Flamboyant and fiery festival marks island's heritage

Shetland Islanders have staged a spectacular annual event which celebrates their Viking Heritage.

Each year residents descend on Lerwick where a Viking boat is built and then burned after a torch lit procession.

The event is known as the Up Helly Aa Viking fire festival
The event is known as the Up Helly Aa Viking fire festival Credit: PA Wire
The Jarl Squad parade on the streets of Lerwick before burning the replica galley
The Jarl Squad parade on the streets of Lerwick before burning the replica galley Credit: PA Wire
The Viking warriors are known as the 'Jarl Squad'
The Viking warriors are known as the 'Jarl Squad' Credit: PA Wire
The even takes place on the last Tuesday in January every year
The even takes place on the last Tuesday in January every year Credit: PA Wire
It is a tradition that originated in the 1880s
It is a tradition that originated in the 1880s Credit: PA Wire
The night is a celebration of Shetland's history
The night is a celebration of Shetland's history Credit: PA Wire