NorthLink Ferries has hosted Junior Jarl Sam Maver and his squad and their families at a reception on board MV Hjaltland today (Tuesday January 26).

The Up-Helly-Aa day reception, which continues a NorthLink tradition begun in 2003, saw the ferry company entertain the Junior Jarl and his retinue to lunch and on-board entertainment. About 100 people enjoyed the event which took place as MV Hjaltland was tied up alongside Lerwick Ferry terminal.

Junior Jarl Sam (13) is a pupil at the Anderson High School. He chose to portray Bodvar Bjarki, a Norwegian who grew to be the most formidable of the champions in the court of King Harri Kraki of Denmark.

MV Hjaltland master John Strathearn and his crew hosted the lunch reception and he was presented with a shield, which will be on permanent display on the vessel, to commemorate the visit.

NorthLink’s Lerwick service manager Jane Leask said: “The NorthLink reception for the Junior Jarl has become very much part of the Up-Helly-Aa week. We’re always delighted to have the Junior Jarl and his squad, along with friends and family, on board for what is a fantastic occasion. The reception helps to underline our commitment to Shetland and its people.”