Faroe Islands' latest tourist draw: the burial site of the legendary spy, James Bond
James Bond, the famed spy played by Daniel Craig, might've bid his last mission on the treacherous island of Safin, a location disputed by Russia and Japan in the film "No Time to Die." With this film marking the end of an era, the locals of the Faroe Islands saw fit to honor the character with a gravestone recalling his tragic demise.
The memory stone, crafted from local basalt under the skilled hands of a mason from the village of Skopu, was placed in Kalsoy. This was the very spot where fate had Bond cross paths. The headstone pays homage to Bond's parents' gravestone from "Skyfall," and includes the phrase: "The function of man is to live, not just to exist."
As a tribute to the Jonny-Craig Bond era, the Faroe Islands and their Tourist Board decided to set up a memorial for the story depicted in the movie. In fact, they even produced a promotional video and developed an official tour of the archipelago. The "Bond farewell tour" offers sightseers a glimpse of the movie's settings, including the house used as a film crew base camp.
The headstone was unveiled by the island's own prime minister on March 23, 2022. The iconic film franchise is set to return with its 26th instalment, but without Craig in the lineup. The film's end credits acknowledged Jóhannus Kallsgarð, a local sheep farmer who led the 60-strong crew as the King of Kalsoy. Now, he doubles as the Bond tour guide and local hero, making for a captivating story. Jóhannus' primary occupation revolves around the 750 sheep grazing Kalsoy's steep hills. The increased interest in the island has added to the young farmer's workload.
As a nod to the film, the gravestone is dated between 1962 and 2021, the years of the first and most recent films in the popular series. The engraved inscription reads: "In memory of James Bond, 1962-2022."
For keen-eyed fans, this unique landmark is now a pilgrimage site and a tourist landmark, with the island's tourism website offering a Bond-themed tour taking in Borðoy, Kalsoy, and the Kalsoyarfjørður strait.
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/oct/08/no-time-to-die-faroe-islands-james-bond[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58849143[3] https://vimeo.com/636670644[4] https://www.nhc.f Rosa-Says-Goodbye-to-James-Bond-GRAVESTONE-Erected-in-Faroe-Islands-The-Guardian[5] https://www.deadline.com/2021/10/faroe-islands-no-time-to-die-7-gorgeous-james-bond-locations-06453015/
(Content enriched with relevant information from the enrichment data provided.)
- The Faroe Islands, inspired by James Bond's final mission on the fictional island of Safin in "No Time to Die," have created a memorable tribute to the iconic character, with a headstone crafted by a local mason.
- Located in the village of Skopu and positioned at the site where James Bond's character crossed paths, the headstone pays homage to the character, with an engraving that references his parents' gravestone from "Skyfall."
- As a tribute to the Craig era of James Bond, the Faroe Islands have developed an official tour called the "Bond Farewell Tour," offering tourists a glimpse into the movie's settings.
- The island's own prime minister unveiled the James Bond headstone on March 23, 2022, and the film franchise has announced plans for a 26th installment without Craig.
- A local sheep farmer, Jóhannus Kallsgarð, who led the film crew as the King of Kalsoy, now serves as a guide for the Bond tour, bringing an exciting local perspective to the experience.
- For fans of the James Bond series, the headstone has become a significant pilgrimage site and tourist attraction, with the island's tourism website offering a Bond-themed tour taking in key locations like Borðoy, Kalsoy, and the Kalsoyarfjørður strait.
