The Booth was constructed by Scalloway Waterfront Trust in 2001. It was built on the site of an old fisherman's store which was the oldest building in the town and was converted into a live-work space for visiting artists which is managed by Wasps in partnership with Shetland Arts Trust.

Visiting artists can apply to go and stay at The Booth for a month at a time and applications are welcomed from artists working across all disciplines. In some cases artists staying at The Booth have been able to access other facilities on the island such as printmaking, ceramics and textile facilities.

The building consists of a  combined 'clean' working area and living space which is located on the upper level and a stone-walled basement for more 'dirty' work. The living accomodation has a fully fitted kitchen, washing machine/tumble dryer and a bathroom with a fully accessible shower. There is a bed space located above the kitchen/bathroom, the sofa also opens up into a double bed and towels and bedlinen are provided.

Artists visiting The Booth also have access to a telephone, pc laptop with internet access and a coloured printer.

Location

The Shetland Islands are the most northernly part of the United Kingdom and are located 150 miles north of the Scottish mainland. They are made up of 15 islands which are home to 24,000 people.

The islands have an ancient history, stunning landscape, close links with Scandinavia and a unique culture with a long tradition of music and craftmaking.  Scalloway is the ancient capital of Shetland and is located on the west side of the Shetland mainland. It is a pitcuresque village which is home to 1000 people and is also a working village with a large pier which is used by fishing boats and other vessels.