Hundreds of vikings in horned helmets and cloaks filled Lerwick's narrow streets last night, as Shetland's Up Helly Aa fire festival reached its climax.
The day-long celebration of the islands' Norse heritage ended with almost 1,000 guizers marching behind a replica longship, each carrying a burning torch.
Crowds lined the route as the Jarl Squad led the procession to the edge of town, where the galley was hauled into position and ceremonially set alight.
As flames engulfed the boat and sparks rose into the winter sky, the squads broke away to community halls across Lerwick, where the dancing and singing were set to continue into the early hours.
