SIC Convener and Guizer Jarl Bring Humor to Up Helly Aa Reception
The annual Up Helly Aa celebrations kicked off at the Lerwick Town Hall, bringing laughter and local flavor to the event. Guizer Jarl Lynden Nicolson and his 65-member squad were welcomed by the Shetland Islands Council in a ceremony filled with humor and heartfelt expressions.
Event Highlights
The event included the traditional toast to the Norwegian town of Måløy and a symbolic ceremony granting the jarl the Freedom of Lerwick for 24 hours. It allowed the squad to pause and enjoy refreshments after their busy morning activities.
Humorous Remarks by SIC Convener
Shetland Islands Council (SIC) convener Andrea Manson opened the reception with a humorous address. She complimented the squad’s locally-made suits and shared witty anecdotes, including a jest about Nicolson’s Gaelic surname. Her lighthearted comments also touched on Nicolson’s support for Celtic Football Club and a humorous error in the Shetland Times’ calendar.
Manson humorously advised the jarl, stating, “We appreciate no broken laws, windows, or bones during your celebration.” Her remarks aimed to encourage a spirit of unity among the diverse attendees, no matter their backgrounds.
Guizer Jarl’s Speech
During his speech, Nicolson expressed his pride in being this year’s guizer jarl. He reflected on his life journey, humorously describing it as a progression from the “mean streets” of Cheyne Crescent to the esteemed town hall.
Nicolson thanked his family for their unwavering support and acknowledged the essential contributions of local businesses in bringing Up Helly Aa to life. He emphasized the importance of supporting local enterprises, suggesting, “Nae boats, nae problem – shop local.”
Unique Suit Designs
The guizer jarl also shared insights into the intricate costumes. Each suit features extensive craftsmanship, including:
- Eight coats of paint on helmets and shields
- 51 pieces of leather per suit, totaling over 3,300 for the squad
- Nearly 4,900 holes punched per suit, equating to 292,000 for the entire squad
- 9,720 hand stitches per suit, summing to half a million stitches
- 715 meters of webbing and 10 kilometers of red thread used
Nicolson credited local artisans for their hard work, highlighting the collaborative effort that went into creating the distinctive designs inspired by a 40-year-old memory from Highlander.
Conclusion
The event at Lerwick Town Hall proved not only to be a celebration of tradition but also a demonstration of Shetland’s community spirit. With humor, local craftsmanship, and a lively atmosphere, the Up Helly Aa festivities are set to inspire joy and camaraderie among all attendees.
