ORKNEY VIKING HERITAGE REVISITED

In what could be the largest group visit from Scandinavia since the Viking raids in the late 700's, the guests will be warmly greeted by a Scottish bagpiper and an Orkney Viking in full costume symbolising the countries' joint heritage.

Organised by Highland Park, who has become synonymous with breaking new ground with UK?s first whisky amnesty on 2^nd November, the group is to take part in what is believed to be the highest ever whisky tasting whilst flying at 30,000 feet across the North Sea en route to Orkney.

Orkney, situated on the north-east tip of mainland Scotland, attracts thousands of tourists each year to enjoy its history, including The Viking Trail along with the well-known Skara Brae built before the Pyramids, Stonehenge and the Great Wall of China.

A three day programme of events has been scheduled for the group who unlike their forefathers will be welcomed wholeheartedly by the islanders.

Highland Park Distillery Manager, Russell Anderson, commented: "There is a historic link between Scandinavia and Orkney and today's visit reinforces our strong relationship. It gives us great pleasure to welcome our homecoming guests and what better way to celebrate this than for them to have a dram of the Best Spirit in the World!

Carly Simpson, Marketing Executive, VisitOrkney, said: "Historically, the Vikings did not only leave the one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions known at Maeshowe in Orkney but they also influenced on place names, pattern of settlement, culture and language is a constant reminder of our Norse heritage. We are delighted to have the Scandinavians back and that Highland Park is being such a great host."