A grant from the New Scots Activity fund made it possible for us to arrange a day where new scots could travel back in time and meet the Viking era inhabitants of Scotland.
We arranged transport and language support to help them make the most of this experience. Volunteers from “Galloway Longfhada Vikings” provided characters from the past who have helped create the Scotland we experience today.
They filled a hall with a collection of recreated archaeological finds and craft activities, demonstrated household crafts, and even brought some rare breed sheep. Guests had a chance to try on helmets and exchanged stories about crafts like leather tanning.
While the modern migrants snacked on tea, coffee, and biscuits the Viking settlers enjoyed their preserved refreshments with some snacks freshly cooked over an open fire. There were even some exotic spices which would have travelled by land and sea to Galloway making them as valuable as precious metals.
As well as local life the day also provided info on two themes which help show the worldwide context of Scotland in Viking Era. One of these was the Galloway hoard, and the other was the story of Queen Margaret (The saint). We used printouts with translations into Ukrainian, Arabic, and Persian. We also provided QR codes to link the hands on experience with online resources that guest could read using their smartphones and translation websites. This meant that if someone’s interest was sparked by an item, they could find out more online and overcome the language barrier.
Since we held the day in a local community centre we were also able to make links in the present day! So far we have heard of New Scots wanting to find out more about kids activities, a camera club and even musical instrument making (this might be something for Cluaran making space!). The Vikings have also told us that they enjoyed hearing stories about how processes like tanning leather are carried out in other parts of the world, and how craft traditions are changing with modern technology.
Everyone left happy and informed and there are lots of ideas for follow up activities!
Thanks to The New Scots Activity Fund, Galloway Longfhada Vikings, MOOL volunteers, Thornhill Community Transport, and Heathhall Community Centre for making this day possible.