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Get ready to vote in May – key dates to know
Poll letters have now been delivered to voters across Shetland ahead of the Scottish Parliament Election on Thursday 7 May 2026.
If yours hasn’t arrived, it’s worth checking you’re registered by contacting the Electoral Registration Office.
Not registered yet? There’s still time – it only takes five minutes to apply online. The deadline to register is midnight on Monday 20 April.
Remember, you can vote in Scottish Parliament elections from age 16, so make sure you’re signed up if you’re eligible.
Your poll letter tells you where and how to vote – so check it carefully in case your polling station has changed.
If you’d prefer to vote by post or by proxy instead of in person:
- Apply for a postal vote by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April
- Apply for a proxy vote by 5pm on Tuesday 28 April
Already arranged a postal vote? Make sure any changes (like your delivery address) are updated by 5pm on Tuesday 21 April.
For help or to request a paper application, contact the Electoral Registration Office on 01595 745700 or email ero@shetland.gov.uk.
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Road works season starts soon – what to expect
Surface dressing works will soon be getting underway across Shetland as part of the Council’s summer road maintenance programme.
More than 80 locations across the isles have been identified for improvements. In some places it’s just short stretches of road, while in others the work will cover sections over a mile long.
Surface dressing involves sealing the road with bitumen and adding a layer of stone chips. It helps protect roads from winter damage, reduces the risk of potholes, and improves grip for drivers. The work needs warmer weather, so it’s carried out during the summer months.
You’ll see ‘loose chippings’ warning signs in place during and after the work. Please take care and stick to the temporary speed limits to help keep everyone safe and protect the new road surface.
Some of the longer stretches planned this summer include:
- A970 South Gulberwick junction
- Sand Lodge to Sandwick
- B9079 Eela Water Junction, North Mainland
- A968 Firth Junction, North Mainland
- West Houlland, West Mainland
- A971 to Seftser, West Mainland
- Westerwick, West Mainland
- Clousta Road, West Mainland
- Berry Road, Scalloway
- Heogan Road, Bressay
- Gunnista Road, Bressay
- North Aywick, Yell
- Skeggie Road, Unst
There may be some delays where work is taking place, so please allow a little extra time for your journey and drive with care through affected areas.
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New Lerwick mid-market rent homes now open for applications
Applications are now open for six new one-bedroom flats on North Road in Lerwick, available through Shetland Mid-Market Homes.
The properties (three ground floor and three first floor) come with white goods, floor coverings and parking, with rent set at £545 per month.
Mid-market rent offers a more affordable option than private renting, aimed at people on low to moderate incomes.
To apply, you’ll need to meet a range of eligibility criteria, including income thresholds, a connection to Shetland, and providing proof of income, ID and references.
Further details, including full eligibility criteria and a link to the application form, are available here on our website
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Overnight road closures on Gremista Road
The A970 Gremista Road in Lerwick will be closed overnight next weekend to allow electric cables to be installed under the road.
Closures will be in place from 7pm to 7am on:
- Friday 3 April (reopening 7am Saturday 4 April)
- Saturday 4 April (reopening 7am Sunday 5 April)
- Sunday 5 April (reopening 7am Monday 6 April)
The road will be open during the day between these times, and is expected to fully reopen from 7am on Monday 6 April.
The closure applies to all through traffic, including cars and bikes. A diversion route will be in place via Gremista Brae and Ladies Drive.
During the overnight closures, Services 4 (Scalloway), 9 (Walls) and 23 (Mossbank/Toft) won’t serve the Lerwick Power Station stop. Please use stops at Old North Road or the Shetland Hotel instead. Morning services after 7am are unaffected.
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 A new safety measure means e-bikes and e-scooters can no longer be stored or charged inside Council buildings—find out what it means.
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 A new bus network has been announced for Shetland, including evening and Sunday services, with changes starting from August 2026.
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Responsible outdoor access
With spring just around the corner, it’s a timely reminder for dog owners to enjoy Shetland outdoors responsibly. Please follow the Outdoor Access Code, keep dogs on a lead around livestock and ground nesting birds, and help protect wildlife and farming. Watch our videos to find out more
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Work with us
If you want to help make a difference, there's no better place to work than for Shetland Islands Council. Grow your skills, support your community, and be part of what makes these islands work.
We currently have vacancies for a range of roles, including Teachers, Admin, Learning Support and Cleaners.Take a look today and see where a career with the Council could take you.
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