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| SMUHA 2013: the burning galley launched from Hoswick beach |
This is the first time I have seen the South Mainland Up-Helly-Aa (SMUHA), which has been established for around 5 years now and has become Shetland's second biggest (after the original Lerwick Up-Helly-Aa). It was really appropriate to see this one because Sandwick, where I was raised, was the host this year, with a Sandwick guizer jarl, and the galley was burned off Hoswick beach, right in front of Beach House where I was staying (upgrading the family house). Very impressive.
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| Lerwick Up-Helly-Aa 2013: gathering around the galley |
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| Lerwick Up-Hally-Aa 2013: the galley burning |
Also, now I have retired, I had the opportunity to come up to Shetland
for the original Up-Helly Aa in Lerwick (why else would you go to
Shetland at the end of January unless you live there?). That was very
impressive (but a foul night after a fine day). The thing I noticed that
I had forgotten was the smell from the fires and torches - the smokey
kerosene mixture. Pictures and video can't convey that.
I stayed on in
Beach House until after SMUHA since I had some major work to do (installing a new hot water system, then completely refitting the bathroom). That is the first time I have been able to take advantage of retirement to spend some time "home" in Shetland.
