Locality Profiles - Online Versions

Shetland West

Shetland West spans from Tresta to Sandness, Aith to Skeld and includes the remote islands of Foula and Papa Stour. The coastline varies from dramatic cliffs to long, sea lochs, or 'voes', reaching far into a landscape of heathery hills and green crofts. There is a ferry service to Papa Stour, and ferry and air services to Foula.

The main settlements are: Tresta, Bixter, Aith, Reawick, Skeld, Walls and Sandness. A strong crofting community, aquaculture is also important, with many fish and shellfish farms and inshore fishing boats. Textiles also play an significant role here. The area is served by a Junior High School in Aith and Primary schools in Skeld, Walls and Sandness.

Facilities include health centres in Walls and Bixter, and there is a shop, pier, marina and leisure centre in Aith. There are shops in Bixter and Walls, as well as a veterinary surgery in Bixter. In Sandness there is a textiles mill. There are several piers, marinas, and a range of community run facilities throughout the area. Shetland West is also home to Michaelswood in Aith, and Da Gairdins located in Sand.

Measure Data Update
A green circle with a white icon of 3 figures inside a circle, with two curved arrows around each side.

Population Change

 In 2021, there was a 4% increase in population over 10 years, the Shetland population overall declined by 1% in this time.
A green circle with three figures outlined in white, with a dotted white circle around them.

Population Total

 In 2021, there were 2,246 people living in Shetland West, 10% of Shetland's overall population.
A green circle with two white figures inside.

Population aged over 65

 In 2021, 19.7% of the population were aged 65 and over, lower than the Shetland average of 21.8% and 3% more than 10 years previously.
A green circle with six white figures depicting young people inside.

Population aged under 16

 In 2021, 19.9% of the population were  under 16 years old, higher than the Shetland average of 17.9% and 1.3% less than 10 years previously.
A green circle with 3 white figures inside - a parent in the middle with two children either side.

Children in Poverty

 In 2021-22, 11.4% of children in Shetland West were living in poverty, this is lower than the Shetland average of 11.6%.
A green circle with a white bag inside it with a green pound sign on it.

Cost of Living

 The cost of living is up to 8% higher than the Shetland average, and up to 55% higher than the UK average.
A green circle with a white icon inside, depicting three figuers, a house, money and health symbol.

Out of Work Benefits

 In 2021-22, 6.4% of the population were claiming out of work benefits, the Shetland average was 8.8%.
A green cicrle with a white depiction of a pile of coins next to a pound sign inside.

Median Income

 In 2022, median income was reported as 1.9% lower than the Shetland average, and 1.6% higher than the Scottish average.
A green circle with a white outline of a house inside.

Average House Price

 In 2022, the average house price was £175,450, the Shetland average was £178,000.
A green circle with the outline of two white overlapping leaves inside.

International Designations

 There are 5 sites considered the best for wildlife in Europe (international designations).
A green circle with a white pond and plant outline inside.

Local Nature Conservation Sites

 There are 5 Local Nature Conservation Sites.
A green circle with a with outline of a plant in soil.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

 There are 17 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
A green circle with a white outline of a veg box inside.

Growing and Eating own Produce

 In 2021, 36% of the population reported growing and eating their own produce, the Shetland average was 30%.
A green circle with a white bottle and glass inside.

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%.
A green circle with a shite running stick figure inside.

Physically Active 5+ days a week

 In 2021, 61% of the population reported being physically active on 5+ days per week, the Shetland average was 58%.
A green circle with a white stick figure depicted inside with their head in their hands.

Loneliness

 In 2021, 16% of the population reported feeling lonely, the Shetland average was 17%.
A green circle with the white outline of a school bag inside it.

School Roll

 In 2023, the School Roll was 301.
A green circle with white outlines of a person reading, a person teaching, a mortar board and a briefcase inside.

Participation Rate

 In 2023, 97.9% of 16-19 year olds were in education, training or employment. The Shetland average was 97.4%.
A green circle with the white outline of a bus and a clock inside.

Barrier to Active Travel

 In 2021, 54% of the population cited unsuitable bus routes or times as a barrier to using active travel options.

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. Separate profiles are available for Foula and Papa Stour.

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