[MR] BBC: Up Helly A Fire Festival Explained

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends, especially Vikings and Scots,

Today the BBC has a very interesting illustrated article explaining *Up
Helly A*, the Shetland Islands' Viking fire festival.

The festival is held at various places throughout the Shetlands, with the
largest event at Lerwick on the last Tuesday night in January (like
tonight!). It celebrates Scottish Viking heritage with torch-lit parades,
elaborately costumed "Jarl Squads" waving axes and swords, a boat burning
and an amazing quantity of "adult beverages". It is followed on Wednesday
by the mother of all hangovers.

Sounds like Mardi Gras with deadly weapons.

Celebrations are also held in other Shetland towns, scattered across the
calendar to allow maximum participation. After all, a Jarl and his Squad
can't be everywhere at once.

The story can be found at
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-68131664 .

Expect the BBC to have a follow-up story with photos of tonight's
celebration on Wednesday morning.

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep Merry Rose relevant and in business.