Gair ‘delighted’ to become latest Up Helly Aa committee member

JOHN Gair has become the latest Up Helly Aa committee member following its mass meeting on Tuesday night.

He said he was “absolutely delighted” to join the committee and added it was something he has wanted to do for a long time.

Joining the committee means Gair is in line to become a guizer jarl at Up Helly Aa – but he has to wait until 2040.

The 35-year-old said Up Helly Aa has been a “huge part” of his life from a young age.

His experience ranges from helping out as a torch boy to being in jarl squads, performing as a squad musician and serving as a marshal.

“I’m excited to give back to the festival that has given me so much over the years,” Gair said.

“My uncle, Ronnie Gair, was jarl in 1993, and further down the Gair family tree, my second cousin Lyall Gair was jarl in 2017.

‘Now, at 35, I look forward to dedicating my time and energy to supporting the festival.”

Meanwhile the guizer jarl who will be leading the 2025 Up Helly Aa in late January is Calum Grains.