This weekend the 75th Anniversary of the long standing friendship between Dumfries and Norway which began during World War 2 will be marked.
The Mayor of Larvick, Mr Rune Hoiseth and the Provost of Dumfries Mr Ted Thompson raised the Norwegian flag at the Midsteeple this morning (Friday 16 October)
On Sunday 18 October, Mr Hoiseth will attend the morning service at St Michael’s and South Church in Dumfries where he will give an address on the relationship between Norway and Dumfries. The Provost will then present a gift to Mr Hoiseth. Richard Reade has been instrumental in organising this visit to mark the occasion.
During the Second World War Norway was invaded by the German Army and the Norwegian Army was able to regroup in Dumfries in 1940. A barracks was built for them at Carronbridge to the north of Dumfries. In 1941 the Scottish Norwegian Society was set up in Dumfries where there was a library. Language classes and concerts were also held there.
Since the War years the links with Dumfries have continued and been marked regularly.
Councillor Ted Thompson said;
‘We welcome our Norwegian friends and colleagues with great pride and recognise how important this friendship was during the second World War for all parties. We are delighted that we can continue that link today and are particularly to mark it during this year which is an important anniversary of the time when Dumfries began to host the Norwegian Army and offer a base here until such time as they could begin to free their country and return home. We will also be remembering all the people who gave up their lives for their country.’
Picture shows Norwegian flag raising ceremony at Midsteeple today (Friday 16 October)
