The Central Mainland combines the convenience of village living with easy access to the rest of Shetland. The area includes the communities of Tingwall, Whiteness, Weisdale, Scalloway, Trondra and Burra, each with its own identity and character.

Central Mainland at a glance
Location

West of Lerwick on Shetland Mainland, including Tingwall, Whiteness, Weisdale, Scalloway, Trondra and Burra.

Population

Around 3,500 people live across the Central Mainland locality, which includes Scalloway, Tingwall, Trondra, Burra, Whiteness and Weisdale. Scalloway has approximately 1,200 residents.

Communities

Scalloway, Tingwall, Trondra, East Burra, West Burra (including Hamnavoe) and surrounding settlements.

Transport links

Excellent road connections across Mainland Shetland, with bridges linking Trondra and Burra to the mainland, and Lerwick is around 10 minutes from Scalloway.

On your doorstep

Scalloway Harbour, Minn and Meal beaches, Scalloway Museum, UHI Shetland's Scalloway Campus, coastal walks, boating and kayaking.

While the area is referred to as the Central Mainland, Trondra and Burra are islands, connected to the mainland by bridges. This gives the area a distinctive mix of mainland villages and island communities, all within easy reach of one another.

Rolling farmland, sheltered harbours, sandy beaches and dramatic coastline are all part of this area, and Lerwick is less than 15 minutes away by road for work, shopping and wider services.

Scalloway

Once Shetland's capital, Scalloway is now the main service centre for the Central Mainland. The village has everything needed for day-to-day life, including The Checkout general store, Scalloway Meat Company, a health centre, pharmacy and hotel.

Places to eat include The Cornerstone, Da Haaf Restaurant and the Scalloway Hotel, making the village a popular place to meet friends, enjoy a coffee or dine out.

The working harbour continues to support fishing, aquaculture and marine industries, while Scalloway Museum, the marina and the busy Scalloway Boating Club reflect the village's long connection with the sea.

Families are well served by Scalloway Primary School and UHI Shetland's Scalloway Campus provides specialist education and training in marine science, aquaculture and fisheries. The campus works closely with industry, supporting careers in sectors that are central to Shetland's economy.

Scalloway is a busy village in Shetland's Central Mainland

Trondra

Connected to Scalloway on the mainland by bridge, Trondra combines island living with excellent accessibility. The island sits between Scalloway and Burra, meaning shops, healthcare, schools and other amenities are only a few minutes away.

Surrounded by sheltered voes and overlooking the Scalloway Islands, Trondra is well suited to those who enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, walking or simply spending time by the sea. Its location offers a peaceful setting while remaining well connected to the rest of Mainland Shetland.

Burra

East and West Burra are connected to Trondra by bridge and are known for their spectacular coastline, sheltered harbours and beautiful beaches.

The main settlement of Hamnavoe has a primary school and Halcrow's Shop. The islands are also home to Minn Beach and Meal Beach, two of Shetland's favourite beaches, which are popular for walking, swimming and exploring the shoreline.

Boating, fishing, kayaking and wildlife watching all form part of everyday life in Burra, while Scalloway and Lerwick remain within easy reach by road.

Burra has two beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities for coastal pursuits

Tingwall

Tingwall offers a peaceful rural setting just a short drive from both Scalloway and Lerwick. The district includes the settlements of Veensgarth, Gott and surrounding rural communities, with a mix of family homes, crofts and farmland.

The area is known for its open countryside and lochs, while Tingwall Airport provides scheduled flights to Shetland's outer islands. Law Ting Holm, where Shetland's early parliament once met, offers a reminder of the area's Norse heritage. Asta Golf Course, a scenic nine-hole course overlooking Asta Loch, is a popular spot for golfers throughout the year.

For those looking for a quieter pace of life without being far from schools, employment or services, Tingwall offers the best of both worlds.

Whiteness and Weisdale

West of Tingwall are the communities of Whiteness and Weisdale. Whiteness has two local shops, including a supermarket with a filling station, and Whiteness Primary School, which also serves families in Weisdale. Strom Park is home to Whitedale Football Club, which competes in Shetland's football leagues.

Travelling north through Weisdale, the landscape changes. Sheltered by Weisdale Hill and home to the woodland at Kergord, the area has a very different feel from much of Shetland, with trees, wildflowers and a rich variety of wildlife.

Weisdale is also home to Bonhoga Gallery, a contemporary arts venue with a cafe overlooking the burn, and Shetland Jewellery, where locally inspired jewellery is designed and made.

  • Is Central Mainland a good place to raise a family?

    The Central Mainland is a popular choice for families thanks to its schools, local services and easy access to Lerwick.

    Children attend Scalloway Primary School or Hamnavoe Primary School before moving on to secondary education in Lerwick. Families also benefit from a health centre and pharmacy in Scalloway, local sports clubs, community halls and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Who are the main employers in the Central Mainland?

    Scalloway is one of Shetland's most important centres for fishing, aquaculture and marine industries, with many local businesses supporting these sectors.

    UHI Shetland's Scalloway Campus is recognised for its teaching and research in marine science, aquaculture and fisheries, helping students develop skills for careers in industries that are important across Shetland and beyond.

    Many residents also work in engineering, construction, education, hospitality and local businesses, while others commute to nearby Lerwick.

  • What healthcare servies are available in the Central Mainland?

    Residents have access to a range of healthcare services close to home. Scalloway Health Centre provides GP services, while the village also has a pharmacy.

    For hospital care and specialist services, Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick is around a 10–15 minute drive away. Dental practices, opticians and other healthcare providers are also easily accessible in Lerwick, giving residents convenient access to both local and specialist care.

  • What is there for families to see and do?

    There's plenty to enjoy throughout the year. Minn Beach and Meal Beach in Burra are popular places for swimming, picnics and exploring the shoreline, while there are also plenty of opportunities for coastal walks, boating, kayaking and fishing.

    The area has a wide range of clubs and activities for children and adults, including football, hockey, rowing, sailing, volleyball and badminton. Scalloway Boating Club is at the heart of many activities on the water, while local rowing clubs keep Shetland's maritime traditions alive.

    Families can also visit Scalloway Museum, enjoy the harbour and marina, or spend time at Gaada in Burra, an arts space which hosts community events and activities throughout the year. In Weisdale, there's Bonhoga Gallery and woodland walks around Kergord, while there's golf at Asta Golf Course and local football at Whiteness's Strom Park.

    The annual Scalloway Fire Festival each winter and the Scalloway Foy each summer are highlights of the local calendar, bringing residents and visitors together for celebrations, entertainment and family activities.

  • Is there a good choice of places to eat and drink?

    Scalloway offers a good selection of places to eat and drink. Popular local favourites include The Cornerstone, Da Haaf Restaurant and the Scalloway Hotel, offering everything from coffee and home baking to relaxed lunches and evening meals.

    For everyday shopping, residents use The Checkout general store in Scalloway and Halcrow's Shop in Hamnavoe, while Scalloway Meat Company is well known for its quality local produce.

  • What is community life like in Central Mainland?

    There are plenty of opportunities to get involved through local clubs, sports organisations, community halls and volunteer groups.

    The Scalloway Boating Club has a busy programme on and off the water, while annual events such as the Scalloway Fire Festival and Scalloway Foy are an important part of the local calendar. Across Tingwall, Trondra and Burra, community organisations and local venues, including Gaada, host activities and events throughout the year.

  • Can you enjoy the outdoors while living in Central Mainland?

    The coast is never far away in Central Mainland. Beaches, sheltered voes, coastal paths and open countryside provide opportunities for walking, cycling, boating, kayaking, fishing and wildlife watching throughout the year.

    Minn Beach and Meal Beach are among Shetland's best-loved beaches, while Asta Golf Course offers a scenic nine-hole course set among the lochs and hills of Tingwall. Scalloway Harbour, the coastline around Trondra and the countryside of Tingwall all provide easy ways to enjoy the outdoors close to home.

Discover more about the Central Mainland

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