Walls
The main settlement in this GP practice is Walls - a picturesque village with houses built along the shores of the voe, or sea inlet. We have a sheltered harbour, with the islands of Linga and Vaila lying to the mouth of the voe. On the isle of Vaila there is a large (inhabited) baronial Hall.
We are fortunate to have many excellent facilities here, which are listed below:
- A Primary School and Nursery
- A Swimming Pool (this is open to the public under a private membership scheme, whereby families/groups can hire the pool for exclusive use)
- Church of Scotland and Methodist Church (with a popular cafe there every Friday)
- A well-equipped and modern Public Hall, which is used by groups like Mothers and Toddlers, Brownies and Guides, RVS, Quiz Nights, Drama and Pantomimes, Dances, Concerts and much much more
- Germatwatt Centre - a smaller Public Hall for groups to use - plus a cafe in the summer months
- A Marina and Boating Club with social activities
- Writers Group
- Book Club
- Burrastow House Guest House & restaurant. B&B and self-catering accommodation
- Care Centre (plus Day Care Facilities)
- Health Centre
- Bus Operator
- Repairs Garage
- Local Bakery
- Local Shop and Post Office
- Fire Station
- Coastguard Station
- Regular Public Transport to Lerwick - Monday to Saturday (4 Times a Day)
- Veterinary Surgery in Bixter, 6 miles away.
The westside is also very much a crofting area, though for the most part nowadays it's done on a part-time basis, with main employment coming from elsewhere, involving travel to Lerwick or the oil terminal at Sullom Voe. However, in the village of Walls there are several local businesses which give employment in the area, mainly mussel and salmon farms, bakery, care centre, etc.
Sandness
The Walls practice also includes the village of Sandness, some 6 miles away. Jamieson's Spinning Mill is to be found there - a thriving business providing very welcome employment for many. There is a Primary School and a Public Hall. Sandness also has an organic vegetable producer, selling produce locally and in various shops throughout Shetland.
Papa Stour
Across the sea from Sandness lies Papa Stour, an island with a small population but with an interesting archaeological history going back many centuries. The name Papa Stour is from Old Norse meaning 'Big Island of the Priests'. Papa Stour has some very impressive sea stacks, arches and caves round its coastline. Travel to Papa Stour is from West Burrafirth, where the roll-on roll-off ferry is based.
Foula
Some 15 miles offshore lies the island of Foula, with its distinctive peaked outline, which shows off its huge cliffs - the second highest in the UK. It has spectacular scenery and is a haven for birds, including the famous Bonxie. The ferry from Foula travels to Walls 3 days a week (weather permitting) and there is a regular air service, which operates from Tingwall, near Lerwick.
We hope this short description of our area will provoke interest. There may be drawbacks to living in areas like Shetland but we believe the advantages outweigh those. There is a freedom for young and old, to explore the land and sea, to enjoy wildlife and feel part of a close community.