Locality Profiles - Bressay Online Profile

Bressay Profile

The island of Bressay lies on Shetland’s east side, a 7-minute ferry journey from Lerwick.

Bressay’s croft-dotted landscape has areas of wild bird, seal and otter populations, beaches and sites of geological and historical interest. From the island there are views across Bressay Sound of Lerwick, especially from the Bressay Lighthouse, which has stood at the entrance to the ‘Sooth Mooth’ for over 150 years. To the east coast of Bressay lies the island of Noss, a National Nature Reserve and one of the most important seabird colonies in Europe

The community puts on events throughout the year and facilities include: a community hall, marina and caravan park, woodland at Brough Loch, football pitch, playpark and heritage centre. The Speldiburn Community Hub, run by Bressay Development Limited, houses a café, Good as New Shop and studio spaces. A fortnightly Healthcare Support Worker Service and a weekly Living Well Hub also run from the building. There is a shop and post office at Mail, and a licensed hotel and restaurant with a bar, situated close to the Bressay ferry terminal at Maryfield. The island is ideal for walking and cycling and Bressay hosts the UK’s most Northerly Parkrun every week, welcoming visitors from all over the world

There is a weekly shopper bus and another service which runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Bressay comes under the Lerwick North and Bressay Ward and has its own Community Council.

Measure Data Update
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Jobs in Bressay

 In 2024, there were around 80 jobs in Bressay, which were a mixture of full and part time positions. These included service roles, crofting, hospitality, agriculture, fisheries, care, creative industries, tourism and retail.
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Population Total

 In 2022, there were 348 residents.
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Population aged over 65

 In 2022, 30.5% of the population were aged 65 and over.
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Population aged under 16

 In 2022, 9.5% of the population were under 16 years old.
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School aged children

 In 2024, there were around 30 school aged children in Bressay, 9% of the population.
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Population change

 There was a 5.4% decrease in population between 2011 and 2022, the Shetland population declined by 1%.
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Median Income

 In 2022, median income was reported as 14.3% lower than the Shetland average and 11.3% less than the Scottish average.
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Volunteering

 In 2024, there were at least 10 voluntary groups and organisations with 100+ volunteer roles in a variety of fields. Some residents fulfil a number of roles.

Data Sources: CACI Paycheck 2022; Scottish Census 2022; Scottish Census 2011; Community data is provided to the Council by the Bressay community (through Bressay Development Limited) in response to engagement with them, 2024. Population data is produced by using the Scottish Census 2022. As this is only repeated every 10 years, future profiles may use data gathered by the Bressay Community. Population estimates for 2024, from the Bressay Community are 328; this may be used as the figure for comparison should community estimates be gathered for future profiles.