Thursday 8 May 2025
 9.1°C   WSW Light Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

History / Watch: Service held at Shetland Bus memorial on 80th anniversary of VE Day

Norwegian ambassador to the UK Tore Hattrem laying a wreath at the Shetland Bus memorial in Scalloway on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Photo: Dave Donaldson

A POIGNANT ceremony was held at the Shetland Bus memorial in Scalloway this afternoon (Thursday) to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

There was a speech from Norwegian ambassador to the UK Tore Hattrem, who spoke of the close relationship between Shetland and his country.

“In a world that still sees conflict and oppression, our unity matters more than ever,” he said.

The public service was held in front of the Norway naval vessel KNM Storm, which lay off the waterfront.

Scalloway was the base for the Shetland Bus operation of World War Two, which played a vital role in the resistance against the occupation of Norway by Nazi-Germany by transporting resistance fighters, agents and refugees across the sea.

A service was held at the Shetland Bus memorial in Scalloway on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Photo: Dave Donaldson

Meanwhile Fishermen’s Mission’s local area officer Aubrey Jamieson also referenced ongoing conflicts elsewhere in world, such as the Middle East and Ukraine.

He said he prayed for a “just resolution and a quick end to hostilities”.

Shetland Bus Friendship Society chairman Charlie Grant described the Shetland Bus operation as a “beacon of hope” for people in occupied Norway.

He also paid tribute to the support and friendship the people of Norway have given to Shetland over the years.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial – which honours the 44 lives lost in the Shetland Bus operation – by a range of representatives.

The Norwegian naval vessel KNM Storm was present at the service at the Shetland Bus memorial. Photo: Shetland News

Become a member of Shetland News

 

Meanwhile speaking earlier in the day at a memorial event in Lerwick, ambassador Hattrem said the United Kingdom played an “extremely important role for Norway” in the Second World War.

Watch a video of the ambassador speaking at the war memorial in Lerwick below.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:

  • Removal of third-party ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Audience Survey for Shetland News

Tell us what you think and win £100!

This survey is run by a UK charity, the Public Interest News Foundation. We exist to support independent news providers.

Your answers will power important research. We will share aggregated and anonymous answers with your news provider. And we will produce an overarching UK-wide report, which will be available on our website.

To enter the £100 prize draw, complete the survey and enter your email at the end.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.