Locality Profiles - Online Versions

Shetland South

Shetland South ranges from Gulberwick to Sumburgh, and includes the UK’s most remote island, Fair Isle. There are clusters of communities, from growing townships to smaller villages. There is a public transport bus route from Lerwick to Sumburgh Airport, which links into the Fair Isle ferry at Grutness. Buses also connect with other settlements, as do taxis throughout  the area.

The main settlements are: Gulberwick, Quarff, Cunningsburgh, Sandwick, Levenwick, Bigton, Scousburgh, Dunrossness and Sumburgh. Shetland South has numerous archaeological, heritage and protected natural environment sites. Industries include agriculture, crofting, marine and construction. Shetland’s main airport in Sumburgh provides employment opportunities, connecting Shetland with mainland UK, Kirkwall and seasonally, Norway. The airport supports the operation of Oil and Gas Industries flights, lifeline NHS services and HM Coastguard.

There is a junior high school in Sandwick, and primary schools in Cunningsburgh, Dunrossness and Fair Isle. There is a Health Centre in Levenwick and a swimming pool in Sandwick. Community facilities include shops, post offices, café restaurants, social clubs, youth and community centres, Churches, visitor centres and artist studios. There are many community events, including the Cunningsburgh Show, Shetland’s largest agricultural show.

Measure Data Update
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Population Change

 In 2021, there was a 2% increase in population over 10 years, the Shetland population overall declined by 1% in this time.
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Population Total

 In 2021, there were 4,494 people living in Shetland South, 20% of Shetland’s population.
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Population aged over 65

 In 2021, 19.6% of the population were aged 65 and over, lower than the Shetland average of 21.8% and 5.8% more than 10 years ago.
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Population aged under 16

 In 2021, 19.6% of the population were under 16 years old, higher than the Shetland average of 17.9% and 2.9% less than 10 years previously.
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Children in Poverty

 In 2021-22, 10.7% of children were living in poverty, lower 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, 5.9% 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 23.4% higher than the Shetland average and 27.7% more than the Scottish average.
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Average House Price

 In 2022, the average house price was £205,400, the Shetland average was £178,000.
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International Designations

 There are 6 sites considered the best for Wildlife in Europe (international designations).
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Local Nature Conservation Sites

 There are 10 Local Nature Conservation Sites.
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Sites of Special Scientific Interest

 There are 9 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
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Growing and Eating own Produce

 In 2021, 30% 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, 20.8% 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, 60% of the population reported being physically active on 5+ days per week, the Shetland average was 58%.
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Loneliness

 In 2021, 19% of the population reported feeling lonely, the Shetland average was 17%.
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School Roll

 In 2023, the School Roll was 401.
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Participation Rate

 In 2023, 95.5% 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. A separate profile for Fair Isle is also available.

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