WATCH: John Duncan leads guizers for final Up-Helly-A’ of 2017

Shetland’s final Up-Helly-A’ of 2017 began in bright sunshine this morning, with Guizer Jarl John Duncan, depicting “Erik the Red”, leading his band of merry men in the 36th Delting festival.

The squad looked resplendent, dressed in green kirtles, leather breastplates and sporting a two-headed axe and green and black shield. With many small design embellishments, it was very easy for onlookers to see the work that has gone into the suit over the course of the winter.

The squad started by attending the Northern Lights Function Room for speeches and refreshments to begin the day before proceeded down to the Brae Hall for pictures with the galley Larkspur.

Lunnasting Primary was the first school to be paid a visit, before trips to the Brae and Mossbank schools to meet the excited and enthusiastic pupils, parents and teachers alike.

The Jarl’s Squad will then head for lunch at the Mossbank Hall provided by BP, followed by visits to Shetland FM, based at Sellaness, the Northhaven Care Centre, the Mid Brae Inn and finishing the rounds in the Voe hall where the squad will have tea with family, friends and invited guests.

Tonight, the procession will be held in Brae, with light-up at 7.30pm. The squads will then make their way around the halls in the Delting area, with the Brae hall, Delting Boating Club, Mossbank hall, Voe hall and Vidlin hall all open to host what will hopefully be a lively, entertaining and memorable evening.

by Danny Peterson