South Mainland Up Helly Aa in pictures

14 March 2026 10:50

A man dressed as a Viking holds an axe and shield, standing in front of a burning wooden ship at night.

This year' SMUHA jarl Karl Davidson at the galley burning. Photo: Malcolm Younger

SANDWICK was illuminated with a fiery glow last night (Friday) as the South Mainland Up Helly Aa procession lit up the village.

This weekend’s festivities is being led by guizer jarl Karl Davidson, who spoke to Shetland News earlier in the week ahead of his big day.

Thanks to Malcolm Younger for these photos of the procession and through the day as well.

As the images show, it was a day enjoyed by folk of all ages.

A large group of people in fancy dress holding torches marches at night beside a replica Viking ship in front of houses.

Photo: Malcolm Younger

A group of people, some in fancy dress and carrying lit torches, walk together at night on a gravel path; one person in front gives a thumbs-up.

Guizers getting in the mood at the procession. Photo: Malcolm Younger

A large group of people in Viking costumes pose in front of a decorated wooden Viking ship outdoors, holding round shields and wearing helmets.

Photo: Malcolm Younger

A group of people dressed in Viking costumes with helmets, shields, and axes walk outdoors during a parade or festival.

The SMUHA jarl squad during the day. Photo: Malcolm Younger

A group of children wearing paper crowns and reflective jackets stand in front of a Viking ship replica, holding shields and shouting with raised fists.

Primary children from Dunrossness getting into the spirit. Photo: Malcolm Younger

An elderly woman in a wheelchair smiles and talks with a person in a fantasy costume with faux fur and elf ears, sitting beside her at a table.

Fiona Nicolson chats to respite resident at the Overtonlea care centre, Mina Flaws. Photo: Malcolm Younger

Two men stand outside Sandwick Baking Co.; one holds a tray of pastries, the other wears Viking attire with a horned helmet and shield. A Helly Aa event poster is visible in the background.

A plentiful supply of treats for guizer jarl Karl Davidson from the Sandwick Baking Co. Photo: Malcolm Younger

A smiling girl stands in front of a round drawing of a cat-like face with “P9LIK” written on it, displayed on a wall alongside other circular artworks.

Nine-year-old Sophie Grieve from Sandwick Primary School, with the shield that she designed. Photo: Malcolm Younger

A group of young children sit on the floor, some wearing handmade orange and black hats, attentively watching something out of shot.

Children at Cunningsburgh Primary School enjoyed a visit from the jarl squad. Photo: Malcolm Younger

A group of children and adults pose together in a classroom, some adults dressed as Vikings with shields and axes, whilst the children smile in front of them.

Some of the bairns from P5-7 at Cunningsburgh Primary School with a few of the jarl squad. Photo: Malcolm Younger

Shetland News — free to read

Membership helps pay for journalism

If you value impartial local journalism, become a member of Shetland News and get:

Only local ads.
Members' weekly newsletter.
Bookmark stories and join the comments.

Billing: Your monthly subscription of £10 will be billed on or shortly after the 13th of each month. You can change how much you pay or cancel at any time.

Shetland News — free to read

Related Stories

Related Stories

Sign upfor our Newsletters

Trending

Most Viewed

Most Recent

JavaScript Required

Interested in Notifications?

Interested in Notifications?

Shetland News — free to read You've rejected third-party cookies on Shetland News.

Sign up
for our Newsletters

Shetland News — free to read