Plan to attract new folk to Fair Isle

AN ambitious plan to attract at least ten new people to help revitalise one of Britain’s most sparsely populated island communities will be launched in Lerwick on Monday afternoon.

The population of Fair Isle, half way between Shetland and Orkney, has dipped to just 55, its lowest level in several years.

In response, the Fair Isle Community Association commissioned a consultant last year to identify a sustainable future for the island.

The action plan for the National Trust-owned island also proposes building new houses and refurbishing empty properties.

Improved ferry and air links to the Shetland mainland as well as fast and reliable internet connections would also help attract new people, the report said.

A multi million pound investment into the new Fair Isle Bird Observatory, opened in 2010, could not halt the population decline. But it did help to ensure that the island remained a viable and vibrant community with a global reputation, the report added.

Community Broadband Scotland director Mark Tate said he had first hand experience of the frustrations caused by slow internet speeds on the island.

“Delivering faster broadband to this iconic and beautiful island will have a transformational impact on the way people live, work and learn and support the Islands ambitious development plan,” he said.

The ‘Securing Fair Isle’s Future – A plan for Action’ report was financed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Shetland Islands Council, along with some funds coming from the Fair Isle Community Association.

Its chairwoman Fiona Mitchell said: “The production of the development plan has been a very positive process and we are now looking forward to working with stakeholders to realise the development outcomes and aspirations of the community.”

Local MSP Tavish Scott said that he was in full support of the new development plan.

“The first time I visited Fair Isle the mist rolled in and a day trip lasted a weekend,” he said.

“I had a great time with a community dance, a church service and great conversations with islanders on local and international events.

“Fair Isle is a wonderful place with a dynamic, welcoming and strong community. I have no doubt the island’s new development plan will succeed.”