Shetland to Host Viking Congress

Published: 01 August 2013

The poster header for events at the 1950 CongressZoomShetland Amenity Trust is to host the 17th Viking Congress from 3rd to 10th August. This international academic event is a gathering of scholars of Viking culture and it is the first time the Congress has been back in Shetland since the first event was held in Lerwick, in 1950.

In a departure from the normal schedule, this year's event includes a full day of public lectures, where tickets are offered freely to those who wish to attend. The remainder of the four day conference is closed to delegates only.

The Viking Congresses are multinational, interdisciplinary conferences within Viking Age studies. Viking Congresses are held on a three- to four-year basis, by turns in venues between Scandinavia and the British Isles.

The objective of the conferences is to create a common forum for the most current research and theories within Viking Age studies, and to enhance communication and collaboration between leading scholars within the field, crossing geographical and disciplinary borders. The main disciplines are archaeology, history, numismatics, philology, name-studies and runology. The official languageof the conference is English.

These conferences are also an opportunity for the delegates to experience the history and culture of each hosting venue, so site visits to museums, archaeological sites and historic monuments or locations are scheduled though the week.

Delegates travelling to Shetland for this year's Congress will enjoy a number of site visits to locations such as Jarlshof and Old Scatness, which are currently on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Status. Additionally a number of formal events will be included such as the Civic Reception at the Town Hall and a Reception hosted by Historic Scotland and the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, Ms Fiona Hyslop.

Those attending the Congress are nationally appointed representatives. Shetland Amenity Trust is very pleased to be able to welcome the delegates to Shetland.

Tickets for the public open day are available now, through Shetland Box Office. Details of the public lecture can be found in our events listings.