Last night crowds gathered in Lerwick as Up Helly Aa fuelled the town’s atmosphere.
An annual tradition, the event started with the Jarl Squad parading through the streets before their galley boat was ceremoniously burned in celebration of the Shetland’s Viking past.
Marking the Norse way of the dead, when a Jarl’s soul would be sent seawards to Valhalla in his burning war boat, the ship was set alight by 1,000 flaming torches against a black night sky.
Press and Journal photographer Kenny Elrick captured the moment with these spectacular pictures.
Press & Journal Travel are offering a package to the Up Helly Aa festival in 2016. Click here for more information.
Up Helly Aa: Amazing pictures show burning of the boat
