Walking into the Junior Galley Shed in Lerwick is like stepping into a time machine. Pictures of past junior jarl squads covered the walls, ex-jarls’ axes and shields are on display, and memories of past antics flow easily. You can really see how special Up Helly Aa is to so many.
The first Junior Up Helly Aa was held in 1956. Seventy years later, Junior Jarl Frankie Walterson is feeling excited about the big day along with his relatives Brydon and Bryan Peterson, who were Junior Jarls in 1966 and 1990 respectively. We joined them in the Junior Galley Shed, reminiscing on good times, discussing the hard work that goes into the preparations, and how much Up Helly Aa means to the communities of Shetland.
Three generations of Junior Jarls - Bryan Peterson, Frankie Walterson and Brydon Peterson. Aimee Sutherland
The Junior Galley Shed has been a base for the preparations for the big day. The galley is built there, shields painted, rehearsals done. It’s been a great place for the young ones involved to come together and make some memories.
As the big day approaches, Junior Jarl Frankie Walterson and his squad have been meeting regularly to build the galley. They’ve also made and cemented their own torches, which they will carry through the streets of Lerwick during the Junior Up Helly Aa procession. It's a skill they learned when they were invited to the senior shed to see how the torches were cemented.
Being a part of the junior squad gives the young boys a chance to learn practical skills such as woodwork, welding and painting. Frankie said himself, “We’ve worked with jigsaws, routers, all sorts. My woodwork and painting skills have gotten a lot better.”
Some of the boys have even been inspired to look for a career in a practical subject, with some even enquiring about apprenticeships. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities in Shetland, along with courses provided by UHI Shetland.
Frankie and friends building the galley
The Junior Jarl Squad Band also meet for regular practices, with many instruments involved. The band consists of bairns from schools all over Shetland, and they’ve been working diligently to make the Jarl proud.
Live performances on Up Helly Aa day are a huge part of the celebrations, with Martin Summers, chairperson of the Junior Up Helly Aa committee, saying, “Music’s at the heart of it.”
Since being Junior Jarl in 1990, Bryan Peterson has been a part of many squads, but he’s found particular enjoyment in playing music at some of the country Up Helly Aas. He carted a drum kit around for years before realising that a trumpet was much easier to transport!
The music you hear on Up Helly Aa day is music people would pay money to go listen to. So make sure you listen out for musical acts at any of the Up Helly Aa festivals, they’ll blow you away.
Junior Jarl Bryan Peterson and his squad in 1990.
When Brydon was Junior Jarl in 1966, the school was the main organiser of the Junior Jarl Squad preparations. He said it was his navigation and woodwork teachers that had the biggest impact, as they helped the squad to make their own galley, promoting boat-building skills.
In recent years, volunteers have kept the light burning. There have been times when the spark has nearly died, but the excellent work of volunteers has helped Junior Up Helly Aa persevere for 70 amazing years. There is a committee of 13 volunteers who work alongside parents, marshals, and many more to make an unforgettable experience for the young ones.
Junior Jarl Brydon Peterson and his squad in 1966.
Camaraderie and friendship
Up Helly Aa is a spectacular event, with the torch-lit procession and the merriment in the halls, but the preparation that goes into the day is half of the fun.
Bryan said, “It’s good for folk’s mental health through Shetland winters. It involves lots of different platforms such as music, drama, even dancing!”
The camaraderie and friendship that comes from working together towards such a loved event is what brings people together.
Brydon described Up Helly Aa as a “complete leveller” as folk from completely different circles can come together and have a purpose during those dark winter months.
Senior Jarl Willie Peterson in 1970, Frankie’s great-grandfather.
Brydon’s father, Willie Peterson, was the Jarl for the main event in 1970. This means four generations of their family were either a Jarl or a Junior Jarl! Brydon’s Up Helly Aa journey began when he was just a young boy, becoming a fiddle box carrier when he was only 9 years old. He was 11 when he became Junior Jarl and 60 years later, he gets to see his grand-nephew fill the same shoes. Anyone could see the proudness radiating from Brydon when discussing the family’s part in Up Helly Aa, and the way his face lit up when talking about past antics. The fond memories he recounted from being Junior Jarl and being a part of his father’s Jarl Squad were enchanting to listen to. With great fondness, Brydon recalled how he used to tease his father that he got to be Jarl before his dad did!
Family connections
With three of the four generations gathering in the build-up to Junior Up Helly Aa, they all had a laugh when their lineage was described as a dynasty. It may raise a chuckle, but Up Helly Aa indeed runs through their blood.
Frankie has paid tribute to Willie (his great-grandfather), Brydon and Bryan all the way through his preparations. You’ll be able to see all their shields on the side of the galley, a touching reminder of his family’s influence.
Frankie’s father, Tommy Walterson, showed us a photo of Frankie in nursery dressed as a Viking, and Frankie has been an unofficial member of his dad’s squad since he was very young.
Up Helly Aa has always been a part of his family, and he was extremely proud when he was voted as Junior Jarl for 2026.
Preparing for the big day - three generations of Junior Jarls gather in the Peerie Galley Shed. Martin Summers
His family are all very supportive of him and encourage him to be a part of the main event when he’s old enough.
That’s what Junior Up Helly Aa is all about. It’s about giving young people a glimpse into the future and encouraging them to take part in the main event, continuing the legacy of Up Helly Aa for many generations to come.
It’s clear from the dedication and enthusiasm of the young folk of Shetland that Junior Up Helly Aa is in safe hands and will continue to thrive, bringing communities together for years to come.
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