In pictures: Up Helly Aa

1 of 6 The Jarl's Squad stand on the Galley at Shetland's Alexander wharf for the start of the Up Helly Aa Viking festival

2 of 6 Many of the traditions of the festival date back to the 1800s

3 of 6 The squad visit 11 local halls around Lerwick as part of the fire festival

4 of 6 About 1,000 guizers assemble with their blazing torches

5 of 6 Torches are thrown onto the specially prepared longship at the Hillhead

6 of 6 The Jarl's Squad celebrate before heading off for a night of revelry