1852

Frederick Dundas, Liberal, elected as MP for Orkney & Shetland.
He had previously represented the constituency from 1837 to 1847.
William Edmonstoune Aytoun appointed Sheriff and Vice-Admiral of Orkney and Shetland.
The Olnafirth district was depopulated for sheep.

January

9th
The wooden sloop Albion (1852) drove on to a wharf at Freefield, Lerwick and subsequently sank.
21st
The Stag, a smack, laden with a cargo of slate, of Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey, Wales grounded on Foula. All of the crew were saved.

25th
The vessel Queen Of The Isles (1852), of Leith, Scotland wrecked in Housa Voe, Papa Stour.

26th
Partly built Sandsayre Pier, at Sandwick, destroyed by storm.
The Fairy (1852), a schooner, laden with a general cargo, British registered, from Lerwick for Aberdeen, Scotland drove from anchor and wrecked in Lerwick Harbour.

14th
Sir William Watson Cheyne, First Baronet of Leagarth, Fetlar, K.C.M.G., C.B., M.A., M.B., C.M., F.R.C.S., F.R.S., L.L.D. (Edin.), D.Sc. (Oxon) was born at sea off Hobart, Tasmania. "Sir Watson" was House Surgeon, and later successor to Lord Lister, and worked closely with him on the pioneering development of antiseptic surgery in the late 19th century.
23rd
An unidentified vessel capsized or foundered in Yell Sound between Mossbank and Samphrey. Four people perished.