TO ORKNEY AND SHETLAND. 3 



that gentleman resided on the island for some time, 

 and was frequently in Bressa Sound, which he de- 

 scribed as a capital harbour, but never mentions 

 Lerwick. When Brand was in Shetland, in 1700, 

 Dr. Edmonston informs us it contained between 

 two and three hundred families ; he also adds, that 

 about thirty years before there were only four 

 houses where two hundred then stood : it therefore 

 seems probable that Lerwick was built about the 

 year 1670, and being situated near a fine harbour, 

 frequented by many ships, its increase for a time 

 was very rapid. 



It is about three quarters of a mile long, and is 

 built on the side of a hill close to the sea. Fort 

 Charlotte stands at the north end of the town, and 

 at the south end is a small hill, forming its boun- 

 dary in that direction. It contains about four hun- 

 dred houses, some of which have a very respectable 

 appearance ; most of them are built of common 

 walling- stone, and are erected in a very irregular 

 manner, generally with their ends towards the 

 sea. The principal street is well paved with flags, 

 but is of very unequal breadth, being in some 

 places not above six feet wide, and in others eigh- 

 teen. The houses situated on the rising ground 

 towards the hill have neat gardens to them, which 

 renders them very pleasant in the summer time ; 

 b 2 



