Vikings visit as Supported Living UHA proves huge success

A COMMUNITY event giving service users in the Supported Living service the chance to experience a taste of Lerwick Up Helly Aa proved a huge success on Saturday.

Junior jarl Frankie Walterson (left) and his squad were a big hit at the event. Photo: Junior Up Helly Aa

Junior jarl Frankie Walterson (left) and his squad were a big hit at the event. Photo: Junior Up Helly Aa

The Supported Living Up Helly Aa (SLUHA) event at Sound Hall saw appearances from the 2026 Lerwick senior and junior jarl squads, as well as a performance from the Mirrie Stars.

The Cullivoe Dance Band provided music, giving folk the chance to take the floor for a Boston Two Step, St Bernard’s Waltz and even a packed dancefloor of vikings for a Grand Old Duke of York.

The council’s Supported Living team organised the event to give its service users the chance to experience Up Helly Aa for themselves in a fun, accessible and inclusive environment.

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And there was huge excitement for the vikings visit on Saturday, with plenty of selfies and dancing throughout the afternoon.

Tommy Inkster (left) with Iain Blance. Photo: Malcolm Younger

Tommy Inkster (left) with Iain Blance. Photo: Malcolm Younger

Ian Johnston was the 2026 SLUHA guizer jarl.

Ian Johnston was the 2026 SLUHA guizer jarl.

Guizer jarl Lynden Nicolson with Hayley Leask. Photo: Emma Spence

Guizer jarl Lynden Nicolson with Hayley Leask. Photo: Emma Spence