Community / Cruise operator to bring in extra buses and provide Up Helly Aa guidance to passengers
THE CRUISE company bringing more than 1,000 passengers to Lerwick for Up Helly Aa says it has been working closely with the organisers to ensure guests respect the event.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines also confirmed to Shetland News that it will be working with an Aberdeen bus company to bring in additional buses.
“This ensures that local transport resources are not impacted and that our guests have suitable transportation throughout the evening,” a spokesperson said.
Passengers will be provided with information about Up Helly Aa, including routes, maps and safety advice – and guidance on respecting the procession.
The Fred Olsen cruise ship Balmoral is scheduled to arrive in Lerwick early on Tuesday 27 January before leaving late night after the procession.
It can carry up to 1,250 passengers, and at the time of writing more than 1,000 people are booked on.
The Wintertime Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords trip is due to visit Stavanger and Haugesund before arriving in Lerwick.
Fred Olsen had advertised for a similar journey in 2020, which would have taken place in January the following year, but it was cancelled due to Covid.
Up Helly Aa is well known for attracting tourists from across the glove, but it is first time a cruise ship will be in town.
The prospect of a cruise ship arriving in Lerwick for the event has caused concern among some, particularly given the number of passengers likely to disembark and witness what is already a busy event. There have also been some concerns about safety during the torchlit procession.
The issue has been discussed by Lerwick Community Council in recent months, with the matter cropping up again at a meeting on Monday.
Chairman Jim Anderson said one of his concerns was if passengers might not know where they should standing during the procession, given that is “something new to them”.
Concern was also raised in the meeting about whether the cruise ship would be taking local buses away from Up Helly Aa squads.
However, as previously mentioned, Fred Olsen Cruises has now confirmed that it will be bringing up buses from the mainland.
The company said this was on the recommendation of Up Helly Aa organisers.
It comes after a Lerwick councillor said he had heard of a lack of local buses available for squads.
A Fred Olsen spokesperson added: “We have been working closely with the organisers of the Up Helly Aa festival to ensure that our guests are able to enjoy the festivities while fully respecting the sacred and traditional nature of the event, which celebrates Shetland’s local culture and history.”
Locally produced festival programmes will be delivered directly to the ship, enabling guests to understand the history of Up Helly Aa, as well as what is happening and where.
“Guests have been provided with pre-cruise information about the festival, including the event route, maps, safety guidance, advice on dressing appropriately for the weather, and clear instructions on respecting the torch procession,” the spokesperson added.
“This includes not crossing the road or disrupting the procession and being considerate of local spectators. These messages will also be reiterated once guests are on board.”
In addition, the Balmoral will welcome some members of the 2025 jarl squad on board for lunch with guests, along with the opportunity to sing the Up Helly Aa song.
“We believe this is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Lerwick to showcase what a fantastic destination Shetland is, with its rich culture, history, and traditions, while offering our guests an authentic and exhilarating insight into the islands’ heritage,” the spokesperson said.
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