Scalloway Fire Festival
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After a break of a number of years, the Scalloway Fire Festival was revived, in it's current form in 1979.
The festival was held on January 12th, the calm frosty weather almost perfect for the occasion, with Leslie Henderson representing Jarl Rollo, Ganger Rolf. The galley, painted a bright blue, was named Giske, the name of the island in More and Romsdal where Rolf the Ganger originated, and where it is believed Harald Fairhair finally cut his locks after uniting Norway.
The Jarl and his squad wore blue kirtles, chainmail, deerskin capes and blue winged helmets. They were armed with blue hafted battleaxes, bearing a celtic type design on the blade, and blue shields, with a celtic knot design in chrome.
The day commenced at the NAFC Marine Centre with the Jarl and his squad accompanying the galley to the Scalloway waterfront, followed by a photo shoot. The Galley remained on display at the waterfront for the remainder of the day, while the Jarl Squad completed their rounds of visiting local establishments.
First was the turn of the Scalloway Playgroup, followed by the Walter and Joan Gray Eventide Home. The customary visit to Scalloway Junior High School was cancelled as a mark of respect for teacher Richard Saunders who had passed away suddenly. Next it was the turn of Tingwall Primary School, followed by Hamnavoe Primary School immediately after lunch. The afternoon was completed with a visit to the Scalloway branch of The Royal British Legion, and a reception for senior citizens in the Scalloway Boating Club.
On a perfect night, under a starry sky, the torch lit procession took place, accompanied by a following crowd of spectators, from the muster point at Lovers Loan, along West Shore to Port Arthur. After a requested one minute's silence for Mr. Saunders from the Jarl, the thrown torches consumed the Giske and she was set adrift to meet her watery grave. Everyone then retired to the various halls to enjoy the evening's entertainment.
In addition to the Jarl Squad, eleven other squads participated. They were: 1) It's Getting Hot, at Cauldhame. 2) The Trowie Burn o' Trondra. 3) P.I.N.K. 4) Gordon's Herrislea Nightmares. 5) Da Haaf Baa. 6) Snib's Tartan Army. 7) Hip Hip Notist.8) Stappit and Crappin. 9) Nightmare on Knome Street, 10) Smokey and the Bandits (Papa Stour). 11) Family Mis-Fortunes.
A full report, including pictures, can be found [here].
