Everything vikings
UP HELLY Aa has a starring role in a new National Geographic book for children thanks to a Shetland-based expert in Norse mythology and the early medieval history of the Scottish islands.
Dr Andrew Jennings, who is the programme leader for the island studies course at the University of the Highlands and Islands, has contributed his expertise to a Viking-themed edition of National Geographic Kids.
Jennings acts as the publication’s “guest explorer” and he has provided the book information and images from Shetland’s famed Up Helly Aa festival.
“I was particularly keen to raise the profile of Shetland’s rich Viking history and the book features some photographs from Up Helly Aa,” he said.
“I also wrote a short piece about the Osberg Ship, which is housed in Oslo, Norway.”
The book also features details about the history of the Viking movement and some of its traditions.
National Geographic Kids: Everything Vikings is available to buy now priced at £6.99.
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