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In the same year, the town saw the establishment of the Scottish Norwegian Society (SNS), which also led to the creation of a permanent base known as Norway House (Norges Hus). This marked the beginning of a formal connection between the local community and Norway.
James Hutcheon, who was the town clerk at the time, remarked that many believed Dumfries bore strong similarities to the towns and countryside of their Norwegian homeland, making it a familiar and welcoming environment for them. Although the soldiers were later stationed throughout Scotland, including places like Tain and Callander, their ties to Dumfries remained significant. This bond was especially evident when a special farewell event was held in the town to mark the end of the war.
The relationship between Dumfries and Norway has persisted well past the wartime period, notably strengthened by a significant number of intermarriages between Scottish and Norwegian families, with estimates suggesting around 200 such unions. This cultural and social connection has kept the spirit of the town’s role alive through generations.
Recently, an exhibition titled “Alt for Norge,” meaning “All for Norway,” was unveiled to celebrate the era when Dumfries earned the nickname “the unofficial capital city of Norway.” Among the exhibits was a telegram from King Haakon VII, expressing his gratitude to the residents of Dumfries for their assistance in the liberation of Norway during the war
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