Norses for courses in Shetland study

Published on 28/03/2011 16:12

A NEW study is to further explore the Viking age in Shetland and the influence the Norse settlers had on the island.

The Centre for Nordic Studies, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, has been awarded 17,000 from the Royal Society of Edinburgh to investigate when and where the Vikings first established their communities.

Dr Donna Heddle, director of the Centre for Nordic Studies in Orkney and Shetland, said: "We're aiming to answer some outstanding questions about Viking Age Shetland, including the date of Viking settlement, the origins of the Norse settlers and the intensity of settlement."

Dr Andrew Jennings , a writer in Shetlandic folklore said: "Shetland is the perfect place to study the Viking period.

"It was in a central position within the Viking world.