Lerwick

Lerwick, the county town of Shetland, on the east coast of Mainland and on Bressay Sound, 116 miles NE. of Kirkwall. Demolished and refounded in the 17th century, it has been greatly improved since 1850, and has a town-hall (1883), county buildings (1872), water and drainage works (1871); whilst, to meet the rapid growth of its shipping and fisheries, extensive harbour-works (pier, wharves, &c.) were carried out during 1883-86. Pop. (1831) 2750; (1881) 4045; (1891) 3930.