Ten jarl squads lined up for Aith Gala
FANS of Shetland’s fire festivals are best advised to head to Aith at the weekend – given that there will be ten jarl squads on show.
The hordes of Vikings will be a key attraction at the RNLI’s Aith Gala celebrations on Saturday (13 June).
An annual fixture in the Shetland summer calendar since 1972, this year’s gala day will offer a rare opportunity to see no less than ten of Shetland’s jarl squads all together in one place.
The day’s fun will start at 1pm with a colourful procession featuring the jarl squads and the Aith lifeboat crew, followed by a series of games and challenges.
This includes the eating competition between the squads and lifeboat volunteers.
Families will be well catered for with plenty of traditional gala attractions, such as lifeboat tours, candy floss, hot dogs, a BBQ and coconut shy at the pier.
There will also be teas, stalls, games and souvenirs in the Aith Hall, and the ever-popular beer shed at the marina. Also planned is a “unique” charity auction from 3pm.
The fun continues into the evening with the family supper dance featuring the Brian Morrison Dance Band in Aith Hall from 7.30pm.
Community fundraising volunteer Sandra Petrie said: “It’s going to be a brilliant day west in Aith with ten jarl squads bringing plenty of colour, fun and friendly competition.
“Enjoy a classic Shetland gala day – great fun for all the family, and every penny raised helps keep our local lifeboat crew doing the important work that they do.”
Aith RNLI coxswain Nathan Mann added: “I’d like to thank Sandra and the local fundraising team, our volunteer crew members and the wider community for all their tremendous hard work and continued support.
“As a charity, the RNLI receives no government funding. Every launch, every piece of equipment, and every hour of training is paid for entirely by the generosity of supporters.
“In a maritime community like Shetland, where the sea gives and takes in equal measure, events like the Aith Gala are vital for keeping our local lifeboat ready to answer the call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
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