[2] After a period of rapid population expansion in Lerwick associated with the growth in the herring industry, civic leaders decided to procure a purpose-built town hall: a site on the north Hillhead was selected.

[2] The new building was designed by architect, Alexander Ross from Inverness,[3] in the Scottish Baronial style and builder John M. Aitken of Lerwick won the tender competition with a price of £3,240.

[5] Panels with the coats of arms of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Leith, which had been presented by the respective corporations, were installed in a corridor.

[2] Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay visited the town hall and reviewed the conservation work being undertaken in July 2021.

[16] The town hall is used for functions such as marriages, wedding receptions, concerts, coffee mornings and evening events.