I lay no claim to be a historian, particularly on the finer points of Norse history in general and Norse/Scottish history in particular. However, I have spent a fair bit of my time in Scotland and quite a fair bit of that time in Sutherland and Caithness, so I think that I am at least able to give my impressions of the piece in question. It is absolutely true the Norse influence is there for all to see, place names and carvings being the obvious examples. Also, Shetland today in particular, is far more Norse than Scottish in general everyday atmosphere and thinking.
I have to confess that I am highly suspicious of articles written by historians with martial arts connections, particularly when distant history is shrouded by the mists of time. Nevertheless, I have to say that the overall impression of the piece is roughly in line with what my impressions of the Norse history are, when connected to Scotland. Whilst the Norsemen were renowned fighting men and rather too much of that is made in the article, I feel , but equally importantly they were skilled navigators and seamen too and peaceful settlement and forms of agriculture of those new areas was a necessity if long term colonisation was to succeed as well and they certainly achieved long term settlements.
Somehow though, I feel the article is written in a somewhat starry eyed way. For example, the Up Helly Aa cellebration as we know it now, is a recent affair in historical terms. I am not sure how far the original(?) ceremony stretches back in history, but as far as I am aware it was introduced sometime in latter part of the 1800's.
Hope these non academic observations help a tad. 
Last edited by Jock Scot; 7th March 18 at 07:14 AM.
" Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the adherence of idle minds and minor tyrants". Field Marshal Lord Slim.
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