An immersive Viking Encampment will be created in Crossmichael on the 18th and 19th Sept, with free public access between 10am and 5pm. There will be craft and cooking demonstrations, weapons maintenance and a battle each day!
In support and anticipation of the arrival of the Galloway Hoard in Kirkcudbright Galleries in October, the Galloway Glens scheme and the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust have commissioned a Viking Encampment in order to immerse people in the rich tapestry of life in Galloway in the Viking era. Support from Historic Environment Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund means that the weekend days are free for the public to attend, and the Thursday and Friday before are dedicated to school and youth group visits.
The Vikings are provided by Cluaran Historical Interpretation project and the Galloway Longfhada Vikings, all of whom are experienced re-enactors who can give a great insight into the diversity of Galloway Viking culture.
The location of the encampment, near the Crossmichael marina, has been chosen as it is just across the water from where the Galloway Hoard was discovered in 2014. The Hoard is a truly world-class find, consisting of a decoy Hoard of silver found above the true treasures buried below. The Hoard is returning to Galloway in October for 6 months and will be on display in the Kirkcudbright Galleries from the 9th October. More information here: https://www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-collections/stories/scottish-history-and-archaeology/galloway-hoard/
More information about the visit of the Vikings, including the daily schedule of demonstrations, can be found at https://gallowayglens.org/viking-encampment/. It is all outdoors and no booking is required.
Helen Keron, Education and Community Engagement Officer for the Galloway Glens, said,
“The Cluaran and Longfhada Vikings give such a great insight into what life was like for our Galloway predecessors, this is going to be a fantastic day out. From getting on with their daily lives in the morning, the days take a more dramatic turn as the Vikings fall out, battle for supremacy and the victors bury their dead on Loch Ken. It’s going to be a great way to get the Viking enthusiasm flowing as we all look forward to seeing the Galloway Hoard in person in Kirkcudbright over the winter. Thanks as ever to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and to Historic Environment Scotland, whose support lets us put on all these events for free in the Galloway Glens area.”
Lucy Smith, Youth Arts Coordinator for the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust, said
“We’re delighted to be partnering with the Galloway Glens on this project as it gives our young people the opportunity to get up close and personal with a key aspect of their local history. The story of the Galloway Hoard is a particularly exciting one, and we can’t wait to see everyone get stuck in with what is set to be a fantastic experience for all.”
