A RARE opportunity has arisen to move to Fair Isle, one of Scotland’s most northerly islands, known for its extraordinary heritage of birdlife, crafts and scenery.
The community on the island, which is supported by the National Trust for Scotland, is looking forward to welcoming new residents, thanks to a job opportunity on the local ferry, MV Good Shepherd.
The conservation charity – which owns Fair Isle – and those who live there are keen to emphasise the breadth of opportunities available on the island: not just the deckhand role which is being advertised but a chance for people to play a full and varied role in island life, ideally bringing with them practical skills and a positive community-minded outlook.
There are also roles with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, the school canteen, knitting producers and trades. With full fibre broadband being installed, there are also good options to work remotely.
Resident James Stout who lives in Fair Isle with four generations of his family, said: “It’s an opportunity to be part of a living community. It’s a community looking to the future.”
Also available to the successful job applicant will be a modern two/three-bedroom family home with stunning views, provided by the National Trust for Scotland, if they meet the charity’s rental criteria.
Clea Warner, the National Trust for Scotland’s regional director for the Highlands and Islands, said: “I was in Fair Isle at the beginning of October and know what a beautiful and friendly place it is. For anyone who loves the outdoors and wildlife, there’s nowhere like it.
“The community is very dynamic and welcoming, and committed to keeping Fair Isle as a thriving place to live.
“The new job opening on the island is a fantastic opportunity – including for families, as the island has an excellent primary school – to be part of this amazing place for themselves.
“It’s always pleasing to see job opportunities come up in Fair Isle, and our charity continues to engage with the community and with organisations such as Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Shetland Islands Council to support the sustainability of this island.
“We hope the new ferry job will attract plenty of interest and look forward to welcoming the successful applicant to the island.”
Details of the job are at www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/shetland-islands-council/jobs/workboat-rating-deckhand-fair-isle-350889
If would like to find out more about life in the community, contact resident Eileen by email at admin@fairisledevelopment.org
