Locality Profiles - Online Versions
Lerwick & Bressay
Lerwick and Bressay sit either side of the Bressay Sound, creating a natural harbour in Lerwick which is busy year round with fishing vessels, ferries and more recently, increasing
numbers of cruise ships.
Lerwick, Shetland’s Capital town, is home to over a quarter of Shetland’s population. A base for many businesses and services, it is also the main transport hub for buses and for the ferry to mainland Scotland. Lerwick is a vibrant community with many facilities including a hospital; health centre; leisure centre; community centre; the UK’s most northerly music, cinema and creative industries centre; museum; supermarkets, shops, restaurants and services. Each year, various festivals with events
throughout Shetland, attracts masses of visitors to Lerwick. Lerwick is home to a high school, two primary schools and UHI Shetland’s Lerwick Campus.
The island of Bressay lies east of the sound, separated from Lerwick by a 5 minute ferry journey. Bressay has several community facilities, including a community hall, football pitch, and heritage centre. Bressay Development Limited’s Speldiburn premise houses a Community Office, Café, Good As New shop, studio space and an NHS approved facility. Bressay hosts the UK’s most Northerly ParkRun event, weekly, welcoming visitors from all over the world.
Measure | Data Update |
---|---|
Population Change |
In 2021, there was a 7% decrease in population over 10 years, the Shetland population overall has declined by 1% in this time. |
Population Total |
In 2021, there were 6,848 people living in Lerwick & Bressay, 30% of Shetland’s population. |
Population aged over 65 |
In 2021, 22.8% of the population were aged 65 and over, higher than the Shetland average of 21.8% and 5% more than 10 years previously. |
Population aged under 16 |
In 2021, 15.1% of the population were under 16 years old, lower than the Shetland average of 17.9% and 2.1% less than 10 years previously. |
Children in Poverty |
In 2021-22, 15.1% of children were living in poverty, higher than the Shetland average of 11.6%. |
Cost of Living |
The cost of living is up to 13% lower than the Shetland average and up to 26% higher than the UK average. |
Out of Work Benefits |
In 2021-22, 12% of the population claimed out of work benefits, the Shetland average was 8.8%. |
Median Income |
In 2022, median income was reported as 3.1% lower than the Shetland average and 0.4% less than the Scottish average. |
Average House Price |
In 2022, the average house price was £196,493, the Shetland average was £178,000. |
International Designations |
There are 2 sites considered the best for Wildlife in Europe (international designations). |
Local Nature Conservation Sites |
There are 2 Local Nature Conservation Sites. |
Sites of Special Scientific Interest |
There are 2 Sites of Special Scientific Interest. |
Growing and Eating own Produce |
In 2021, 15% of the population reported growing and eating their own produce, the Shetland average was 30%. |
Drinking at a harmful or hazardous level |
In 2021, 17.9% of the population reported drinking alcohol at a harmful or hazardous level, the Shetland average was 17.7%. |
Physically Active 5+ days a week |
In 2021, 53% of the population reported being physically active on 5+ days per week, the Shetland average was 58%. |
Loneliness |
In 2021, 18% of the population reported feeling lonely, the Shetland average was 17%. |
School Roll |
In 2023, the School Roll was 1,597. |
Participation Rate |
In 2023, 96.9% of 16-19 year olds were in education, training or employment, the Shetland average was 97.4%. |
Locality Profiles are intended to be useful for both communities and partners to provide detailed information at a local level, for purposes including service redesign, local plans and maximising opportunities to seek external funding to support community development. Profiles have been created for each of the 7 localities in Shetland. Statistics should be treated with caution due to small numbers, and figures can fluctuate significantly. A profile for Bressay will be made available soon.
Published December 2023