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
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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.
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Population Total

 In 2021, there were 6,848 people living in Lerwick & Bressay, 30% of Shetland’s population.
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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.
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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.
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Children in Poverty

 In 2021-22, 15.1% of children were living in poverty, higher than the Shetland average of 11.6%.
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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.
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Out of Work Benefits

 In 2021-22, 12% of the population claimed out of work benefits, the Shetland average was 8.8%.
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Median Income

 In 2022, median income was reported as 3.1% lower than the Shetland average and 0.4% less than the Scottish average.
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Average House Price

 In 2022, the average house price was £196,493, the Shetland average was £178,000.
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International Designations

 There are 2 sites considered the best for Wildlife in Europe (international designations).
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Local Nature Conservation Sites

 There are 2 Local Nature Conservation Sites.
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Sites of Special Scientific Interest

 There are 2 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
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Growing and Eating own Produce

 In 2021, 15% of the population reported growing and eating their own produce, the Shetland average was 30%.
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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%.
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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%.
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Loneliness

 In 2021, 18% of the population reported feeling lonely, the Shetland average was 17%.
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School Roll

 In 2023, the School Roll was 1,597.
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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.

Data Sources: CACI Paycheck 2022; Highlands and Islands Enterprise - Minimum Income Standard 2016; Improvement Service 2023; National Records Scotland (NRS) Population estimates 2021; NHS Shetland Population Health Survey 2021; Scottish Government: House Prices - Residential Properties Sales and Price 2022; Shetland Islands Council Local Development Plan 2014 Appendix III Environmental Baseline; Shetland Islands Council 2023; Skills Development Scotland, Annual Participation Measure 2023. Definitions, full details and links can be found on the Shetland Partnership website.

 

Published December 2023