The population of this parish in previous years, was

	YEAR	Population
	1755	3,932
	1792	8,020
	18O1	8,838
	1811	10,395
	1821	11,536
	1831	12,748
	1835	13,037

The gradual increase may be ascribed to improvements in agriculture and the extension of trade and manufactures.

In 1831, the number of inhabitants residing in

	the town and villages of the parish was	10,294
	in the country, ....	2,454
	making a total of ...	12,748
	Average of births, for the last three years,	252
	death,... .	255
	marriages,	110

There is only one nobleman (Earl of Zetland) who has a dwelling-house in the parish, but who resides chiefly in England. The number of individuals or families of independent fortune, and not engaged in business, may be seven. The proprietors of land of the yearly value of L.50 and upwards, may be estimated at forty in number. The people are, in general, contented with their situation and circumstances; and the great proportion are moral and religious, in. so far as can be judged from regular attendance at public worship and outward decency of conduct.

Poaching in game is practised by some individuals. Smuggling may be said to have entirely ceased. Pawnbroking is carried on to a small extent, although there is none licensed for that trade.