Life in Lerwick

Yes. Lerwick is a popular choice for families thanks to its excellent schools, healthcare and leisure facilities. Families can choose from Bell's Brae Primary School in the town centre and Sound Primary School in South Lerwick, before progressing to Anderson High School, which serves pupils from across the islands.

Further education, vocational training and degree-level study are available through UHI Shetland, while a range of childcare providers and adult learning opportunities support lifelong learning. With excellent sports facilities, healthcare and community activities, Lerwick provides an excellent environment for children and young people.

As Shetland's commercial centre, Lerwick offers the widest range of employment opportunities in the islands.

The Shetland Islands Council and NHS Shetland are the town's largest employers, with both organisations headquartered in Lerwick alongside Gilbert Bain Hospital. Lerwick is also home to the big trusts, which coordinate much of the leisure activity across the islands.

The harbour continues to support fishing, marine engineering, logistics, energy and offshore services, while tourism, retail, hospitality, education, construction and professional services all make significant contributions to the local economy.

Lerwick is situated in the Central Mainland and is well connected to the rest of Shetland and beyond.

Public transport connections include:

• Regular bus services across Mainland Shetland

• Ferry link to the island of Bressay

• Daily overnight ferry services to Aberdeen

• Frequent flights from Sumburgh Airport – a 40-minute drive away – to mainland Scotland

These links make it easy to travel for work, study or leisure.

Despite being Shetland's largest settlement, Lerwick retains a strong sense of community. Local clubs, sports teams, music groups and volunteer organisations provide plenty of opportunities to get involved, while festivals and events throughout the year celebrate the traditions, creativity and culture that make Shetland unique.

Mareel, Shetland's arts and music venue, hosts concerts, cinema screenings, exhibitions, and community events, while the Shetland Museum, Shetland Library and independent businesses contribute to a lively cultural scene.

Lerwick is a popular choice for people relocating to Shetland because it combines strong job opportunities, excellent amenities, good schools and healthcare – as well as easy access to nature.

Lerwick has a lively and sociable nightlife, with a mix of traditional pubs, live music venues, restaurants and late-opening bars. Many places host regular live music, reflecting Shetland’s strong musical tradition, while venues such as Mareel offer concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

The town’s pubs and bars are popular meeting places, and it’s common to find informal music sessions or live bands in the bars around town. While Lerwick’s nightlife is smaller in scale than a city, it has a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to socialise.

There's always something happening in Lerwick. Families can enjoy swimming, indoor sports and fitness activities at Clickimin Leisure Complex, catch the latest film or a live performance at Mareel, visit the library and museum, or take part in one of the many sports clubs and community groups.

Play parks, beaches and coastal walks are all close by, while the busy harbour offers plenty to see throughout the year, from fishing boats and cruise ships to visiting tall ships and wildlife. Annual events, including Up Helly Aa and community festivals, ensure there's always something to look forward to.

Lerwick is home to Clickimin Leisure Complex, one of the best-equipped sports facilities in Scotland's island communities. The complex includes swimming pools, a fitness suite, sports halls, an athletics track and outdoor pitches, supporting everything from casual exercise to competitive sport.

Alongside organised clubs for football, rugby, hockey, netball, athletics, gymnastics and swimming, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy walking, cycling, running, sailing, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

One of the biggest advantages of living in Lerwick is how quickly you can reach the natural landscapes that make Shetland special. Coastal walks, beaches and wildlife are all close by, making it easy to balance work and community life with time outdoors.

A walk around the Knab, a stroll along the waterfront or a visit to the Sands of Sound can all become part of your daily routine. With the coast on your doorstep, it's easy to make the most of Shetland's spectacular scenery and wildlife.

Lerwick has a lively food and drink scene, with a wide choice of cafes, restaurants, pubs and takeaways to suit every taste.

In the town centre, popular favourites include the Peerie Shop Cafe, C'est la Vie, The Dowry and No 88 Kitchen & Bar. At the Olive Tree and Skipidock Cafe in the Toll Clock Shopping Centre, you'll find relaxed cafes that are popular with locals for breakfast, lunch and coffee.

In South Lerwick, Fjarå Café Bar overlooks the sea and is a favourite spot for coffee, lunch or dinner. You'll also find restaurants at both the Lerwick Hotel and Shetland Hotel, alongside a choice of Indian and Chinese restaurants and a variety of welcoming pubs and takeaways.

Many businesses make the most of Shetland's outstanding local produce, particularly fresh seafood, so whether you're looking for a quick coffee, a family meal or somewhere special to celebrate an occasion, you'll find plenty of choice throughout Lerwick.