Here's how you get a giant Walker's Shortbread van through the airport

Published Aug 08, 2024

We rolled out the tartan carpet for the arrival of an eye-catching Walker’s Shortbread installation earlier this month, and it led to one burning question... How exactly do you get a shortbread van through an airport?

Yep, you butter believe it. We've now got a Walker's Shortbread van outside the entrance to World Duty Free.

The pop-up site allows passengers to 'experience the joy of shortbread through sight, smell and taste' and it will remain in place throughout the month of August.

We watched it arrive under the cover of darkness, so here's how it all happened.

1. Just like when you fly from the airport, the shortbread van went through security screening before it could head to departures. No special treatment here!

2. After its check, the van and its shortbread wheels were whisked across the airfield, arriving at the gate as though it were an aircraft - although the similarities do end there.

3. At around 10pm the van was taken through the airport terminal, which is a bit quieter at this time of night, before arriving at its new home outside World Duty Free.

4. From there putting together the puzzle begins. Packaging is ripped off; the Walker’s logo is unveiled and the heavy components of the van are lifted off the pallets.

5. The team began construction and the tartan carpet was placed on the floor section by section, with team members closely following to remove the covers and eliminate any air bubbles below.

6. Using Velcro tape, the boards covering the walls were lined and attached, making sure that the words aligned perfectly to display the iconic Walker’s name.

7. And now it's time for than van to shine. The vehicle is assembled from back to front on top of the tartan floor before being bolted together, and to a stand, to keep it secure. The digital screens are attached and tested, bringing the van to life.

8. The final pieces are carried into place, including the shortbread fingers and rounds, to complete the display ready for early morning passengers to arrive.

9. To create a complete sensory experience, the scent of warm shortbread is added (don't ask how - that's a secret), and passengers can get a whiff when they pass through.

The Walker's shortbread van is parked outside World Duty Free. Stop by for an immersive shortbread experience - just please don't eat it. It'll be there until September 2.

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