The Orkneys

Hazel · The Orkneys

Can someone who knows Scotland's history better than I answer my question, please>

When the daughter of the King of Denmark married King James III, her father mortaged The Northern Isles as part of her dowry. I had always understood that this mortgage was never redeemed. Recently, someone told me that the money was indeed paid. What truly happened? Thank you. Hazel

True Scotsman

Here is something that might help you Hazel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Orkney_Islands

Hazel

Thank you. The answer is there. No, they never did. I often think (tongue-in-cheek, of course) what an interesting development it would be if they suddenly decided to pay it. Wink

True Scotsman

Nae problem.

IF Convenor

I always believed there was a time limit on the payment of the dowry so even if Denmark offered to pay it today it'd be too late. Who would they pay anyway? Scotland was independent then, but isn't now, and the idea of the UK government selling off the northern isles to help pay for the war in Iraq turns my stomach. They've stolen our natural resources, don't put ideas in their heads about chopping off bits of our country too!

I don't think Denmark could afford the interest anyway.

Hazel · The Orkneys

As I said, it was "tongue-in-cheek". But, you are right. It doesn't take much to start a wild idea in some people's heads.

I have wild dreams of my own - to visit The Orkneys or, even better, The Shetlands. Some place "far from the madding crowd". Perhaps Mongolia?

Enjoy your day. Or, is it "evening"? Hazel

Highlander

IF Convenor

So am I, provided there is a majority in favour. However, at present, there is no political of grass roots movement for independence for the northern isles. If it happens, I'll support the movement.

That notwithstanding, I do not favour returning the northern isles to Denmark in exchange for the unpaid dowry. For one thing, the dowry would be owed to Scotland, not the UK, and it would be unjust of the UK to sell the islands to Denmark.

Morph

what to the poeple of orkney see themselves as? More towards another country eg, Norway, or as a unique people within a country, eg Cornwall??

Rinty · m

My experience is that they see themselves as scots with part norwegian roots. There is no desire for independence from Scotland in any numbers that I know of.

Morph

Thanks for the reply Rinty just wasnt to clear on the topic