Shetland (formerly Zetland) is group of islands in the extreme north of Scotland, consisting of the inhabited islands of Bressay, East Burra, Fair Isle, Fetlar, Foula, Muckle Flugga, Muckle Roe, Noss, Out Skerries, Papa Stour, Trondra, Unst, Vaila, West Burra, Whalsay, and Yell. It also includes the town of Lerwick, which was a burgh between 1818 and 1975. Zetland County Council was established by the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889, taking over powers from the Commissioners of Supply, County Road Trust, and other local authorities. The County Council was abolished in 1975 by the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1973, and replaced by the Shetland Islands Council.

Shetland was often called 'Zetland' from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries. For more information click here.

Archive services
Thge principal repository for Shetland is Shetland Archives. Other records relating to Shetland are held by the National Archives of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland.
Further information about these archives can be found in the SCAN Directory.

Local studies libraries
Shetland Library, Lower Hillhead, Lerwick ZE1 0EL

Family History Societies
Shetland Family History Society
Further information about this society can be found in the SCAN Directory.

Historical records

County Council records
County Constabulary records
Medical Officer of Health reports
Vehicle Licensing Records
Valuation Rolls

Sheriffdoms
JP court records
Register of sasines
Other records

Contributors
Brian Smith (Shetland Archives), Robin Urquhart (SCAN)