Home   News   Article

UPDATE: Norik Up-Helly-A'





The most northerly Up-Helly-A' – Norik in Unst – has gotten under way.

This year's Jarl Michael Thomson has had to wait two years before leading the festival – due to the Covid pandemic.

The jarl with his sons Reece and Scott on Norik Beach.
The jarl with his sons Reece and Scott on Norik Beach.
Jarl Michael Thomson in the galley "Saito". Photo: Desley Stickle
Jarl Michael Thomson in the galley "Saito". Photo: Desley Stickle

The 30-year-old salmon worker represents Thorfinn Skullsplitter, a tenth century Earl of Orkney.

He has made 14 appearances in the Jarl's Squad, including when his father was Jarl in 2001. His father and other family members are among his own squad.

The galley name Saito is named after a place in Unst.

The suits feature blue tunics and chainmail. The jarl and his sons are wearing white sheepskins and boots. The remainder of the squad have black sheepskins and boots. The shields are also black.

The Norik Up-Helly-A' dates back to 1985.

The procession takes place in Haroldwick at 7.30pm. There are 13 squads in total, with 121 guizers.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More