Services in Shetland
Fire service
In 2025 there were 14 retained fire stations located in Shetland, staffed by a core of 8.5 whole-time staff based in Lerwick and 118 on call staff throughout its stations.
There were 175 fire service incidents in 2024/25, 79 of which were false alarms, either due to apparatus or good intent.
Police service
Shetland currently has 3 police stations, in Lerwick, Brae and Yell.
In 2024/25 there was:
- 807 crimes and offences recorded
- A crime rate of 351 crimes per 10,000 population, which was lower than the Scottish average of 866 per 10,000 population
Water and waste water service
In 2025 there was:
- 4,580,000,000 litres of mains water supplied, an average daily demand of 12,550,000 litres
- 1,070km of water mains, servicing 11,523 domestic and 1,253 non-domestic connections
- 313km of sewers
- 10 water treatment works and 82 wastewater treatment plants
Digital connectivity
To check broadband, 3G and 4G coverage across Shetland, follow the links below:
Broadband coverage
3G and 4G coverage