The ZE postcode area, also known as the Lerwick postcode area, is a postal region in the United Kingdom covering the Shetland Islands in Scotland. It comprises three postcode districts—ZE1, ZE2, and ZE3—which together contain over 600 live postcodes.
Overview
- Country: United Kingdom
- Postcode area name: Lerwick
- Number of postcode districts: 3
- Number of postcode sectors: 4
- Live postcodes (as of May 2020): approximately 650
- Total postcodes (including non‑live): about 749
Mail for the ZE area is processed at the Glasgow Mail Centre. The area’s geographic coverage includes all inhabited islands of the Shetland archipelago, from Lerwick and Scalloway on Mainland to outlying islands such as Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Foula and Fair Isle.
Postcode districts
| District | Post town | Main coverage areas | Local authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZE1 | Shetland | Lerwick, Scalloway, Trondra | Shetland Islands Council |
| ZE2 | Shetland | Most of Mainland, Bressay, Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Foula, Fair Isle | Shetland Islands Council |
| ZE3 | Shetland | Virkie (on the south‑west of Mainland) | Shetland Islands Council |
Etymology and history
The letters “ZE” derive from Zetland, an archaic spelling of “Shetland”. This form was used for the council area until 1975, after which the modern spelling became standard. The postcode designation therefore reflects this historic name.
Postal administration
All addresses within the ZE area use the format “ZE
