Letters / Why Shetland would be better off as part of Norway

Shetland has deep historical, cultural, and economic ties to Norway. Returning to Norwegian rule would offer the islands a stronger economy, better infrastructure, and a government that values its remote communities.

Meanwhile, Scotland has failed to prioritize Shetland’s needs, treating it as an afterthought in national policy.

1. Economic Benefits of Joining Norway

• Higher GDP & Better Economy: Norway has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, while Scotland relies heavily on UK funding and struggles with economic mismanagement.
• Stronger Oil & Gas Support: Norway has wisely invested its oil wealth into a massive sovereign wealth fund (€1.5 trillion+), while Scotland’s oil revenues have largely been squandered by UK and Scottish governments.
• Lower Taxes & Higher Wages: Norwegians benefit from higher average wages and better tax-funded public services, while Scotland suffers from higher taxation and a struggling economy.
• More Investment in Infrastructure: Norway actively supports its remote islands with proper ferry and air links, whereas Scotland underfunds Shetland’s transport, increasing fares and neglecting services.
• Better Fishing Rights: Norway is not bound by the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, giving its fishermen full control over their waters. Scottish fishermen, on the other hand, suffer from poor Brexit negotiations and quotas that disadvantage them.

Advertisement7 of 11

2. Transport & Infrastructure: Norway Invests, Scotland Neglects

• Reliable & Modern Ferries: Norway operates high-speed, well-funded ferry networks, while Shetland is stuck with aging NorthLink ferries that are too small, too slow, and too expensive.
• Better Roads & Airports: Norwegian island communities have tunnels, bridges, and better air links, while Shetland’s roads are crumbling, and airfares to the mainland are extortionate.
• More Government Funding for Transport: Norway provides huge subsidies for regional transport, while Scotland refuses to properly fund Shetland’s transport network.

3. Healthcare & Public Services: Norway Takes Care of Its Islands

• Better Hospitals & Healthcare: Norway funds state-of-the-art hospitals and ensures rural areas get top-quality medical services, while Shetland’s hospital is outdated and underfunded.
• Higher Standard of Living: Norway consistently ranks among the best countries in the world for quality of life, while Scotland faces issues with poverty, drug addiction, and economic instability.
• More Support for Remote Communities: Norwegian island communities are well-funded and enjoy local autonomy, while Shetland is ignored by Holyrood and Westminster.

Advertisement8 of 11

4. Political & Cultural Alignment: Shetland Is More Norwegian Than Scottish

• Historical Ties to Norway: Shetland was part of Norway for over 500 years and only ended up under Scottish rule due to an unpaid wedding dowry. No treaty officially transferred ownership.
• Closer Cultural Links: Shetland’s place names, dialect, and traditions are Norse in origin, making it more Scandinavian than Scottish.
• More Local Control: Norway’s system of decentralized government allows its islands to govern themselves, while Scotland’s government in Edinburgh centralizes power and ignores Shetland’s needs.
• Stronger Economy Without London: Norway is not controlled by a distant government like Shetland is under Scotland and the UK. Shetland would thrive under Norway’s model of regional empowerment.

Advertisement9 of 11

5. Energy & Sustainability: Norway Leads, Scotland Lags

• Cheaper Energy Prices: Norway generates almost all its electricity from hydropower and has much lower energy costs. Scotland has allowed energy prices to skyrocket, with Shetlanders paying some of the highest rates in the UK.
• More Support for Renewable Energy: Norway invests heavily in wind, hydro, and sustainable energy projects, while Scotland often overlooks Shetland’s renewable potential.

Conclusion: Shetland Would Thrive Under Norway 

Shetland is naturally suited to be part of Norway. Norway is wealthier, better governed, and more invested in its island communities, while Scotland has repeatedly failed Shetland.

If Shetland were to rejoin Norway, it would benefit from greater investment, stronger infrastructure, better public services, and more economic opportunities. Scotland, on the other hand, has proven that it sees Shetland as nothing more than a remote burden. The choice is clear: Shetland would be far better off as part of Norway.

Advertisement10 of 11

Historical Context

• Pledging of Shetland (1469): In 1469, King Christian I of Denmark and Norway pledged the Shetland Islands to Scotland as part of a dowry arrangement for his daughter’s marriage to King James III of Scotland. This arrangement, known as an “impignoration,” was intended as a temporary pawn rather than a permanent transfer of sovereignty.

Legal Considerations

• Lack of Formal Transfer: The original agreement included a clause allowing Norway to redeem the islands upon repayment of the dowry. However, historical records indicate that the dowry was never paid, and the islands were never redeemed, leading Scotland to treat Shetland as a permanent part of its territory.
• Udal Law: Shetland operates under a unique legal system called Udal law, inherited from its Norse past. While Udal law influences property rights and land ownership in Shetland, it does not affect the overarching sovereignty of the islands, which is under Scottish jurisdiction.

Advertisement11 of 11

Modern Legal Perspective

• Current Status: Today, Shetland is an integral part of Scotland and the United Kingdom. The islands are governed as a council area with the same constitutional status as other local government areas in Scotland.
• Legal Challenges: There have been discussions and debates regarding Shetland’s constitutional status. However, these discussions have not led to any change in the islands’ sovereignty, and Shetland remains under Scottish jurisdiction. by law as the deal has never been sorted it means we are still Norwegian.

Conclusion

While the 1469 agreement between Norway and Scotland was intended as a temporary measure, the lack of repayment led to Shetland’s integration into Scotland.

Advertisement1 of 11

Over the centuries, Shetland has been administered as part of Scotland, and its status as a Scottish territory is internationally recognized. Discussions about historical agreements are of academic interest but do not alter the current legal standing of the Shetland Islands.

Jason Campbell
Lerwick

Note: Jason Campbell is looking forward to discuss the issues he raises in the comments section below, on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/shetlandnews/ People can also submit letters to Shetland News via letters@shetnews.co.uk or contact Jason directly at jmanshetland@gmail.com