Shetland had been administered by Commissioners of Supply from 1667 and then by Zetland County Council from 1890 to 1975.

[3] Further local government reform in 1996 introduced single-tier council areas across all of Scotland.

[5] In 2011, structural reforms saw the creation of the Political Leader position, with the Convener becoming a civic leadership post.

[10] After the church closed the building was used as a library for some years, before being converted to become the council chamber in 2022.

[11] The council's main offices are at 8 North Ness in Lerwick, overlooking the harbour.