Jarl gets close to Coast

The BBC Coast team's Neil Oliver interviews Guizer Jarl Ivor Cluness at St Ninian's Isle during a rather stormy day on Sunday after they have just had their photos taken. Photo: John Coutts

BBC Coast presenter Neil Oliver enjoyed a breezy trip to the beach at St Ninian’s Isle on Sunday to film a programme about the Up-Helly-A’ celebrations and life in Shetland.

He spoke to Lerwick Guizer Jarl Ivor Cluness at the well-known beauty spot after pictures were taken of the Jarl’s Squad in the lead-up to today’s festivities.

The BBC star also posed with an axe and shield for photographers.

Mr Cluness said the crew were very agreeable and were interested to learn about Up-Helly-A’.

“It was good to be involved in what they [the Coast film crew] are wanting to portray,” he said.

“I believe they usually do a good portrayal of whatever they’re getting involved in and I think they will do as good a job for Shetland as what they do for other places.”

After the St Ninian’s Isle photo session the Jarl’s Squad came back to Lerwick where they had more photos taken below the rocks behind Gilbertson Park.