The Norse influence on Shetland culture

The differences between Shetland and the rest of Scotland can be quite striking. Many visitors arrive here expecting the full Scottish treatment – haggis, kilts and bagpipes – and I find myself quickly explaining that much of the culture and tradition in Shetland stems from the close ties we had with Scandinavia and that, actually, we have only been part of Scotland for some 550 years.

The period of Norse administration came to an end in 1469, when King Christian I of Denmark sanctioned the marriage of his daughter, Princess Margaret, to King James III of Scotland. What was to happen next would prove to be one of the most important turning points in our islands’ history.

It was hoped that a union between Scotland and Denmark would reconcile differences that had almost set the two countries at war. Scotland was in arrears to the Norwegian Crown (presided over by the Danish King Christian) and paid back the ‘Annual of Norway’ for several years. The marriage condition was a debt write-off, 100,000 crowns for the wedding and the islands of Orkney and Shetland.

King Christian was keen to retain Orkney and Shetland. He abolished the arrears, pledging 60,000 Rheingulden (gold florins from the Rhineland, a popular currency in Northern Europe at this time) as a wedding dowry instead.

Unfortunately, King Christian couldn’t afford to pay the dowry, and with the wedding set for 1469, he instead pawned Orkney and Shetland. Slightly insulting, although understandable given Orkney’s farming credentials, the price set against each island was: Orkney 50,000 florins and Shetland, a mere 8,000 florins. Shetland was very much bolted on to the end of the deal, with Orkney as the more significant asset, when he failed to raise the cash any other way.

Christian planned on redeeming the islands at a later date, even imposing a tax on Denmark to raise the money, but this never happened, and Shetland and Orkney have remained part of Scotland ever since.

In recent years there have been some challenges to Scotland’s claims on Shetland. However, these have largely failed to gain enough political momentum, locally or nationally to provide Shetland with a change in governance.

Despite Shetland coming under Scottish administration in 1469, the final pieces of legislation were only settled in 1471. The islands continued to follow Norse Law and were connected to the Law Book of Magnus the Lawmender until 1611 when an act of parliament abolished its use and ordered the islands to follow Scottish law. An almost 150-year period followed where the islands were still very much entrenched in the old, familiar, Scandinavian way of doing things.

Shetland and Scotland are still very different today, most noticeably in our culture and customs:

Dress: The traditional dress of Scotland is the kilt, and you will be hard-pressed to find a native Shetlander owning, let alone wearing a kilt. Fair Isle knitting is the type of ‘dress’ that you would most associate with Shetland with its distinct colours and patterns.

Music: Musically there are many similarities but, if you’re looking for a Scots stereotype, you’ll be thinking about the tartan-clad piper proudly piping out The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond. In Shetland, again, the bagpipes are less prevalent, and it’s the sweet tune of the fiddle (violin) that is most associated with the isles. Here, you’ll find trowie reels and music that has been passed down through the generations in a very distinct style which is quite unique to the isles.

Food: Although we share many similarities in terms of the types of foods traditionally dished up, there are some differences. Haggis is huge in Scotland, but here in Shetland, it’s not a thing. We’ll eat it from the supermarket, but it’s not a traditional dish. Give us fresh fish, roast lamb, reestit mutton soup and bannocks any day!

Animals: You’ll struggle to find a Highland Cow in Shetland (although a few have been introduced in recent years) but, the animal of choice, sending visitors giddy has to be the lovable Shetland pony.

Language: The language spoken is another area where there are vast differences. In Shetland, a dialect derived from Old Norse and Scots is spoken. Gaelic has never been spoken in Shetland. Most of Shetland’s placenames have their roots in the Old Norse language spoken here until about 300 years ago.

Festivals and celebrations: These are different here too. For example, at the end of January, Burns Night is seldom marked in Shetland, but Up Helly Aa in all its fiery glory is an unmissable experience. Traditional ceilidh dances that are much loved across Scotland are also not a significant part of the culture. However, supper dances with traditional music are just as prevalent in Shetland. So we have the dancing and the food, but we don’t call it a ceilidh here! We’d maybe be more inclined to call it a ‘spree’ or a ‘foy’ (both words for a party or a celebration).

As well as the cultural differences, Shetland and Scotland also have different flags and Shetlanders fly their flag with pride.

In 1969, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Shetland becoming part of Scotland, a new flag was created to represent Shetland. Designed by Roy Grønneberg and Bill Adams, the flag carries the Scandinavian, or Nordic, cross and bears the same blue and white colours as the Scottish saltire. The flag is a real celebration of Shetland’s rich past; commemorating 500 years of Scandinavian rule and 500 years of Scottish rule. Shetlanders are very proud of their flag, and visitors will see it flying freely across the islands and at sea. It is a symbol of Shetland’s distinct cultural identity and rich history.

The flag gained official recognition in 2005, in time for Shetland’s hosting of the Island Games, and is used by all local sports teams and islanders as a marker of national pride. Shetland Flag Day, introduced in 2007, is held on the summer solstice (21st June).