Historic Slipway Opening Marks Shetland’s WWII Legacy

The historic bond between Shetland and Norway is set to be celebrated with the formal opening of the reconstructed Prince Olaf slipway in Scalloway on October 26, 2023, at 14:30. This slipway is a replica of the original built in 1942, which played a crucial role in the Shetland Bus operation during World War II. The operation involved covert missions that transported people and supplies between Norway and Shetland.

The slipway is located near Malakoff pier and is intended to act as a wartime exhibit, emphasizing Scalloway’s significant role in the Shetland Bus. Following the opening ceremony, a memorial event is planned at the nearby Shetland Bus memorial at 15:15, where wreaths will be laid in honor of the 44 men who lost their lives during the operation.

This week, Shetland also welcomes the Haugefisk, a former Norwegian fishing vessel now serving as a museum boat. It will be open to the public at Victoria Pier in Lerwick on October 25 from 10:00 to 16:00, and on October 26 from 10:00 to 12:00. The vessel’s skipper, Svein Sandvik, has a family connection to the Shetland Bus, as his father was involved in the operation.

The original sub-chaser boat Hitra, which participated in the Shetland Bus missions, was scheduled to visit Shetland this week but had to cancel due to adverse weather conditions.

Scalloway’s Main Street will be closed from 14:00 to 16:00 on Thursday to accommodate the events. While entry to the slipway opening is by invitation only, the public is encouraged to watch from the road. Additionally, a wreath-laying ceremony is expected to take place at Lunna on October 27.

This commemorative event follows a series of Shetland Bus-related activities in May that honored VE Day, including a ‘Liberation Convoy’ of boats sailing from Norway. The Shetland Bus operation was instrumental during the war, with small boats conducting missions under the cover of darkness, ultimately establishing Scalloway as the operational base after initially starting at Catfirth before relocating to Lunna.

The restored Prince Olaf slipway stands not only as a tribute to the past but also as a reminder of the enduring connection between Shetland and Norway.