Vikings and Scotland: 9 Incredible facts about ancient Vikings and their place in Scotland
Scotland sits just over the North sea from Scandinavia which made it a prime entry point for Vikings entering the British Isles when they invaded in the 8th century. The violent raids took place on Scotland’s coastline and islands where they robbed precious metals from locals before eventually forming their own settlements.
United under Norwegian rule, the Scottish islands were signed over to Magnus III of Norway by King Eagar in 1098 in a region that was known as the Kingdom of the Isles. The Kingdom included the Northern Isles of Shetland and Orkney (where Norse influence is said to be its most potent) and the Southern Isles including the Isle of Man and Hebrides.
Just like with Gaelic or Pictish, the Norse legacy of Scotland can still be felt today as place names feature motifs from their languages and Scots can trace their ancestry back to Nordic groups.
To explore this heritage, here are 9 interesting facts about Vikings in Scotland and how they influenced the country as we know it today.
Just like with Gaelic or Pictish, the Norse legacy of Scotland can still be felt today as place names feature motifs from their languages and Scots can trace their ancestry back to Nordic groups.
5. A fully intact Viking burial site was found in the Scottish Highlands
A fully intact Viking burial site called the first of its kind was found on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula of Scotland. It included a 16ft-long grave which held fascinating artefacts that belonged to a ‘high-status’ Viking who was laid to rest with a spear, sword and axe, providing incredible insight into the Norse legacy on Scottish lands. Photo: Wolfmann via Wikimedia Commons
6. Earl of Orkney, Sigmund, was killed by his enemy’s decapitated head
The former Earl of Orkney, Jarl Sigmund (Sigurd) the Mighty, is the subject of one of history’s most bizarre deaths. During his conquest of northern Scotland, Sigurd challenged local chieftain Mael Brigte the Bucktoothed to a 40 on 40 man battle but Sigurd cheated and showed up with 80, massacring the Scots with ease and personally beheading Mael Brigte. With his head tied to his saddle as a trophy, as Sigurd rode home Mael Brigte’s bucktooth clipped his leg which became infected leading to his demise. Photo: Tales of Britain - Jem Roberts
7. The Viking tongue quickly overtook the Picts’
While historical records are somewhat vague (given that the Picts are one of Scotland’s most famous disappearing acts) it does appear that the Norse language of the Vikings quickly overtook the Picts’ common tongue. The demise of the Pictish language is often attributed to the Vikings who attacked Scotland relentlessly in the 9th and 10th centuries. Photo: Theodor de Bry via Wikimedia Commons
8. Scottish communities honour their Viking heritage even to this day
Scots in the Shetland Islands celebrate their Norse ancestry via an annual ‘Fire Festival’ also known as “Up Helly Aa”. The festival is held in the town of Lerwick and it commemorates the Vikings who once lived in that region. Revellers dress in Viking apparel and carry torches and axes through the town, a Viking longship is also carried through the streets to the water where it is then set ablaze. Thousands gather every year to watch the historical event. Photo: neil roger via Flickr