Lerwick’s famous Up Helly Aa festival has extra maritime links in its ranks this year with representatives of three trust ports participating in the activities today (Tuesday 28 January 2025).

Guizer Jarl heading up the event, Lerwick Port Authority Chief Executive, Captain Calum Grains, invited Tom Hutchison and Alex MacLeod, his opposite numbers at Montrose Port Authority and Stornoway Port Authority respectively, to join his Jarl Squad.

Calum Grains said: “It is my pleasure to welcome Tom and Alex to the day’s community activities, including the evening torchlight procession, the traditional burning of the Viking galley and the follow-on celebrations. The visit will give them direct experience of Up Helly Aa to long remember.”

Tom Hutchison commented: “I’m deeply honoured to take part in this year’s festival, a tremendous tradition that celebrates community and heritage in such a spectacular way. I want to personally thank Calum for his kind invitation and for bringing Alex and I together to share in this fantastic occasion.

“It’s especially meaningful to support Calum in his role as Guizer Jarl for 2025, a proud moment for him as a Shetlander. This is a wonderful example of how trust ports can come together to strengthen and celebrate our communities and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it.”

Alex Macleod, Chief Executive at Stornoway Port Authority, said: “It’s an honour to be invited to be a member in this year’s Jarl Squad for Up Helly Aa. It has always been an iconic celebration of Shetland’s rich culture and heritage, and it will be truly special to witness firsthand the passion and spirit of the community that Up Helly Aa represents.

“I’m looking forward to taking part alongside Tom from Montrose Port and the Guizer Jarl Calum Grains from Lerwick Port Authority as we join together in celebrating Shetland’s traditions and continue to build lasting relationships across all three ports.”

Adding to the maritime connections in the Jarl Squad are Calum’s Lerwick Port Authority colleagues, Victor Sandison and Alexander Simpson.

Calum first joined Up Helly Aa in 1987 as part of the school squad. The customary 15 year wait to be the Guizer Jarl was lengthened by two years due to cancellations caused by the covid-19 pandemic. He added: “It’s been well worth the long wait and the months of planning and preparation for what will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. My thanks to all those involved for their support.” 

Follow the Jarl Squad’s whereabouts through the day, the procession and galley burning at https://www.uphellyaa.com/

Image of all three chief executives by Tom Jamieson.