shetlandhistory.com

Shetland Political History is an independent research project documenting more than 300 years of political representation in the Shetland Islands, from the first Parliament of Great Britain elections in 1707 to the present day. Researched and compiled by James Stewart since 2009, the project brings together records from council minute books, newspaper archives, official sources and public contributions.

Its online database covers elections, candidates, councillors and representatives across six governing bodies: Lerwick Town Council, Zetland County Council, Shetland Islands Council, the Parliament of Great Britain, the UK Parliament at Westminster, and the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. Visitors can explore election records, people and constituencies, including electoral wards, divisions and seats. The archive also traces changes in local government and representation, and offers a search function for finding elections, people or places.

The project highlights the people and events behind Shetland’s political history, from early landowner influence and campaigns for a wider franchise to the first women standing for office. Contributions, corrections and photographs are welcomed.