Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 23 August 1997 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
2 digital audio files (duration 46 minutes 5 seconds and 33 minutes), 1 pdf file
Context area
Name of creator
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Recording and partial transcript of conversation between Callum Brown and Terry and Ann Johnson (pseudonyms), 23 August 1997. Ann Johnson was originally from Central Scotland and moved to Lerwick with husband Terry in 1985. They discuss moving to Lerwick and first impressions of Up-helly-aa festival. They also describe 'hamefarins' where people with connections to Shetland return to the island. Terry describes his lasting impressions of the festival, the preparations undertaken by squads for the festival, the secretive nature of the preparations, and the festival's connection to drinking alcohol. The make-up of Up-helly-aa squads is discussed as well as the costume preparations and the role of women in costume creation. Terry describes Up-helly-aa's place in the school curriculum, the role of the Jarl throughout the year, and discusses the content of the sketches performed by the squads.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
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Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Redacted transcript only can be made available for research in compliance with the wishes of the interviewees.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
- English