Locality Profiles - Online Versions

Shetland Profile

Shetland is an archipelago in the North Sea, sitting at a latitude of 60 degrees north. There is a population of 22,900, with communities spread throughout. Shetland is known for its unique culture, with its own dialect; for its wildlife, beautiful coast, varied landscape, geology and heritage; and events such as the Up Helly Aa Fire Festivals, Shetland Wool Week and the Shetland Folk Festival. Volunteering is important to communities across Shetland.

There are 7 localities within Shetland; Shetland Central, Shetland North, Shetland South, Shetland West, Lerwick and Bressay, Yell, Unst & Fetlar, and Whalsay & Skerries. For each locality there is a separate profile with information specific to those areas, with additional profiles for the smaller isles.

Infrastructure and facilities vary throughout Shetland. There are 29 Schools, including 2 high schools, 4 junior high schools and 23 primary schools. Shops range from local stores to larger chain supermarkets; and there are an abundance of community facilities, including 47 community halls. Health centres can be found across all localities as well as leisure centres.

Transport around Shetland includes bus routes, ferries to the islands and flights to two of the remote islands. Getting to and from Shetland is by overnight ferry from Aberdeen or Kirkwall, or by flight (leaving and arriving at Sumburgh Airport).

Measure Data Update
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Population Change

 In 2021, there was a 1.2% decrease in population over 10 years, the Scotland population overall has increased by 2.7% in this time.
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Population Total

 22,900 people were living in Shetland in 2022.
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Population aged over 65

 In 2021, 21.8% of the population were aged 65 and over, 5.5% more than 10 years ago. In Scotland 20.1% were aged 65 and over, 3.2% more than a decade ago.
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Population aged under 16

 In 2021, 17.9% of the population were under 16 years old, 1.4% less than a decade ago. In Scotland 16.6% were aged under 16, 0.7% less than a decade ago.
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Children in Poverty

 In 2021-22, 11.6% of children were living in poverty, lower than the Scottish average of 20.8%.
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Cost of Living

 The cost of living is 20-65% higher than the UK average.
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Out of Work Benefits

 In 2021-22, 8.8% of the population claimed out of work benefits, the Scottish average was 14.8%.
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Median Income

 In 2022, median income was £34,251, this was 3% higher than the Scottish average of £33,095.
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Average House Price

 In 2022, the average house price was £178,000, the Scottish average was £180,000.
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International Designations

 There are 32 sites considered the best for Wildlife in Europe (International Designations).
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Local Nature Conservation Sites

 There are 49 Local Nature Conservation Sites.
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Sites of Special Scientific Interest

 There are 78 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.
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Drinking at a harmful or hazardous level

 In 2021, 17.7% of the population reported drinking alcohol at a harmful or hazardous level, the Scottish average, based on the Scottish Health Survey, was 23%.
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Physically Active 5+ days a week

 In 2021, 58% of the population reported being physically active on 5+ days per week.
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Loneliness

 In 2021, 17% of the population reported feeling lonely, the Scottish average, based on the Scottish Household Survey, was 35%.
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School Roll

 In 2023, the School Roll was 3587.
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Participation Rate

 In 2023, 97.4% of 16-19 year olds were in education, training or employment, the Scottish average was 94.3%.

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. This Shetland Profile includes the data at a Shetland level, compared to Scotland where possible. The Profiles created for each of the 7 localities compare to the Shetland figures where possible.

Data Sources: CACI Paycheck 2022; Highlands and Islands Enterprise - Minimum Income Standard 2016; Improvement Service 2023; National Records Scotland (NRS) Population estimates 2021, Rounded Population estimates (Scotland's Census) 2022; 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; Scottish Health Survey 2021; Scottish Household Survey 2020. Definitions , full details and links can be found on the Shetland Partnership website.

 

Published December 2023