Last week it was time for South Mainland Up Helly Aa – our local fire festival.
South Mainland Up Helly Aa (SMUHA) is one of the 12 fire festivals that take place between January and March – each in a different location around Shetland.
We find SMUHA particularly special because it's so very local to us – a lovely, welcoming event which brings the community together.
Away from the procession itself there are visits from the Jarl Squad to schools and the care centre, hops (dances) and other community events.
The galley burning, which at SMUHA is waterborne, is at a different site each year – depending on where the Jarl is from.
This year, the weather was very cold, clear and still at Scousburgh Sands
Jarl Leigh Smith AKA Thorfinn the Mighty, his family and all those involved made it a spectacular evening.
Listen to one of the Up Helly Aa songs here.
Guizers circled the viking ship on the beach while singing traditional Up Helly Aa songs, accompanied by Lerwick Brass Band.
Then it was time for the burning, and more singing, before the boat was launched into the sea.
Sometimes, as the evening unfolds, Up Helly Aa celebrations can take a surreal turn.
Up Helly Aa skits often have topical references – a space port is being developed in the island of Unst.
Different groups of guizers perform skits in the various South Mainland halls, after the boat burning.
It can become a long and boisterous night...
Can you guess which traditional Norse number is being sung in rousing fashion in our Instagram video below (you'll need sound on!)? Clue: it's not The Up Helly Aa Song...
Huge effort goes into making clothing, weaponry and all the regalia needed to be a guizer in the Jarl Squad.
The craft and attention to detail is wonderful. Our Hoswick neighbour, Karlin Anderson, was commissioned to make bespoke jewellery by the Jarl and his wife.
If you're interested in visiting Shetland during Up Helly Aa season you can find out more here.