Shetland Elects
@shetlandelects.bsky.social
Covering elections and public opinion in the Shetland islands (and sometimes elsewhere).
Shetland Times poll:
Would you support a ban on under-16s using social media?
Yes: 73%
No: 27%
Period: 31 January - 7 February 2026
Sample size: 51
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Would you support a ban on under-16s using social media?
Yes: 73%
No: 27%
Period: 31 January - 7 February 2026
Sample size: 51
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
February 7, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Would you support a ban on under-16s using social media?
Yes: 73%
No: 27%
Period: 31 January - 7 February 2026
Sample size: 51
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Would you support a ban on under-16s using social media?
Yes: 73%
No: 27%
Period: 31 January - 7 February 2026
Sample size: 51
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Yesterday, Shetland Islands Council flew the Progress Pride flag over Lerwick Town Hall "to mark Pride History Month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community".
Source: Shetland Islands Council
Source: Shetland Islands Council
February 7, 2026 at 12:22 PM
Yesterday, Shetland Islands Council flew the Progress Pride flag over Lerwick Town Hall "to mark Pride History Month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community".
Source: Shetland Islands Council
Source: Shetland Islands Council
The latest projections for Orkney and Shetland's Westminster constituency suggest that the Liberal Democrats maintain a decisive lead, while the SNP and Reform UK fight for second place.
Note: these projections all apply Scottish-level polling onto Shetland, rather than directly poll Shetlanders.
Note: these projections all apply Scottish-level polling onto Shetland, rather than directly poll Shetlanders.
February 1, 2026 at 4:06 PM
The latest projections for Orkney and Shetland's Westminster constituency suggest that the Liberal Democrats maintain a decisive lead, while the SNP and Reform UK fight for second place.
Note: these projections all apply Scottish-level polling onto Shetland, rather than directly poll Shetlanders.
Note: these projections all apply Scottish-level polling onto Shetland, rather than directly poll Shetlanders.
After coming first in Shetland's regional list vote for the first time in 2021, the SNP have slipped back into second place in the Shetland Elects indicative projections. The Liberal Democrats remain in the lead, while Reform UK have risen to third place.
January 31, 2026 at 12:38 PM
After coming first in Shetland's regional list vote for the first time in 2021, the SNP have slipped back into second place in the Shetland Elects indicative projections. The Liberal Democrats remain in the lead, while Reform UK have risen to third place.
Shetland Elects *indicative* Scottish Parliament regional list projection, January 2026:
Liberal Democrat: 31% (+1)
Scottish National Party: 24% (+1)
Reform UK: 19% (-1)
Green: 12% (-5)
Labour: 7% (+1)
Conservative: 4% (+1)
Alba: 2% (+1)
Sovereignty: 1% (+1)
+/- vs. December 2025
Liberal Democrat: 31% (+1)
Scottish National Party: 24% (+1)
Reform UK: 19% (-1)
Green: 12% (-5)
Labour: 7% (+1)
Conservative: 4% (+1)
Alba: 2% (+1)
Sovereignty: 1% (+1)
+/- vs. December 2025
January 31, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Shetland Elects *indicative* Scottish Parliament regional list projection, January 2026:
Liberal Democrat: 31% (+1)
Scottish National Party: 24% (+1)
Reform UK: 19% (-1)
Green: 12% (-5)
Labour: 7% (+1)
Conservative: 4% (+1)
Alba: 2% (+1)
Sovereignty: 1% (+1)
+/- vs. December 2025
Liberal Democrat: 31% (+1)
Scottish National Party: 24% (+1)
Reform UK: 19% (-1)
Green: 12% (-5)
Labour: 7% (+1)
Conservative: 4% (+1)
Alba: 2% (+1)
Sovereignty: 1% (+1)
+/- vs. December 2025
Shetland Times poll:
Should alcohol be banned from the lifeline ferry service?
Yes: 25%
No: 75%
Period: 24-31 January 2026
Sample size: 448
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should alcohol be banned from the lifeline ferry service?
Yes: 25%
No: 75%
Period: 24-31 January 2026
Sample size: 448
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
January 31, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Should alcohol be banned from the lifeline ferry service?
Yes: 25%
No: 75%
Period: 24-31 January 2026
Sample size: 448
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should alcohol be banned from the lifeline ferry service?
Yes: 25%
No: 75%
Period: 24-31 January 2026
Sample size: 448
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Jim Wallace, the inaugural Deputy First Minister of Scotland (1999-2005), Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats (1992 - 2005), MP for Orkney & Shetland (1983-2001), MSP for Orkney (1999-2007) & Moderator of the Church of Scotland (2021-22), among many other achievements, has died at the age of 71
January 29, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Jim Wallace, the inaugural Deputy First Minister of Scotland (1999-2005), Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats (1992 - 2005), MP for Orkney & Shetland (1983-2001), MSP for Orkney (1999-2007) & Moderator of the Church of Scotland (2021-22), among many other achievements, has died at the age of 71
Some election commentary on this year's Up Helly Aa bill...
January 27, 2026 at 9:25 AM
Some election commentary on this year's Up Helly Aa bill...
Shetland Times poll:
Should thousands of pounds of public money be spent on lighting up the Clickimin Broch?
Yes: 55%
No: 45%
Period: 16-24 January 2026
Sample size: 49
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should thousands of pounds of public money be spent on lighting up the Clickimin Broch?
Yes: 55%
No: 45%
Period: 16-24 January 2026
Sample size: 49
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
January 24, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Should thousands of pounds of public money be spent on lighting up the Clickimin Broch?
Yes: 55%
No: 45%
Period: 16-24 January 2026
Sample size: 49
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should thousands of pounds of public money be spent on lighting up the Clickimin Broch?
Yes: 55%
No: 45%
Period: 16-24 January 2026
Sample size: 49
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Average gross weekly income, 2025:
Shetland: £863.60
Edinburgh: £819.80
Orkney: £786.00
Western Isles: £780.30
Scotland: £775.60
Great Britain: £766.60
Shetland: £863.60
Edinburgh: £819.80
Orkney: £786.00
Western Isles: £780.30
Scotland: £775.60
Great Britain: £766.60
January 18, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Average gross weekly income, 2025:
Shetland: £863.60
Edinburgh: £819.80
Orkney: £786.00
Western Isles: £780.30
Scotland: £775.60
Great Britain: £766.60
Shetland: £863.60
Edinburgh: £819.80
Orkney: £786.00
Western Isles: £780.30
Scotland: £775.60
Great Britain: £766.60
Interestingly, gross weekly income in Shetland has been a lot "spikier" than in Scotland and Great Britain, but has nevertheless generally been a bit higher than the national averages. (Source: ONS)
January 18, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Interestingly, gross weekly income in Shetland has been a lot "spikier" than in Scotland and Great Britain, but has nevertheless generally been a bit higher than the national averages. (Source: ONS)
How have Shetland Elects' indicative projections for Shetland's Scottish Parliament constituency changed over time? With the caveat that the projections apply national polling onto Shetland's constituency, they show a strengthening position for the Liberal Democrats, mainly due to the SNP's decline.
January 18, 2026 at 11:38 AM
How have Shetland Elects' indicative projections for Shetland's Scottish Parliament constituency changed over time? With the caveat that the projections apply national polling onto Shetland's constituency, they show a strengthening position for the Liberal Democrats, mainly due to the SNP's decline.
To show Shetland's Scottish Parliament constituency projections another way
January 18, 2026 at 11:06 AM
To show Shetland's Scottish Parliament constituency projections another way
The latest updates to national projections for Shetland's Scottish Parliament constituency all show the Liberal Democrats with a strong lead over the other parties. They also agree that the SNP and Reform UK are locked in a fight for second place, with the Greens comfortably in fourth place.
January 18, 2026 at 11:02 AM
The latest updates to national projections for Shetland's Scottish Parliament constituency all show the Liberal Democrats with a strong lead over the other parties. They also agree that the SNP and Reform UK are locked in a fight for second place, with the Greens comfortably in fourth place.
Shetland Times poll:
Do you think mobile connectivity has improved in Lerwick town centre?
Yes: 0%
No: 100%
Period: 10-17 January 2026
Sample size: 35
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Do you think mobile connectivity has improved in Lerwick town centre?
Yes: 0%
No: 100%
Period: 10-17 January 2026
Sample size: 35
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
January 17, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Do you think mobile connectivity has improved in Lerwick town centre?
Yes: 0%
No: 100%
Period: 10-17 January 2026
Sample size: 35
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Do you think mobile connectivity has improved in Lerwick town centre?
Yes: 0%
No: 100%
Period: 10-17 January 2026
Sample size: 35
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Orkney and Shetland Westminster constituency:
Electoral Calculus/Find Out Now projection, 1-8 December 2025
Liberal Democrat: 56% (+1)
Scottish National Party: 18% (+1)
Reform UK: 13% (+5)
Green: 11% (+1)
Conservative: 2% (-1)
Labour: 0% (-7)
+/- vs 2024 election
Electoral Calculus/Find Out Now projection, 1-8 December 2025
Liberal Democrat: 56% (+1)
Scottish National Party: 18% (+1)
Reform UK: 13% (+5)
Green: 11% (+1)
Conservative: 2% (-1)
Labour: 0% (-7)
+/- vs 2024 election
January 13, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Orkney and Shetland Westminster constituency:
Electoral Calculus/Find Out Now projection, 1-8 December 2025
Liberal Democrat: 56% (+1)
Scottish National Party: 18% (+1)
Reform UK: 13% (+5)
Green: 11% (+1)
Conservative: 2% (-1)
Labour: 0% (-7)
+/- vs 2024 election
Electoral Calculus/Find Out Now projection, 1-8 December 2025
Liberal Democrat: 56% (+1)
Scottish National Party: 18% (+1)
Reform UK: 13% (+5)
Green: 11% (+1)
Conservative: 2% (-1)
Labour: 0% (-7)
+/- vs 2024 election
The Scottish Greens have confirmed Alex Armitage as their Shetland candidate in May's Scottish Parliament election. This will be the first time the party has contested the constituency in a general election.
Armitage previously contested the Westminster constituency in 2024, coming third with 9.9%.
Armitage previously contested the Westminster constituency in 2024, coming third with 9.9%.
January 10, 2026 at 4:17 PM
The Scottish Greens have confirmed Alex Armitage as their Shetland candidate in May's Scottish Parliament election. This will be the first time the party has contested the constituency in a general election.
Armitage previously contested the Westminster constituency in 2024, coming third with 9.9%.
Armitage previously contested the Westminster constituency in 2024, coming third with 9.9%.
Shetland Times poll:
Will 2026 be a good year for Shetland?
Yes: 40%
No: 60%
Period: 2-10 January 2026
Sample size: 35
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Will 2026 be a good year for Shetland?
Yes: 40%
No: 60%
Period: 2-10 January 2026
Sample size: 35
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
January 10, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Will 2026 be a good year for Shetland?
Yes: 40%
No: 60%
Period: 2-10 January 2026
Sample size: 35
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Will 2026 be a good year for Shetland?
Yes: 40%
No: 60%
Period: 2-10 January 2026
Sample size: 35
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
To present Shetland's Scottish Parliament projections in another way...
January 5, 2026 at 10:59 AM
To present Shetland's Scottish Parliament projections in another way...
There are now (to my knowledge) three constituency-level projections for May's Scottish Parliament election. Although they each apply national polling to the constituencies, and thereby do not include any direct polls of Shetlanders, they all project a safe win for the Liberal Democrats in May.
January 5, 2026 at 10:53 AM
There are now (to my knowledge) three constituency-level projections for May's Scottish Parliament election. Although they each apply national polling to the constituencies, and thereby do not include any direct polls of Shetlanders, they all project a safe win for the Liberal Democrats in May.
The Guardian has a good summary of the campaigns and debates around building tunnels in Shetland and the Western Isles www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
January 4, 2026 at 11:39 AM
The Guardian has a good summary of the campaigns and debates around building tunnels in Shetland and the Western Isles www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Orkney and Shetland Westminster constituency, More in Common MRP projection:
Liberal Democrat: 56% (+15)
Reform UK: 18% (-13)
Scottish National Party: 14%
Green: 8% (+6)
Conservative: 1% (-1)
Labour: 0% (-7)
+/- vs. 8 August - 15 September 2025
Fieldwork: 27 November - 16 December 2025
Liberal Democrat: 56% (+15)
Reform UK: 18% (-13)
Scottish National Party: 14%
Green: 8% (+6)
Conservative: 1% (-1)
Labour: 0% (-7)
+/- vs. 8 August - 15 September 2025
Fieldwork: 27 November - 16 December 2025
January 4, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Orkney and Shetland Westminster constituency, More in Common MRP projection:
Liberal Democrat: 56% (+15)
Reform UK: 18% (-13)
Scottish National Party: 14%
Green: 8% (+6)
Conservative: 1% (-1)
Labour: 0% (-7)
+/- vs. 8 August - 15 September 2025
Fieldwork: 27 November - 16 December 2025
Liberal Democrat: 56% (+15)
Reform UK: 18% (-13)
Scottish National Party: 14%
Green: 8% (+6)
Conservative: 1% (-1)
Labour: 0% (-7)
+/- vs. 8 August - 15 September 2025
Fieldwork: 27 November - 16 December 2025
Shetland Times poll:
Will the £2 fare cap make you more likely to travel by bus?
Yes: 47%
No: 53%
Period: 27 December 2025 - 2 January 2026
Sample size: 49
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Will the £2 fare cap make you more likely to travel by bus?
Yes: 47%
No: 53%
Period: 27 December 2025 - 2 January 2026
Sample size: 49
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
January 2, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Will the £2 fare cap make you more likely to travel by bus?
Yes: 47%
No: 53%
Period: 27 December 2025 - 2 January 2026
Sample size: 49
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Will the £2 fare cap make you more likely to travel by bus?
Yes: 47%
No: 53%
Period: 27 December 2025 - 2 January 2026
Sample size: 49
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Shetland Elects *indicative* Scottish Parliament regional list projection, December 2025:
Liberal Democrat: 30% (+3)
Scottish National Party: 23% (-12)
Reform UK: 20% (+19)
Green: 17% (+7)
Labour: 6% (-2)
Conservative: 3% (-13)
Alba: 1%
Sovereignty: 0%
+/- vs. 2021 election
Liberal Democrat: 30% (+3)
Scottish National Party: 23% (-12)
Reform UK: 20% (+19)
Green: 17% (+7)
Labour: 6% (-2)
Conservative: 3% (-13)
Alba: 1%
Sovereignty: 0%
+/- vs. 2021 election
January 1, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Shetland Elects *indicative* Scottish Parliament regional list projection, December 2025:
Liberal Democrat: 30% (+3)
Scottish National Party: 23% (-12)
Reform UK: 20% (+19)
Green: 17% (+7)
Labour: 6% (-2)
Conservative: 3% (-13)
Alba: 1%
Sovereignty: 0%
+/- vs. 2021 election
Liberal Democrat: 30% (+3)
Scottish National Party: 23% (-12)
Reform UK: 20% (+19)
Green: 17% (+7)
Labour: 6% (-2)
Conservative: 3% (-13)
Alba: 1%
Sovereignty: 0%
+/- vs. 2021 election
Happy new year! 2026 looks set to be an exciting electoral year for Shetland, with the next Scottish Parliament election taking place on 7 May.
Shetland Elects' final *indicative* projection for 2025 projects a relatively safe re-election for the Liberal Democrats in Shetland's constituency.
Shetland Elects' final *indicative* projection for 2025 projects a relatively safe re-election for the Liberal Democrats in Shetland's constituency.
January 1, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Happy new year! 2026 looks set to be an exciting electoral year for Shetland, with the next Scottish Parliament election taking place on 7 May.
Shetland Elects' final *indicative* projection for 2025 projects a relatively safe re-election for the Liberal Democrats in Shetland's constituency.
Shetland Elects' final *indicative* projection for 2025 projects a relatively safe re-election for the Liberal Democrats in Shetland's constituency.