Funding for improvements to a community facility has helped towards securing the long-term future of a renowned annual-rural show on the West Mainland of Shetland.
Cooke Scotland has assisted Walls and District Agricultural Show with financial support via the Community Benefit Fund for new electrical installations and a fire alarm system in a new show shed.
The funding has played a critical role in ensuring the building meets the required safety standards and helped the show committee create a safe, modern, and fully functional facility for the community.
David Brown, Shetland Regional Manager at Cooke Scotland, said: “As fellow farmers out on the West Mainland of Shetland we are happy to support the Walls Show Committee with funding to help them with their new shed developments.
“This fantastic annual event brings everyone together and we are pleased the new shed will not only secure the long-term future of the show, but it will also be used as a valuable community facility throughout the year.”
The shed will be used on the show day as an exhibition and social space. Beyond the annual event, the shed is a multi-purpose community facility made available to support a wide range of local groups to support their activities, including the storage of any resources which is often a challenge in rural communities. The shed can also serve as a space for any training, events or other functions that can support local groups.
Ewen Johnston, Walls Show Committee Member, said: “The new shed will support the long-term sustainability of the show, helping to future-proof it for years to come while delivering lasting benefits to the community. The show committee are very grateful to Cooke Scotland for their generosity and support in making this project possible.”
The Walls Show will take place on 8 August 2026 and we hope it is a great success for everyone involved.
Lead photograph: From left-right; John Nichols and Ewen Johnston, both of Walls & District Agricultural Show; Heckie Atkinson from Cooke Scotland; and Catherine Peterson of Walls & District Agricultural Show.