Holm of Hebristra

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The Holm of Hebristra is an islet in Shetland.

[edit] History

Borgarfjörð, the "fjord of the borg", now Burra Firth on the west side of the Mainland of Shetland, was so named by the Norsemen on account of the borg (broch) or "Pictish tower", which still stands on the little Holm of Hebristra, though greatly ruined.

The Orkneyinga saga says:

"Magnus and Hákon ruled their lands and defended them for some time, the two agreeing very well... They also slew a famous man, named Þorbjörn in Borgarfjörð in Hjaltland."[1]

It is probable that the reason of Þorbjörn's connection with Borgarfjörð/Burra Firth was its affording him, and his followers a shelter, and a defensive position in the borg, or broch. The old name Borgarfjörð occurs in a document in the Norse language dated 1299.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Anderson, Joseph (Ed.) (1893) Orkneyinga Saga. Translated by Jón A. Hjaltalin & Gilbert Goudie. Edinburgh. James Thin and Mercat Press (1990 reprint). ISBN 0-901824-25-9
  • The main body text has been adapted from a footnote in - Anderson, Joseph (Ed.) (1893) Orkneyinga Saga. Translated by Jón A. Hjaltalin & Gilbert Goudie. Edinburgh. James Thin and Mercat Press (1990 reprint). ISBN 0-901824-25-9, with a quote from the actual text.


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