From parish to urban society
Although Sortland has century long traditions as a religious and legal centre, there was no real progress here until after the turn of the 20th century. The herring boom in Eidsfjord and the opening of the Risøy channel, with steamship calls at the town, are two main reasons. An enterprising development of industry and general commerce is another explanation. From 1900 until today, the population has grown from 253 to 4500, and the town has become a regional centre for the Vesterålen islands. On June 19th, 1997, Sortland was granted city status, the first city in the area.
The Ellingsen wharf (picture)
is the first
stage in the «Blue City» project.
|
Sortland - the Blue City on the Sound is a development project which aims at painting the city centre in various shades of blue. This has become Sortland municipality's main project in the regional millenium events, "Vesterålen 2000 celebrates the Gulf Stream". The events are part of Norway's national millenium projects, funded by Norge 2000 AS. |
