Police praise punters

POLICE in Shetland have praised organisers and the public for making Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa festival a safe event after making just one arrest following a disturbance on Wednesday morning.

Chief inspector Lindsay Tulloch said: “We are delighted to provide support to the Up Helly Aa festival every year and this year was no different.

“We attended one incident during the event, which resulted in a man being arrested following a disturbance just after 7am today (Wednesday).

The area commander added: “Given that there are approximately 900 guizers taking part, not to mention the many others attending the halls and processions, it shows what a safe and friendly event Up Helly Aa is as a showcase for Shetland.

“This is a credit to the organisers of the festival and the people staffing the hall venues, not to mention the many residents and visitors who enjoyed another successful Up Helly Aa.”