News / Norwegian royal yacht comes to town
LERWICK Harbour enjoyed a brief royal visit on Friday when the 80-metre Norwegian yacht Norge tied up for a few hours.
The craft, which can carry up to 54 crew, was launched in 1937 and ten years later was gifted to King Haakon VII by the Norwegian people.
Although not on an official royal visit it is thought that Queen Sonja, shortly due to begin a tour of the Faroe Islands, is on board the yacht.
The Norge tied up on the outer arm of Victoria Pier – meaning the accommodation vessel Ocean Endeavour, a fixture in the harbour in recent weeks, had to be moved out into the harbour for a spell.
It is now owned by King Harald, who inherited the yacht from King Olav in 1991, and is looked after and crewed by the Royal Norwegian Navy.
Queen Sonja last visited Shetland along with Prince Charles for the official opening of the Shetland Museum and Archives in 2007.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.