Norwegian dignitaries trace WW2 refugees back to Greenock
NORWEGIAN dignitaries paid a visit to Greenock to retrace the footsteps of their compatriots who sought refuge in Scotland 75 years ago during World War Two.
Mayor Eva Danielsen Husby, Deputy Mayor Lars A Hustad and municipal treasurer, Gro Marie Nilssen, from the Municipality of Hasvik in Norway were welcomed by Inverclyde’s Depute Provost, Councillor David Wilson, for a VIP tour of the newly-refurbished Watt Institute, which feature a WW2 exhibition and artefacts.
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The special guests are on an official visit to Scotland to commemorate a mission in February 1945 led by the Norwegian Military Services and the British Royal Navy in which 502 civilian refugees were rescued from the Island of Soroya.
Their first port of call was Greenock before being taken to a camp in Neilston, East Renfrewshire, where they remained until September of that year.
Depute Provost Wilson said: “I was delighted to welcome the mayor, deputy mayor and municipal treasurer of Hasvik to the Watt Institution, which looks fantastic following the recent refurbishment.
“Their visit is especially poignant as we prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day on May 8 – the date in which guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe.
“It was fascinating to hear of the journey of the refugees which led them here to Greenock and then onto Neilston.
“While much has changed over the last 75 years, Inverclyde remains a welcoming place with links around the world and it was my pleasure to host our friends from Norway.”
Having been forced to live in appalling conditions because of the conflict, the refugees were rescued by the British Navy and initially taken to Murmansk, Russia.
It was then decided that they should be transported to Scotland in a convoy of 38 merchant ships accompanied by the SS Henry Bacon.
The allied ship suffered engine failure and was subsequently attacked by Luftwaffe bombers.
Many of the crew, some of whom sacrificed their own lives to help save all of the civilians, died.
The refugees were then taken to Scotland, arriving in Greenock before being taken to Neilston to the Kingston Camp, which was originally intended for anyone made homeless as a result of bombings.
The Norwegian guests, accompanied by representatives from East Renfrewshire Council, were given a private tour of the Watt Institution and assistant curator, Vincent Gillen, gave a short presentation on Greenock and Inverclyde’s WW2 links.
The Kelly Street building incorporates the McLean Museum & Art Gallery, Watt Library and Watt Hall.
It reopened in October last year following a £2.1 million refurbishment by Inverclyde Council.
Depute Provost Wilson presented the Norwegian visitors with commemorative James Watt tartan gifts to mark the visit.
They were visiting Scotland to ‘pay homage and express gratitude’ on behalf of Hasvik for the WW2 operation and the reception provided upon the refugees’ arrival.
Pictured, from left, are Gro Marie Nilssen, municipal treasurer, Deputy Mayor Lars A Hustad, Depute Provost of Inverclyde, Councillor David Wilson, and Mayor Eva Danielsen Husby.