Community / University survey looks for views on Up Helly Aa
LERWICK residents are being invited to take part in a survey about the town’s Up Helly Aa.
Edinburgh University student Holly Jones is keen to hear how people perceive the fire festival. The survey can be found online here.
The third year MA geography student has picked the topic for her upcoming fourth year dissertation.
The survey – for people aged 18 and over – is anonymous and looks to explore the contrasting views of Lerwick’s Up Helly Aa when it comes to gender roles.
“The project will appreciate the differing viewpoints of those who are associated with or hold interest in the festival, and their reasoning as well as consideration of future Up Helly Aa and what, if any, changes should be considered,” Jones said.
“This project aims to build on previous research by other human geographers who have studied roles and representations of gender, tradition, heritage, and the geographies of festivals more generally.”
She said festivals are generally a unique aspect of geography.
“They are great to study because they provide an insight to a society and understanding of their associated belief systems, while also delivering a sense of collective belonging to many or showcasing shared histories and values,” Jones said.
The student said she became interested in Up Helly Aa after long conversations with friends from university, who are from Shetland.
“Having never heard of it before, it seemed like such an unusual but exciting affair,” she said.
“After a night of sharing stories about their perceptions and experiences of Up Helly Aa, I went away thinking what a great dissertation it would make.
“Not being from Shetland myself will enable me to approach the project with a totally balanced outlook, simply interested in hearing all perceptions in whatever shape or form they may take.”
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.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
