Letters / Net zero processions?

As fire festivals go Lerwick Up Helly Aa certainly is spectacular. The effort and dedication by everyone involved is certainly worthwhile and a good time is had by all.

I can’t help wondering why you’d want to celebrate being raped and pillaged by Vikings though.  Whatever floats your galley I suppose!

I’ve been in Shetland for five and I’ve watched none. I’m afraid anything which attracts thousands of people drills fear into my bone marrow.

I’m not trying to dampen anyone’s right to celebrate, I’m just saying I’m not fussed about it. Like Norway’s favourite blue domestic pet, my ability to be impressed or be enticed to be impressed has long ceased to be. My loss, I know.

Up Helly Aa is a fantastic Shetland tradition, I know for sure that it will continue long after I have also ceased to be but maybe with rechargeable flame effect torches. Just think of all those emissions!

Who pays for the carbon credits to make the annual processions net zero?

Strange that local politicians of a particular hue haven’t questioned the sense of it.

Ian Simmins
Ollaberry