In Pictures: Burning galley provides fitting climax to Up Helly Aa revelry

28 Jan 2026 • 6:09 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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The burning of the galley in Lerwick provided the traditional climax to another memorable Up Helly Aa spectacle in Shetland.

The long-established fixture in the early year calendar sees the Viking-themed event attract would-be warriors to the north to spend a day of socialising before the torching of the centrepiece of the celebrations, a lovingly created Viking ship.

Lynden Nicholson, head of the Jarl Squad, had earlier led his followers around the town before nightfall.

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Although daylight hours are short in January in Lerwick the revellers made the most of them as they paraded around town in costume and with the usual accessories.

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