Hundreds of costumed guizers carrying torches took to the streets of a Scottish island during the annual Up Helly Aa festival.

Originating in the 1880s, the tradition which celebrates Shetland's Norse heritage sees around 900 guizers drag a Viking galley through the streets of Lerwick, led by a horde of 'Vikings'.

The festival, that attracts thousands of revelers each year, culminates in the burning of the Viking galley. — Photos by Agencies