On 26 May the second Tønsberg Whisky Festival was arranged - and there was every reason to toast the new Oseberg ship. That was when the news came that the ship will receive a donation from the Edrington Foundation, owner of the Highland Park Whisky Distillery on the Orkneys.
Marketing manager Martin Markvardsen from Highland Park brought the good news that the application to the Edrington Foundation had been approved; however, the amount is still unknown.
"We are very excited," says chairman of the board, Einar Chr. Erlingsen, thanking brand manager Anne Sletmoe for her kind assistance in writing the application.
Norwegian traditions.
The Edrington Group owns several distilleries, but it's Highland Park that has focused on a Nordic profile. They have launched a Jarl Magnus version, a St. Magnus version as well as the new Thor. An Oseberg whisky is being considered.
The historical ties between Norway and the formerly Norwegian Orkney islands are long and firm. The 19.000 inhabitants are very conscious of their Nordic heritage.
Bagpipes on Viking ship: Robert Robertsen, dressed in his wonderful kilt, held a small concert from the prow of the Oseberg ship during the whisky festival in Tønsberg in May. (Photo: Jørgen Kirsebom)
