I’m the only medic on the island – but I wish I’d brought some trousers
I’m the only medic on the island – but I wish I’d brought some trousers
Relocating to a remote island brought unexpected challenges
Tammy Hine’s decision to move from Bedford to the UK’s most isolated inhabited island was accompanied by a wardrobe oversight. She arrived with a banjo, guitar, bed, sofa, and 150 dresses—yet the wind on Fair Isle rendered her wardrobe unsuitable. “I’ve had to buy new trousers,” she noted, highlighting the practical difficulties of living in such a remote location.
“I thought, ‘I’m going to apply’ – I never thought for a minute I’d hear anything back.”
In February, Tammy embarked on her journey to Fair Isle, a place situated roughly midway between Shetland and Orkney. The island, about three miles long and one and a half miles wide, is the southernmost of the Shetland archipelago and known for its knitwear, wildlife, and bird observatory. Her opportunity arose after the previous nurse left for a role in NHS Scotland, prompting her to take the position.
At 50, Tammy felt the call of adventure. “I’ve always wanted to live somewhere remote: my dream was to go to Alaska,” she shared. With 23 years of nursing experience, including 13 as a palliative care specialist and prior work as a district nurse, she prepared for the challenge. Her interview included a PowerPoint presentation covering her passions—like Dolly Parton and her banjo—as well as her yearning for nature.
Unexpected delays and new beginnings
Tammy’s move to Shetland didn’t unfold as expected. Arriving on 9 February, she faced a three-week delay due to harsh weather before reaching Fair Isle. Despite the hiccup, she now feels “like I’ve always been here,” finding peace in the island’s simplicity. “I’m really very sociable, but I’m also really good on my own,” she remarked, noting her independence.
“Sometimes after all the fun and all that chaos, you just need to slow down a bit.”
As the sole medic on the island, Tammy is responsible for caring for all ages, from children to adults, and handling any situation that arises. When emergencies occur, she relies on the GP practice in Shetland and can summon an air ambulance or coastguard helicopter for transport to hospital. Her passion for music runs deep, inspired by her band Duzzy Avocado in Bedford.
Tammy’s creative side is thriving. She writes songs in her spare time, often inspired by natural phenomena like the moon, Northern Lights, and the sea. On her second day on the island, she spotted orcas—a rarity in her old life in Bedford. “You don’t often get that on your lunch break at Bedford!” she laughed. She eagerly awaits the return of puffins, which she plans to observe as the month draws to a close.
A harmonious blend of work and life
“Everyone’s so welcoming, coming round, and I’m having cups of tea with everyone,” Tammy said, reflecting on the island’s community spirit. While she misses Bedford’s music scene, she finds joy in the new rhythm of Fair Isle, where she’s jammed with locals and attended a disco. “The bird watching is just phenomenal,” she added, expressing gratitude for the unique experiences.
Reflecting on her decision, Tammy emphasized the alignment of stars. “I’m just really lucky,” she said, encapsulating her journey from urban life to the tranquil, windswept island. Her tale underscores the balance between adventure and serenity, far from the chaos she once embraced.