumfries for this memorable occasion which is being held to signify the lasting links between the people of Norway and Dumfries and in memory of all those servicemen who lost their lives for the cause”.
Other events planned for the weekend include:
• Commemoration Service at St Michael’s and South Church at 11am on Sunday, 16 November 2014
• Graveside Service and Laying of Floral tributes at the graves of the Norwegian Servicemen interred at Troqueer cemetery at 2.30pm on Sunday, 16 November 2014
