Locality Profiles - Online Versions

Shetland Central

Covering Whiteness and Weisdale, Scalloway, Burra, Trondra, Tingwall and Girlsta, the Shetland Central Locality contains a variety of communities, with a growing population. A rich agricultural area, there is abundant farming land; aquaculture and fisheries play an important part too.

Some communities have little infrastructure, whereas others have a range of facilities. The main settlements are accessible by bus, approximately 10-20 minutes by car from Lerwick. There are four primary schools, in Hamnavoe, Tingwall, Scalloway and Whiteness.

Shetland’s Ancient Capital, Scalloway, has well established childcare, a health centre, swimming pool, shops, grocers, hairdressers, restaurants, caravan park and a museum. The harbour, home to the Scalloway Fish Market, plays an important role in fisheries, aquaculture and the oil and gas industries. UHI Shetland’s Scalloway campus is also key to the marine industries.

The islands of Trondra, and East and West Burra are linked by bridge, encompassing boat marinas, harbour, farms, beaches and arts and crafts studios. The airport linking the outer isles is located in Tingwall, as is a garden centre. In Whiteness and Weisdale there are shops, craft studios, a gallery, a restored mill and Shetland’s largest woodland.

Measure Data Update
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Population Change

 In 2021, there was a 9% increase 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 3,494 people living in Shetland Central, 15% of Shetland’s population
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Population aged over 65

 In 2021, 18.7% of the population were aged 65 and over, lower than the Shetland average of 21.8% and 5.5% more than 10 years ago.
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Population aged under 16

 In 2021, 19.2% of the population were under 16 years old, higher than the Shetland average of 17.9% and 0.2% more than a decade ago.
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Children in Poverty

 In 2021-22, 12.9% 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 8% lower than the Shetland average and up to 33% higher than the UK average.
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Out of Work Benefits

 In 2021-22, 9.1% 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 13.2% higher than the Shetland average and 17.1% more than the Scottish average.
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Average House Price

 In 2022, the average house price was £207,583, the Shetland average was £178,000.
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International Designations

 There are 3 sites considered the best for Wildlife in Europe (international designations).
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Local Nature Conservation Sites

 There are 6 Local Nature Conservation Sites.
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Sites of Special Scientific Interest

 There are 3 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
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Growing and Eating own Produce

 In 2021, 34% 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, 14.4% 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, 64% of the population reported being physically active on 5+ days per week, the Shetland average was 58%.
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Loneliness

 In 2021, 20% of the population reported feeling lonely, the Shetland average was 17%.
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School Roll

 In 2023, the School Roll was 426.
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Participation Rate

 In 2023, 97.5% 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.

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