News / Book on Up Helly Aa creator
A NEW book on one of Shetland’s most eminent writers and his influence on the Lerwick Up Helly Aa will be launched on 31 January, the day of this year’s fire festival.
Ex-jarl Douglas Smith will introduce Brydon Leslie’s book on the blind Lerwick scholar JJ Haldane Burgess at the Shetland Museum and Archive at 2pm. Mr Leslie will sign copies of his book at the launch.
His book Borgar Jarl: J.J. Haldane Burgess and Up Helly Aa was written as a dissertation for the University of the Highlands and Islands, and is now being published by Shetland Heritage Publications, priced £7.99.
Burgess wove together three sources of inspiration to create the fire festival: his Baptist faith, his passion for socialism and his fascination with the ancient culture of Scandinavia.
The publication is illustrated with photographs and paintings from Up Helly Aa’s past and from Scandinavian sources.
The book launch will take place immediately prior to the visit of this year’s jarl’s squad to the museum.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.