The festival reaches its climax with the burning of a Viking galley
Shetland's Up Helly Aa Viking fire festival is taking place in Lerwick - with a new prominence for women at the 143-year-old event.
The festival celebrates the Scottish islands' Norse heritage, culminating in the burning of a replica Viking galley.
The abolition of gender restrictions began last year, when women and girls first took part in the procession.
For the first time, women and girls will join the main "squad" at the head of the procession through the town.
It is an important change to the event which is incredibly important to the people of Shetland.
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