[1] It comprehends a section of Mainland, stretching from the Atlantic at Scalloway, to the North Sea at Rova Head and includes the formerly inhabited islands of Hildasay, Langa, Linga, Papa and Oxna.

The small promontory at the end of Tingwall Loch, known as Tingaholm or Law Ting Holm was once home to Shetland's earliest parliament.

The burial vault in the churchyard, a turf covered mound with an arched stone doorway, is believed to belong to this earlier building.

The earlier church, which is thought to have had a round tower, is similar in design to that of the St Magnus Kirk on Egilsay, Orkney.

Tufted duck, red-breasted merganser and common and black-headed gull frequent the loch, which is also home to Shetland's only mute swans.