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An unusual chance has emerged to live and work on Fair Isle, which holds the title of the UK’s most remote inhabited island. However, this opportunity is specifically aimed at individuals who possess particular skills. Situated midway between Orkney and Shetland, Fair Isle is renowned not only for its distinctive knitwear but also for providing sanctuary to thousands of seabirds.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS), the primary landowner of the island, is seeking tenants for a croft that includes a four-bedroom residence along with approximately 15 acres of land. They are looking for “resourceful and enthusiastic” applicants who already have experience in crofting and who either have a trade or can contribute to the local knitwear industry. The island itself is home to around 60 residents and features amenities such as a primary school with nursery facilities, a shop, a post office, and a community hall. Access to Fair Isle is possible via sea or air from mainland Shetland.
The available house on the croft has modern conveniences including oil heating, electricity generated from the island’s renewable energy sources, telephone, and internet services. Crofting involves managing a small agricultural holding and sharing common grazing land for livestock. Individuals with expertise in crofting, as well as trades such as electrical work, carpentry, or boat maintenance, are among those encouraged to apply. They would be expected either to establish a business or actively participate in the island’s long-standing knitwear tradition, which dates back to the early 19th century.
Eileen Thomson, director of the Fair Isle Development Company, expressed a preference for a family tenancy to support the primary school, which currently has only four pupils. She commented, “Ideally, we’re looking for younger people, people of working age.” Many islanders juggle several jobs and volunteer roles. Thomson noted, “Most of us have a croft but also work in the school, on the ferry and in various community organisations as well. It’s so much better than having a nine to five.” She hopes that the population might increase to around 70, allowing for better distribution of essential community roles.
Angus Murray, NTS’ operations manager for Fair Isle, welcomed the prospect of new arrivals, saying, “We are looking forward to welcoming new people to the island to become part of the crofting community of Fair Isle.” He further added, “We are inviting resourceful and enthusiastic people with the skills, creativity, and care needed to make a success of this unique opportunity.” Applicants will be shortlisted by the trust, with interviews involving a local committee. A spokesperson for the Shetland Islands Leasing Management Scheme (SLMS) emphasized, “This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to secure a croft and family home in one of Scotland’s most remarkable island communities.” The deadline for applications is midday on Friday 10 April
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