Settlement

The name kil means narrow cove and is related to the two coves found on either side of the the island . the island belonged to Tjøtta municipality until 1965. The first settlement was registered in connection with taxation in 1567. During the census in 1664/66, four farmers lived here. In the 19th century, there were four farms in Kilvær These were divided into eight uses.

In addition to the eight users, there were two homesteads. During the 1865 census, the island 44 inhabitants. They had two horses, 28 cows, 61 sheep and three pigs. 21 barrels of potatoes were planted, and over 10 barrels of grain were sown.

A viable community over many years

Good fishing spots are right outside Kilvær The fishermen had a short distance to the fishing grounds and a good harbor to return home to. In addition, they had good conditions for farming. the island Around 1900 was Kilvær one of the most viable island communities in the area, with about 70 residents. 25 children from twelve families attended school in Skogsholmen Before the boarding school was built in 1941, they lived with families at the island . the island had a post office and steamship docks. Kilvær The people used the church in Skålvær (now in Alstahaug municipality) for baptisms and weddings, while the Tjøtta church (now Alstahaug municipality) was used for confirmations and funerals after 1941. The population remained the same until World War II, and in 1964 the island current.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the trend reversed in the island . Young people left to find work, and many went to sea. When the school in Skogsholmen was closed down in 1973, all the families with children moved out. On November 1 of the same year, Brønnøysunds Avis was able to announce that the post office was now closed down and the postmaster was about to leave. the island . More people moved from the island . Government relocation subsidies helped to promote the relocation – yet the settlement persisted into the early 1990s.

There has been settlement on North and South Flaterøy. On Sørbuøy there was good sandy soil, so this the island was used for potato fields. There were also several summer barns here. The cows were taken swimming across to several islands to graze during the summer. Today there are 10 residential houses in Kilvær , all are in good condition. Two of the original barns have been restored, the others have been taken down or converted into outbuildings. In addition, several cabins have been set up. The landowners use the former homes as holiday properties.

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Source

“ Vegaøyan World Heritage. Cultural History Travel Book .” by Inga E. Næss and Rita Johansen.