Junior Up Helly Aa opens to boys outside Lerwick

BOYS from across Shetland are now being allowed to take part in the Junior Lerwick Up Helly Aa.

Boys in primary seven, secondary one and secondary two who attend schools anywhere in Shetland will be able to form guizer squads for the 2020 event in late January.

Previously it was only boys from Lerwick schools who could take part.

The position of junior jarl, however, is reserved to a secondary two boy who is at school in Lerwick.

The role will be filled following a vote among young people in secondary and secondary two at the multi-use room at the Clickimin Leisure Complex in Lerwick on 2 September.

The first Junior Up Helly Aa was held in 1956 but more recently it has come under pressure from campaigners to allow girls to take part.