The Orkney Islands are part of Scotland and Great Britain. The local regional council should consider whether this should end.
This archipelago of about 200 small islands could become a self-governing territory in Norway.
– Closer ties with Norway is one of the options we are considering, island council leader James Stockan told NRK.
– We have a unique historical relationship, which can be an advantage for both of us, he added.
Several other options will also be discussed next week. But on the benefits of a stronger relationship with Norway, he told NRK:
– We have a dynamic and sustainable maritime economy. Norway is doing very well at this and we have great opportunities in the common sea area.
The Orkney flag combines the colors of Norway and Scotland. There are references that the archipelago once belonged to Norway. The white color on the Norwegian flag here has been replaced with yellow.
Photo: Håvard Blekastad Almås / NRK
Struggling financially
According to Stockan, the reason why they are looking for alternatives is because the island nation is not getting “fair” funding given its current position in the UK, writes the BBC.
Stockan has suggested, among other things, that a possible solution would be to do the same with the Faroe Islands, which are a self-governing territory under Denmark.
When NRK met James Stockan in the Orkney Islands four years ago, he had already begun making plans to discuss the form of government on the islands. But he wants to spend a lot of time getting people on board. Opinions have been divided, to say the least.
– Is it possible to become a protectorate under Norway, since the Faroe Islands are under Denmark, Stockan asked then.
Now is the time for the island council to start the discussion.
– Now we are really struggling, Stockan told the British broadcaster.
He, among other things, emphasized that the ferry fleet must be replaced.
Also in the 60s there was a “back to Norway movement” in the Orkney Islands. This island group was a major center of the Norwegian Vikings, and was under Norwegian rule for 600 years. They have been united with Norway/Denmark longer than with England.
Wanting a Nordic connection
NRK is currently in the Shetland Islands north of the Orkney Islands. Also Scottish, with ties shared with Norway in the past. The people of Shetland told NRK they are very concerned about the debates that will be held in island councils on neighboring islands.
Island council leaders there say they are not getting what other regions are getting. He among other things mentioned a separate pricing scheme for ferry operations in Scotland, excluding the Orkney Islands.
This has been determined by the Scottish Government to be able to offer an overall pricing policy across the ferry network across the country.
– And the funding we get from the Scottish government is way less per head than Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. We cannot continue as we are now, said Stockan.
Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit had previously visited the Orkney Islands in connection with the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Magnus, where a memorial is held for Norwegians buried in the Orkney Islands.
Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB
Under Denmark and Norway
The Orkney Islands were under Danish and Norwegian control until 1472, and Stockan believes that there are deep cultural ties between the islands and the Norse countries.
Therefore, he believes there are better reasons to consider the possibility of securing a connection back to the Nordics.
Since the Stone Age, the archipelago has been a center of technological development, largely due to its natural resources.
Photo: Håvard Blekastad Almås / NRK
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