Shetland Elects
@shetlandelects.bsky.social
Covering elections and public opinion in the Shetland islands (and sometimes elsewhere).
Shetland Times poll:
Would you welcome the return of traffic wardens?
Yes: 63%
No: 37%
Period: 8-15 November 2025
Sample size: 98
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Would you welcome the return of traffic wardens?
Yes: 63%
No: 37%
Period: 8-15 November 2025
Sample size: 98
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
November 15, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Shetland Times poll:
Would you welcome the return of traffic wardens?
Yes: 63%
No: 37%
Period: 8-15 November 2025
Sample size: 98
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Would you welcome the return of traffic wardens?
Yes: 63%
No: 37%
Period: 8-15 November 2025
Sample size: 98
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Shetland Times poll:
Are you climate concerned?
Yes: 77%
No: 23%
Period: 1-9 November 2025
Sample size: 126
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Are you climate concerned?
Yes: 77%
No: 23%
Period: 1-9 November 2025
Sample size: 126
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
November 9, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Are you climate concerned?
Yes: 77%
No: 23%
Period: 1-9 November 2025
Sample size: 126
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Are you climate concerned?
Yes: 77%
No: 23%
Period: 1-9 November 2025
Sample size: 126
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Shetland Times poll:
Would you support the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing?
Yes: 39%
No: 61%
Period: 24 October - 1 November 2025
Sample size: 54
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Would you support the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing?
Yes: 39%
No: 61%
Period: 24 October - 1 November 2025
Sample size: 54
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
November 1, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Would you support the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing?
Yes: 39%
No: 61%
Period: 24 October - 1 November 2025
Sample size: 54
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Would you support the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing?
Yes: 39%
No: 61%
Period: 24 October - 1 November 2025
Sample size: 54
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Shetland Times poll:
Should Faroe end its tradition of hunting pilot whales?
Yes: 55%
No: 45%
Period: 17-24 October 2025
Sample size: 224
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should Faroe end its tradition of hunting pilot whales?
Yes: 55%
No: 45%
Period: 17-24 October 2025
Sample size: 224
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
October 24, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Should Faroe end its tradition of hunting pilot whales?
Yes: 55%
No: 45%
Period: 17-24 October 2025
Sample size: 224
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should Faroe end its tradition of hunting pilot whales?
Yes: 55%
No: 45%
Period: 17-24 October 2025
Sample size: 224
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Gulberwick, Quarff & Cunningsburgh: 7/10
Lerwick: 10/16
Nesting & Lunnasting: 6/8
Northmaven: 7/9
Sandness & Walls: 5/10
Sandsting & Aithsting: 6/8
Sandwick: 6/8
Scalloway: 6/9
Skerries: 5/5
Tingwall, Whiteness & Weisdale: 8/9
Unst: 6/9
Whalsay: 4/7
Yell: 6/9
(2/2)
Lerwick: 10/16
Nesting & Lunnasting: 6/8
Northmaven: 7/9
Sandness & Walls: 5/10
Sandsting & Aithsting: 6/8
Sandwick: 6/8
Scalloway: 6/9
Skerries: 5/5
Tingwall, Whiteness & Weisdale: 8/9
Unst: 6/9
Whalsay: 4/7
Yell: 6/9
(2/2)
October 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Gulberwick, Quarff & Cunningsburgh: 7/10
Lerwick: 10/16
Nesting & Lunnasting: 6/8
Northmaven: 7/9
Sandness & Walls: 5/10
Sandsting & Aithsting: 6/8
Sandwick: 6/8
Scalloway: 6/9
Skerries: 5/5
Tingwall, Whiteness & Weisdale: 8/9
Unst: 6/9
Whalsay: 4/7
Yell: 6/9
(2/2)
Lerwick: 10/16
Nesting & Lunnasting: 6/8
Northmaven: 7/9
Sandness & Walls: 5/10
Sandsting & Aithsting: 6/8
Sandwick: 6/8
Scalloway: 6/9
Skerries: 5/5
Tingwall, Whiteness & Weisdale: 8/9
Unst: 6/9
Whalsay: 4/7
Yell: 6/9
(2/2)
As in 2022, there will be no community council elections in Shetland this year due to a lack of nominations. Only one CC - Skerries - had been able to fill all its seats.
Filled seats per community council:
Bressay: 6/8
Burra & Trondra: 7/8
Delting: 8/12
Dunrossness: 7/12
Fetlar: 5/6
(1/2)
Filled seats per community council:
Bressay: 6/8
Burra & Trondra: 7/8
Delting: 8/12
Dunrossness: 7/12
Fetlar: 5/6
(1/2)
October 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM
As in 2022, there will be no community council elections in Shetland this year due to a lack of nominations. Only one CC - Skerries - had been able to fill all its seats.
Filled seats per community council:
Bressay: 6/8
Burra & Trondra: 7/8
Delting: 8/12
Dunrossness: 7/12
Fetlar: 5/6
(1/2)
Filled seats per community council:
Bressay: 6/8
Burra & Trondra: 7/8
Delting: 8/12
Dunrossness: 7/12
Fetlar: 5/6
(1/2)
Shetland Times poll:
Have we become less resilient to stormy weather?
Yes: 76%
No: 24%
Period: 10-17 October 2025
Sample size: 248
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Have we become less resilient to stormy weather?
Yes: 76%
No: 24%
Period: 10-17 October 2025
Sample size: 248
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
October 17, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Shetland Times poll:
Have we become less resilient to stormy weather?
Yes: 76%
No: 24%
Period: 10-17 October 2025
Sample size: 248
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Have we become less resilient to stormy weather?
Yes: 76%
No: 24%
Period: 10-17 October 2025
Sample size: 248
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Shetland (Scottish Parliament regional list vote), Shetland Elects September 2025 projection:
Liberal Democrats: 33% (+3)
Scottish National Party: 24% (+2)
Reform UK: 17%
Greens: 11% (-3)
Labour: 7% (-5)
Conservatives: 5% (+2)
Alba: 3% (+1)
+/- vs. August projection
Liberal Democrats: 33% (+3)
Scottish National Party: 24% (+2)
Reform UK: 17%
Greens: 11% (-3)
Labour: 7% (-5)
Conservatives: 5% (+2)
Alba: 3% (+1)
+/- vs. August projection
October 13, 2025 at 10:54 AM
Shetland (Scottish Parliament regional list vote), Shetland Elects September 2025 projection:
Liberal Democrats: 33% (+3)
Scottish National Party: 24% (+2)
Reform UK: 17%
Greens: 11% (-3)
Labour: 7% (-5)
Conservatives: 5% (+2)
Alba: 3% (+1)
+/- vs. August projection
Liberal Democrats: 33% (+3)
Scottish National Party: 24% (+2)
Reform UK: 17%
Greens: 11% (-3)
Labour: 7% (-5)
Conservatives: 5% (+2)
Alba: 3% (+1)
+/- vs. August projection
Shetland (Scottish Parliament constituency), Shetland Elects September 2025 projection:
Liberal Democrats: 47% (-1)
Scottish National Party: 27% (+2)
Reform UK: 17% (+2)
Greens: 6% (-1)
Alba: 1%
Conservatives: <1%
Labour: <1% (-~3)
+/- vs. August 2025 projection
Liberal Democrats: 47% (-1)
Scottish National Party: 27% (+2)
Reform UK: 17% (+2)
Greens: 6% (-1)
Alba: 1%
Conservatives: <1%
Labour: <1% (-~3)
+/- vs. August 2025 projection
October 13, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Shetland (Scottish Parliament constituency), Shetland Elects September 2025 projection:
Liberal Democrats: 47% (-1)
Scottish National Party: 27% (+2)
Reform UK: 17% (+2)
Greens: 6% (-1)
Alba: 1%
Conservatives: <1%
Labour: <1% (-~3)
+/- vs. August 2025 projection
Liberal Democrats: 47% (-1)
Scottish National Party: 27% (+2)
Reform UK: 17% (+2)
Greens: 6% (-1)
Alba: 1%
Conservatives: <1%
Labour: <1% (-~3)
+/- vs. August 2025 projection
Shetland Times poll:
Should Shetland Islands Council debate motions relating to international affairs?
Yes: 19%
No: 81%
Period: 3-11 October 2025
Sample size: 344
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should Shetland Islands Council debate motions relating to international affairs?
Yes: 19%
No: 81%
Period: 3-11 October 2025
Sample size: 344
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
October 11, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Should Shetland Islands Council debate motions relating to international affairs?
Yes: 19%
No: 81%
Period: 3-11 October 2025
Sample size: 344
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should Shetland Islands Council debate motions relating to international affairs?
Yes: 19%
No: 81%
Period: 3-11 October 2025
Sample size: 344
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Shetland Times poll:
Should it be easier for schools to exclude problem pupils?
Yes: 81%
No: 19%
Period: 26 September - 4 October 2025
Sample size: 881
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should it be easier for schools to exclude problem pupils?
Yes: 81%
No: 19%
Period: 26 September - 4 October 2025
Sample size: 881
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
October 4, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Shetland Times poll:
Should it be easier for schools to exclude problem pupils?
Yes: 81%
No: 19%
Period: 26 September - 4 October 2025
Sample size: 881
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should it be easier for schools to exclude problem pupils?
Yes: 81%
No: 19%
Period: 26 September - 4 October 2025
Sample size: 881
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Orkney MSP and Scottish Parliament Deputy Presiding Officer, Liam McArthur (Liberal Democrat), has been named "MSP of the Year" in the Holyrood Magazine's annual awards.
Last year, McArthur introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament.
Last year, McArthur introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament.
September 29, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Orkney MSP and Scottish Parliament Deputy Presiding Officer, Liam McArthur (Liberal Democrat), has been named "MSP of the Year" in the Holyrood Magazine's annual awards.
Last year, McArthur introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament.
Last year, McArthur introduced the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament.
Orkney and Shetland Westminster constituency, More in Common MRP projection:
Liberal Democrat: 41% (+3)
Reform UK: 31% (+14)
Scottish National Party: 14% (-5)
Labour: 7% (+1)
Conservative: 2% (-3)
+/- vs. 13-30 June 2025
Fieldwork: 8 August - 15 September 2025
Liberal Democrat: 41% (+3)
Reform UK: 31% (+14)
Scottish National Party: 14% (-5)
Labour: 7% (+1)
Conservative: 2% (-3)
+/- vs. 13-30 June 2025
Fieldwork: 8 August - 15 September 2025
September 27, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Orkney and Shetland Westminster constituency, More in Common MRP projection:
Liberal Democrat: 41% (+3)
Reform UK: 31% (+14)
Scottish National Party: 14% (-5)
Labour: 7% (+1)
Conservative: 2% (-3)
+/- vs. 13-30 June 2025
Fieldwork: 8 August - 15 September 2025
Liberal Democrat: 41% (+3)
Reform UK: 31% (+14)
Scottish National Party: 14% (-5)
Labour: 7% (+1)
Conservative: 2% (-3)
+/- vs. 13-30 June 2025
Fieldwork: 8 August - 15 September 2025
Shetland Times poll:
Would you buy an electric vehicle?
Yes: 25%
No: 75%
Period: 19-26 September 2025
Sample size: 683
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Would you buy an electric vehicle?
Yes: 25%
No: 75%
Period: 19-26 September 2025
Sample size: 683
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
September 26, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Would you buy an electric vehicle?
Yes: 25%
No: 75%
Period: 19-26 September 2025
Sample size: 683
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Would you buy an electric vehicle?
Yes: 25%
No: 75%
Period: 19-26 September 2025
Sample size: 683
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Orkney and Shetland UK constituency, YouGov MRP projection:
Liberal Democrat: 49%
Reform UK: 16%
Scottish National Party: 13% (-2)
Green: 11% (+3)
Labour: 6% (-1)
Conservative: 4% (-1)
+/- vs. 29 May - 18 June 2025
Fieldwork: 31 August - 24 September 2025
Liberal Democrat: 49%
Reform UK: 16%
Scottish National Party: 13% (-2)
Green: 11% (+3)
Labour: 6% (-1)
Conservative: 4% (-1)
+/- vs. 29 May - 18 June 2025
Fieldwork: 31 August - 24 September 2025
September 26, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Orkney and Shetland UK constituency, YouGov MRP projection:
Liberal Democrat: 49%
Reform UK: 16%
Scottish National Party: 13% (-2)
Green: 11% (+3)
Labour: 6% (-1)
Conservative: 4% (-1)
+/- vs. 29 May - 18 June 2025
Fieldwork: 31 August - 24 September 2025
Liberal Democrat: 49%
Reform UK: 16%
Scottish National Party: 13% (-2)
Green: 11% (+3)
Labour: 6% (-1)
Conservative: 4% (-1)
+/- vs. 29 May - 18 June 2025
Fieldwork: 31 August - 24 September 2025
Shetland News survey:
Should more powers be handed over to Shetland?
Yes: 65%
No: 23%
Not sure: 12%
Period: 28 August - 12 September 2025
Sample size: over 360
(Note: unweighted, unscientific survey)
More details: www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/09/16/m...
Should more powers be handed over to Shetland?
Yes: 65%
No: 23%
Not sure: 12%
Period: 28 August - 12 September 2025
Sample size: over 360
(Note: unweighted, unscientific survey)
More details: www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/09/16/m...
September 21, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Shetland News survey:
Should more powers be handed over to Shetland?
Yes: 65%
No: 23%
Not sure: 12%
Period: 28 August - 12 September 2025
Sample size: over 360
(Note: unweighted, unscientific survey)
More details: www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/09/16/m...
Should more powers be handed over to Shetland?
Yes: 65%
No: 23%
Not sure: 12%
Period: 28 August - 12 September 2025
Sample size: over 360
(Note: unweighted, unscientific survey)
More details: www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/09/16/m...
John Erksine has been selected as Labour's candidate for Shetland in next year's Scottish Parliament election. He previously stood for election in the Highlands and Islands region in 2021.
The other confirmed candidates are Hannah Mary Goodlad (SNP) and Emma Macdonald (Liberal Democrat).
The other confirmed candidates are Hannah Mary Goodlad (SNP) and Emma Macdonald (Liberal Democrat).
September 20, 2025 at 3:41 PM
John Erksine has been selected as Labour's candidate for Shetland in next year's Scottish Parliament election. He previously stood for election in the Highlands and Islands region in 2021.
The other confirmed candidates are Hannah Mary Goodlad (SNP) and Emma Macdonald (Liberal Democrat).
The other confirmed candidates are Hannah Mary Goodlad (SNP) and Emma Macdonald (Liberal Democrat).
Scottish Household Survey 2024:
Percentage in Shetland sample (300) who agree that their council
Treats people with dignity and respect: 79% (+13)
Provides high quality services: 60% (-4)
Does the best it can with the money available: 58% (+10)
Lets them influence decisions: 21% (-3)
+/- vs. 2023
Percentage in Shetland sample (300) who agree that their council
Treats people with dignity and respect: 79% (+13)
Provides high quality services: 60% (-4)
Does the best it can with the money available: 58% (+10)
Lets them influence decisions: 21% (-3)
+/- vs. 2023
September 20, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Scottish Household Survey 2024:
Percentage in Shetland sample (300) who agree that their council
Treats people with dignity and respect: 79% (+13)
Provides high quality services: 60% (-4)
Does the best it can with the money available: 58% (+10)
Lets them influence decisions: 21% (-3)
+/- vs. 2023
Percentage in Shetland sample (300) who agree that their council
Treats people with dignity and respect: 79% (+13)
Provides high quality services: 60% (-4)
Does the best it can with the money available: 58% (+10)
Lets them influence decisions: 21% (-3)
+/- vs. 2023
Shetland Times poll:
Do you welcome the council's plans to install more speed bumps in Lerwick?
Yes: 7%
No: 93%
Period: 11-20 September 2025
Sample size: 1,735
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Do you welcome the council's plans to install more speed bumps in Lerwick?
Yes: 7%
No: 93%
Period: 11-20 September 2025
Sample size: 1,735
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
September 20, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Shetland Times poll:
Do you welcome the council's plans to install more speed bumps in Lerwick?
Yes: 7%
No: 93%
Period: 11-20 September 2025
Sample size: 1,735
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Do you welcome the council's plans to install more speed bumps in Lerwick?
Yes: 7%
No: 93%
Period: 11-20 September 2025
Sample size: 1,735
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Following Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Shetland Islands Council has decided not to introduce a visitor levy.
The Scottish Parliament gave councils the power last year to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation.
See more: www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/09/15/t...
The Scottish Parliament gave councils the power last year to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation.
See more: www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/09/15/t...
September 15, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Following Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Shetland Islands Council has decided not to introduce a visitor levy.
The Scottish Parliament gave councils the power last year to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation.
See more: www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/09/15/t...
The Scottish Parliament gave councils the power last year to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation.
See more: www.shetnews.co.uk/2025/09/15/t...
Shetland Times poll:
Is September too soon for mince pies?
Yes: 66%
No: 34%
Period: 5-13 September 2025
Sample size: 519
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Is September too soon for mince pies?
Yes: 66%
No: 34%
Period: 5-13 September 2025
Sample size: 519
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
September 13, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Shetland Times poll:
Is September too soon for mince pies?
Yes: 66%
No: 34%
Period: 5-13 September 2025
Sample size: 519
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Is September too soon for mince pies?
Yes: 66%
No: 34%
Period: 5-13 September 2025
Sample size: 519
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Faroe, Spyr poll, 25 August 2025:
People's Party: 31% (-3)
Union Party: 23% (+1)
Republic: 17% (+2)
Social Democratic Party: 15%
Progress: 7%
Centre Party: 5% (-1)
Self-government: 2% (+1)
+/- vs. 26 May 2025
People's Party: 31% (-3)
Union Party: 23% (+1)
Republic: 17% (+2)
Social Democratic Party: 15%
Progress: 7%
Centre Party: 5% (-1)
Self-government: 2% (+1)
+/- vs. 26 May 2025
September 8, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Faroe, Spyr poll, 25 August 2025:
People's Party: 31% (-3)
Union Party: 23% (+1)
Republic: 17% (+2)
Social Democratic Party: 15%
Progress: 7%
Centre Party: 5% (-1)
Self-government: 2% (+1)
+/- vs. 26 May 2025
People's Party: 31% (-3)
Union Party: 23% (+1)
Republic: 17% (+2)
Social Democratic Party: 15%
Progress: 7%
Centre Party: 5% (-1)
Self-government: 2% (+1)
+/- vs. 26 May 2025
Shetland Times poll:
Should Shetland seek greater independence along similar lines to Faroe?
Yes: 75%
No: 25%
Period: 28 August - 6 September 2025
Sample size: 648
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should Shetland seek greater independence along similar lines to Faroe?
Yes: 75%
No: 25%
Period: 28 August - 6 September 2025
Sample size: 648
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
September 6, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Shetland Times poll:
Should Shetland seek greater independence along similar lines to Faroe?
Yes: 75%
No: 25%
Period: 28 August - 6 September 2025
Sample size: 648
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should Shetland seek greater independence along similar lines to Faroe?
Yes: 75%
No: 25%
Period: 28 August - 6 September 2025
Sample size: 648
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Shetland Times poll:
Should energy cash be used to fund tunnels?
Yes: 69%
No: 31%
Period: 22-29 August 2025
Sample size: 453
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should energy cash be used to fund tunnels?
Yes: 69%
No: 31%
Period: 22-29 August 2025
Sample size: 453
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
August 29, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Shetland Times poll:
Should energy cash be used to fund tunnels?
Yes: 69%
No: 31%
Period: 22-29 August 2025
Sample size: 453
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Should energy cash be used to fund tunnels?
Yes: 69%
No: 31%
Period: 22-29 August 2025
Sample size: 453
(Note: unweighted, unscientific poll)
Although only two of Shetland's 23 councillors formally sit as party members, five are registered as members of a political party. Counting them, the council's partisan composition is:
Independent: 18
Scottish National Party: 2
Scottish Green: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
Labour: 1
Independent: 18
Scottish National Party: 2
Scottish Green: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
Labour: 1
August 27, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Although only two of Shetland's 23 councillors formally sit as party members, five are registered as members of a political party. Counting them, the council's partisan composition is:
Independent: 18
Scottish National Party: 2
Scottish Green: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
Labour: 1
Independent: 18
Scottish National Party: 2
Scottish Green: 1
Liberal Democrat: 1
Labour: 1