1961
Shetlopedia - The Shetland Encyclopaedia
- The population of Shetland was 17,811
- Author James Sinclair was born
- The combined value of Shetland's Herring, whitefish and shellfish catch for the year was £529,000.
January
- 11th
The Sheryl, a wooden hulled British motor fishing vessel, went ashore on the Taing of Ham, Bressay, refloated again and sank. All three crew were saved by the lifeboat. - 27th
The Olenek SRTR9505, a refrigerated fishing trawler, of Russia, wrecked on the tip of Outsta Ness on the Ness of Houlland, North Yell. Thirteen crewmembers were saved, but thirteen were also lost.
March
April
- 5th
The foundation stone of the new R.N.M.D.S.F building at 2 Harbour Street laid by Mr Jo Grimond. The building is now offices for the Hjaltland Housing Association. - 8th
The Northern Light (LK301), a motor fishing vessel, of Lerwick, struck rocks off the Ness of Hillswick, and is presumed to have sunk close to the same location. Having been sighted drifting generally southwards but with her deck awash, after having refloated herself.
August
- 8th
Gilbert Bain Hospital is opened by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
September
- 21st
New Junior Secondary School opened in Scalloway.
