Historic ordnance device found behind Lerwick Town Hall
People are asked to avoid the area
AN ORDNANCE device from WW1 left in a shed at the back of Lerwick Town Hall sparked an emergency on Friday night.
Shetland Islands Council had received several items for an upcoming exhibition when it was realised that one of the items donated could – potentially – still be live.
Police were alerted and officers cordoned off the area, advising people to avoid the area, specifically John Jamieson Close, and the Hillhead, Charlotte Street and Hill Lane in the vicinity of John Jamieson Close.
An expert explosive ordnance disposal team (EOD) are on their way to Shetland.
A SIC spokesperson said the council had received a donation of WW1 items for an upcoming exhibition.
“Among them was a possible ordnance device, so the police were informed,” they said.
The council also advised that Sunday’s wreath laying and remembrance event to mark the Battle of Britain will go ahead as planned at the county war memorial at 11am.
Police added that enquiries were ongoing and anyone with information or concerns should contact them on 101, quoting incident 2658 of Friday 18 September 2026.
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