Brough on the map

Location in Shetland IslandsBrough sits where the marker shows within the county.

14,528
Population
5,845
Households
£57,262
Avg. household income
1,148
Businesses
99
People per km²
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About Brough

Brough is a small settlement located on the island of Yell in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. It lies within the ZE2 postcode area and is situated on the eastern coast, offering views across the North Sea. The community is modest in size, with a mix of traditional and modern homes, and is known for its close-knit local population. The area is accessible by road from the main settlement of Mid Yell, and the nearby Brough Harbour provides a point for small boat access. The landscape around Brough is typical of the Shetland Islands, with rolling hills and coastal cliffs. The settlement has a long history of fishing and farming, and while it remains quiet, it retains a strong sense of local identity. The surrounding countryside is rich in wildlife, including seabirds and seals, making it a peaceful spot for those interested in nature.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Brough

Crime in the area is lower than the national average. Public order is the leading concern across Brough, with 5 incidents recorded in May 2026.

Household Income in Brough ONS 2023

The average total household income in Brough is approximately £57,262 a year before tax, 4% above the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £43,395. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Brough £57,262
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £43,395.

Businesses in Brough ONS 2025

There are approximately 1,148 active businesses based in Brough, around 79 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 91% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 16 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

1,148 Total businesses
79 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 91%
Small, 10-49 7%
Medium, 50-249 1%
Large, 250+ 1%

Crime in Brough 35 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Crime levels in Brough are lower than the England and Wales average. While violence & sexual offences is the most frequently recorded category, the overall picture is one of a settled and secure small town where serious incidents remain uncommon.

Violence & Sexual Offences 22
Public Order 5
Other Crime 5
Criminal Damage & Arson 1
Drugs 1
Other Theft 1
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Location

Local Government

District Shetland Islands
Ward North Isles
Constituency Orkney and Shetland

Home Ownership in Brough

Of the 10,784 households in and around Brough, 80% are owned, 6% are socially rented and 14% are privately rented. Home ownership here is higher than the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 80% Social rented 6% Private rented 14%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Brough.