Deputy Lieutenant Matt Smith represented the Lord Lieutenant at the recent Viking Festival in Largs. The festival is an annual celebration of the town’s rich Viking heritage and its connection to the historic Battle of Largs, fought in 1263 between Scottish and Norwegian forces.

 

 The festival brings history to life through a programme of Viking-themed activities, living-history displays, traditional crafts, demonstrations and family entertainment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Battle of Largs formed part of the wider conflict between Scotland and Norway over control of the western islands. Although the battle itself was relatively small, it became an important milestone in Scotland’s history and contributed to the eventual transfer of the Hebrides from Norwegian to Scottish rule.