SMUHA | Ben Mullay

Posts Tagged ‘SMUHA’

Posted on March 14, 2011 - by benmullay

SMUHA 2011 – Brydon’s Big Day

Congratulations to Guizer Jarl Brydon Robertson aka Harald Maddadsson and his squad for leading a memorable South Mainland Up Helly Aa 2011. After the success of last year it was going to be hard to reach similar heights, but Brydon and his squad carried it off with aplomb. The squad’s singing was fantastic from start to finish and there was a great atmosphere throughout despite a mixed bag of weather.

The outfits were striking with the helmets being a particular highlight for me. The pupils at the various schools visited during the day enjoyed trying on the helmet and holding the axe/shield.

My first photograph was taken just after 7am (Friday) and I packed up the camera at 4.30am (Saturday)!

Here is a selection of pictures to give you a flavour of the day. I’ll be posting a comprehensive selection of images on my gallery very soon as well as squad photos I managed to capture.

Thanks to Brydon for letting me be part of his big day and to everyone else involved for making South Mainland Up Helly Aa 2011 a pleasure to photograph.

-Ben

(click on images for larger view)

Posted on March 13, 2011 - by benmullay

Guizer Jarl Brydon Robertson & Family at Garth’s Ness

Pictured below is Guizer Jarl Brydon Robertson aka Harald Maddadsson and family at Garth’s Ness where the official squad photographs were taken two weeks ago.

The location was perfect for the photographs with the spectacular landscape giving us a dramatic backdrop. Garth’s Ness was where the Braer oil tanker ran aground on January 5th, 1993 after losing engine power.

-Ben

Posted on March 13, 2011 - by benmullay

SMUHA 2011 – Jarl Squad Photographs

click on images for larger views

Posted on March 31, 2010 - by benmullay

SMUHA Update and Blog News

SMUHA

I’m pleased to announce that all images have now been uploaded to the South Mainland Up Helly Aa (SMUHA) gallery pages. These can be viewed here. As you’ll see, the photos are avaiable in a large range of products by clicking on the ‘purchase options’ tab.

WEBSITE TWEAK

www.benmullay.com has also had a slight tweak so that the blog appears first allowing access to the gallery pages featuring Shetland photography from around the isles.

SHETLAND HAMEFARIN 2010

I see the official website of Shetland Hamefarin 2010 is now taking shape with new content being added reguarly. A summary of the event is quoted below from the Shetland Hamefarin homepage:

In June this year, Shetland will host a ‘Hamefarin’ (homecoming), welcoming Shetlanders from all around the world back to their home islands. The ceremonial return of those of Shetland extraction offers an opportunity for Hamefarers to reforge lost connections, enjoy the culture and heritage of Shetland and to enjoy a very special holiday. Hamefarers are expected from as far afield as Austrialisia and North America and for many, the visit to the land of their forebears will be for the first time.

Shetland Hamefarin 2010 is the third such event to be staged, following Hamefarins in 1960 and 1985. The 2010 event is expected to see the largest number of visitors yet, with around 500 Hamefarers estimated to be making the journey to Shetland.

I think it promises to be a massive event.

Posted on March 27, 2010 - by benmullay

SMUHA (Part 4) – Procession

A dramatic silhouette of the Guizer Jarl in front of the evening sky

A typical Friday night in Bigton!

Final touches being applied before the procession

The galley with a beautiful sunset in the background

Jarl Squad member Derrick Bradley good to go

Sam Smith and Karen Lobban take it all in

Janet Smith all set for the procession to begin

Let's get this show on the road

Ross Smith on the march

Guizers march through Mews

The Brass Band at St Ninian's Isle

Burning Blaze

Gary Irvine

Dale Smith

Guizer Jarl David Smith

Guizer Jarl David Smith in a dramatic scene

A silhouette of the Guizer Jarl in front of the burning galley

Posted on March 27, 2010 - by benmullay

SMUHA (Part 3) – Jarl Squad at Sumburgh Hotel

South Mainland Up Helly Aa Jarl Squad 2010

Pictured above (click on image for larger view) is the Jarl Squad with Jarlshof in the background. The photo was taken prior to their feast at the Sumburgh Hotel.

Posted on March 18, 2010 - by benmullay

SMUHA (Part 2) – Daytime

Early morning light up

Burning torches stationed at Bigton Hall

Gordon Stove standing proud at Sandwick Junior High School

John Jamieson in full flow at the ASN Dept, Anderson High School

David Smith leading his troops to Bigton Stores

The Up Helly Aa song being sung with great gusto

Aleksandur Leifsson of Vinland catches up with local developments

Michael Shotton enjoying the big day

The Jarl Squad with St Ninian's Isle a beautiful backdrop

Playtime at Dunrossness Primary School!

Young Sam Smith waves goodbye to his friends at Dunrossness Primary School

Elma Johnson having a laugh with Gordon Stove at Bigton Stores

Dale Smith and Shavonne Smith arrive at The Bigton Hall for breakfast

Pictured above are a few of my favourites during the day from the first ever South Mainland Up Helly Aa.

I followed the Jarl Squad from 7am where they enjoyed breakfast at the Bigton Hall. The other locations were ASN Dept, Anderson High School, Sound School, Cunningsburgh School, Sandwick Junior High School, Bigton Stores, Sumburgh Hotel, Dunrossness School, Overtonlea Care Centre and Levenwick Hall.

I had a great time and the time simply flew by. There was a real sense of camaraderie between the squad and they were warmly greeted at each venue. Best singing performance has to go to the pupils at Dunrossness Primary School who belted our a rousing rendition of the Up Helly Aa song.

A comprehensive range of images can be viewed and purchased over at http://www.benmullay.com/gallery/SMUHA/.

Stay tuned for the final part of my SMUHA collection featuring photographs from the procession. For those that missed it, the first part of my SMUHA blog posts can be found here.

-Ben