Built as the Lerwick Central Public School in 1902, the Islesburgh Community Centre occupies a site on the corner of King Harald Street and Union Street in Lerwick (Shetland). Constructed in the Scots Baronial style, the foundation stone was laid on 7th August 1901 by the architect, John M. Aitken (1850 - 1923), who was a native of Shetland, and opened on 2nd September 1902 by Sir Henry Craik, who was Secretary of the Scottish Education Department. Now B-listed and home to a youth club and entertainment complex, most notably the Centre contains the Isleburgh Exhibition of Shetland Crafts and Culture. This includes a representation of the inside of croft-house in the 1920s, with local people who demonstrate knitting and spinning and will talk about times-past. The exhibitions also includes old photographs, examples of various arts and crafts, and an accompanying programme of events which includes traditional music and dance. The Centre also provides facilities such as exhibition space, office services and community internet, alongside a cafe and central lounge, with television and pool.
The Centre is run in conjunction with the neighbouring Islesburgh House Hostel.
