Scottish Town’s WWII Alliance Fuels World Cup Support for Norway

Dumfries, Scotland, is poised to support Norway when they face England in the World Cup quarter-final, a loyalty stemming from World War Two. During the war, the town hosted exiled Norwegian soldiers who sought refuge and training after Germany invaded Norway in 1940. Over 1,000 soldiers were stationed in Dumfries, and the Scottish Norwegian Society was founded there in 1941, fostering lasting connections between the two communities.

These bonds extend beyond military history. Numerous families in Dumfries trace their ancestry to Norway, and approximately 200 Scottish-Norwegian marriages have occurred. In 2023, a “stone of friendship” was unveiled to commemorate the enduring relationship.

The town even served as an unofficial capital for Norway during the war, receiving thanks from King Haakon VII for its support in liberating the country. As the match approaches, many Dumfries residents with Norwegian ties are expected to cheer for Norway.