Vikings in Scotland, 1014-1104

Explore key events from Viking Scotland, with this map covering the years 1014 to 1104.

igurd the Stout, Earl of Orkney, was Norse ruler of northernmost Scotland at the beginning of the 11th century. Upon his death in 1014, his patrimony was divided between his four sons, who feuded for many years.

The youngest, Thorfinn the Mighty, finally wrested control in 1030. Soon presented with a threatened invasion from Scots raiders under the Earl of Caithness, he first repelled a seaborne invasion of Orkney, then decisively defeated them on land at Tarfness. After Thorfinn’s death, his lands were divided between his sons, and their protracted rivalry provided an opportunity for invasion by the truculent King of Norway, Magnus Barelegs, at the end of the 11th century.

After first conquering the Orkneys in 1098, he based himself on the Isle of Man, from where he raided Anglesey, defeated the Norman Hugh of Chester and Hugh of Shrewsbury, before being ambushed and killed in Ireland in 1103.

Map of Viking Scotland 800-1014 and 1104-1469.

Map created by The Map Archive, an online collection of world history maps. Discover more maps on The Map Archive website.