Four siblings in squad as Blues Brothers – with a son involved too

Chris Cope

30 January 2025 14:48

Five men in suits and hats pose with a young person. They are smiling around an open briefcase displaying a painting of a ship in a stormy sea.

The Waltersons out and about on Up Helly Aa night, from left to right: Ian, Tommy, Frankie (Tommy's son), Andy and Vinny. Photo: Malcolm Younger/Millgaet Media

UP HELLY Aa is full of family connections – and that was especially true for one squad on Tuesday night.

Squad number 35 this year featured four brothers – ironically playing the role of the Blues (or ‘booze’) Brothers.

They were Ian, Vinny, Andy and Tommy Walterson – and the quartet were also joined by Tommy’s 13-year-old son Frankie Walterson.

This year was also the 20th anniversary of the squad, which has a wide age range given that the oldest is 70.

Ian Walterson said it was “very fitting” that they were dressing up as the Blues Brothers – particularly as it is the first time the four of them were able to go out in the squad together.

“There’s been a few times we’ve all been out but maybe one’s been in the jarl squad, so we’ve had three in the same squad, or one of us has been away,” he said.

Walterson said the siblings all get on well – although “the same as any brothers, now and again there’s the odd disagreement”.

“But most of the time we get on no bother – especially when you get a peerie dram,” he added.