A striking Viking ship has moored at Inverness Marina, drawing crowds and speculation as it prepares to feature in a major film shoot in the Moray Firth region. The vessel, known as the Draken Harald Hårfagre, is recognized as the largest Viking ship sailing in modern times. Built in Norway in 2010 and launched in 2012, the Draken boasts 25 pairs of oars and requires a crew of 30 under sail, making it a formidable sight as it arrived in the Highland city.

The Draken’s arrival coincides with the filming of Christopher Nolan’s new epic, The Odyssey, which has brought a flurry of Hollywood activity to the northeast of Scotland. The film, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, and Robert Pattinson, dramatizes the legendary journey of Odysseus returning home after the Trojan War. Over recent weeks, locals have spotted tents, trailers, and Viking boats in various harbours and sites, including Buckie and Culbin Forest, as production ramps up.

Emanuel Persson, chief executive of the Draken project, expressed excitement about the ship’s Scottish stopover, noting its significance given Scotland’s deep Norse heritage. He emphasized that Draken’s presence is part of a broader expedition and ongoing narrative, with the ship participating in several international ventures, including film and television collaborations this year. While details about its exact role in the movie remain under wraps, the vessel’s connection to the blockbuster has generated considerable buzz.

The Draken’s journey to Inverness has not been without drama. During an earlier transoceanic voyage from Norway to England, the ship faced severe weather near Shetland, resulting in a broken mast that had to be replaced with Douglas fir from Dumfries and Galloway. Now, as it rests in Inverness Marina, the Draken stands ready to play its part in bringing ancient legends to life on the big screen.