The infamous Earl Patrick Stewart was responsible for its construction in 1600 using forced local labour. His and his son's tyrannical behaviour was known throughout Shetland and Orkney until he was executed for his crimes. Knitwear and glass-blowing workshops are found in the village and these offer some of the best examples of such island crafts. Taking the road south of Scalloway there are bridges crossing to the small islands of Trondra, West Burra and East Burra. Returning north, the A971 branches off the mian A970 and, passing Tingwall Airport, leads on to the western spur called West Mainland.
Walls ids the only village of consequence.
There are walks available around the shores or near Sandness which offer views of the island of Papa Stour to the north-west. Papa Stour is reached by passenger ferry from West Burrafirth which operates five days a week during the summer but round trips are only available on Friday and Saturday. The A970 is the main route north on Mainland and from the Walls road this can be reached by taking the Aith road to Voe, the B9071 which joins the main route some miles north. It is a sometimes tortuous winding, single-track route. B9075 further east, which takes you to the workshops around Weisdale and Whiteness that produce fine silver, gold and enamel jewellery following intricate Norse, Celtic and original designs.