The business and assets of The Shetland Times Limited

Business Details

Anderson Strathern LLP is proud to present the business and assets of The Shetland Times Limited to the open market for sale. This business is a distinguished, family-owned media company providing local media coverage in both print and online, as well as producing its own independent print newspaper. The business also provides high-quality printing and publishing services, as well as operating its own retail bookstore.

Established in 1872, the business has been a longstanding leader of locally provided media and commercial printing services for 153 years.  The newspaper has built a reputation as being community-focused with a well-established brand and deep cultural heritage.  The business serves as Shetland’s primary print media provider with 31 employees.

The business offers commercial, digital, large format and lithographic printing alongside tailored branding solutions serving a diverse clientele, including corporate clients, publishers, advertisers, and local businesses.

Interested parties are welcome to enquire about the whole or part of the business. The bookshop can be sold separately.

Description

The website and weekly newspaper are deeply rooted in the Shetland community, serving residents, expats, and visitors with consistent, unbiased news and information. Committed to innovation, the business was the first weekly newspaper in Scotland to launch online in March 1996 and continues to evolve.

By integrating cutting-edge promotional print materials, advertising, marketing, and social media strategies across multiple platforms, the business specialises in creating impactful cross-media campaigns.

Reason for Sale

After a long family connection – dating to 1894 – the current owners are ready to retire. With a deep commitment to the company’s legacy and the community it has served, they are eager to pass the torch to new leadership who will honour its traditions and drive it forward into the future.

Premises

The business operates from two premises within Shetland’s capital town, Lerwick.

The first premises is located in Lerwick’s industrial hub, Gremista. This premises encompasses the business’s newsroom, printworks and commercial printing operations. The Gremista premises is the company’s operational base, and the size and extent of the 1,310 square metre unit reflects this.

The popular retail arm of this business is located in the town centre of Lerwick, housed at 71-79 Commercial Street. Placed right in the heart of Lerwick’s shopping hub, Commercial Street, the Shetland Times Bookshop is the only of its kind in Shetland’s capital town. The large premises stocks locally written and printed books together with a large range of books from well-known publishers and the company’s own wide range of local interest publications. This premises enjoys strong local custom and due to its locality, an increased footfall during the busy tourist season. The bookshop has approximately 162 square metres of retail space and a combined total of 148 square metres of stores, office and service areas.

Further pictures of the premises are available on request.

Location

Lerwick, the vibrant capital of the Shetland Islands, is home to around 7,000 residents and serves a broader island population of approximately 23,000. As Shetland’s commercial, cultural, and administrative hub, the town benefits from a resilient local economy and a consistent flow of visitors throughout the year.

Regular ferry services link the isles to the Scottish mainland (Aberdeen) via Kirkwall. Sumburgh Airport offers flights to Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and further afield.

Shetland combines the warmth of a close-knit community with the energy of a thriving commercial hub.  Its rich cultural calendar features globally acclaimed events such as Up Helly Aa, Shetland Wool Week and the Shetland Folk Festival. With outstanding public services, including education, healthcare, and leisure facilities, the islands make for an appealing environment for both business owners and their families.

Accounts and Finance

Full accounting information will be made available to interested parties.

Projected Financials (Year Ending March 2026):

Turnover: Approximately £1.7 million

Assets

• IT & technology systems
• Goss newspaper press
• Komori 5-unit B2 press with colour management system
• Additional presses, bindery and other machinery and equipment
• Facilities and office furnishings
• Two freehold properties

Price

Price by negotiation. Please note that the sellers are willing to consider offers for any part or property of the business.

Offers

All offers should be submitted in writing to Anderson Strathern LLP’s, Shetland office. lerwick@andersonstrathern.co.uk or contact us on 01595 695262.

The information presented in this advertisement has been provided by The Shetland Times Limited. No warranties or representations, express or implied, are made here.  

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Financial Highlights

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Fill in the form at the side of this page or contact us at lerwick@andersonstrathern.co.uk or 01595 695262 and a member of our team will provide the relevant information.

Company Valuation Report and Accounts

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Fill in the form at the side of this page or contact us at lerwick@andersonstrathern.co.uk or 01595 695262 and a member of our team will provide the relevant information.