The Liberation Convoy:
This week, a convoy of six wooden vessels left Bergen, sailing across the North Sea toward Shetland - and then onwards, down Scotland’s eastern coast to Edinburgh.
But these are no ordinary ships - and this is no ordinary voyage.
It's a story involving small fishing boats slipping away under cover of darkness, navigating storms and enemy patrols, delivering secret agents to hidden harbours. It may sound like a tale of wartime fiction but this is the story of The Shetland Bus and it was very real. This current day voyage is the Liberation Convoy and it has set out to help us remember.
Norwegian Resistance
During the Second World War, after the Nazi invasion of Norway, Norwegian resistance fighters and refugees made their way to Scotland’s northern isles - and then turned back again.
From Shetland, brave Norwegian crews launched hundreds of secret crossings back to occupied Norway, carrying weapons, radios, and hope. On the return journeys, they hid refugees in the holds - seasick, terrified, and heading toward freedom.
It was a Norwegian operation, run by those who knew their coastlines intimately and risked everything to fight back. With Scotland they formed one of the most remarkable partnerships of the war.
More than 200 crossings were made between 1940 and 1945. Ten boats were lost. Forty-four men died.
80th Anniversary of VE Day
Now, eighty years after Victory in Europe, six of those historic vessels - including the M/K Arnefjord and M/K Erkna - are retracing the route as part of the Liberation Convoy.
The Arnefjord’s current skipper is Morten Neset, whose grandfather leased the same boat in secret to the resistance. Their destination this time is not just Lerwick inShetland - but also Kirkwall, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Newcastle and back to Kristiansand. They arrive in Leith, Edinburgh towards the end of May as part of the VE Day commemorations.
If you’re in Edinburgh on 21 May, do come to Leith to give the boats a fine welcome and have a look around - these boats are floating museums and visitors are welcome on board.
You can find out more and get information on timings of arrivals at different locaitons vie The Liberation Convoy link.
This voyage reminds us that the ties between Scotland and Norway weren’t just strategic - they were personal, forged in dark nights, cold seas, and acts of quiet courage.
