Polar Star - March - May 2024
Tuesday 19 March 2024
 7.3°C   SSE Strong Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Community / Video series gives people virtual tours around Fair Isle during pandemic

Photo: Chris Cope/Shetland News

A CROFTER in Fair Isle has been bringing the remote island to people across the world through video tours while it remains off limits to visitors.

Rachel Challoner has so far uploaded 14 Fair Isle Through A Lens videos to YouTube, which take viewers a virtual tour around one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands.

They have amassed thousands of views as folk from across the globe watch in to catch a glimpse at the landscape and amenities on offer in Fair Isle.

Challoner said the inspiration came when one of her other employers, Shetland Nature, cancelled tours as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We received lots of correspondence from guests who were saying how disappointed they were at not being able to visit Shetland and that some of them had been due to visit Fair Isle too,” she explained.

“Also through correspondence with creative folk from across the world who had booked residencies at Fair Isle Studio this year and had been looking forward for many months to staying here and would now be unable to.

“I just thought that if people couldn’t come to Fair Isle then maybe bits of Fair Isle could come to them through the medium of video. I thought it might also inspire people to think about visiting Fair Isle as part of their Shetland holidays next year too.”

Challoner said she has been “absolutely amazed” that her YouTube account has racked up more than 600 subscribers so far.

She said generally in Fair Isle, like most crofting communities, residents tend to have multiple jobs so Covid-19 has not had a massive impact economically.

The Internet has also allowed some craft makers to continue selling goods in the absence of visits from tourists.

“People that run the B&Bs have probably been the hardest hit in terms of loss of income but they do have alternative sources of income such as selling artwork or textiles,” Challoner said.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

“Each year hundreds of cruise ship visitors and other tourists would normally visit and buy traditional knitwear from ‘Fair Isle Made in Fair Isle’ and ‘Exclusively Fair Isle’, but both businesses have been able to offer online sales which means they’re still able to trade.

“The isle, like other places, might be in a bit of a trough right now but a peak will soon follow – construction work is due to start on the new Bird Obs before too long, plus the construction work at the water works will recommence, so the B&Bs will all be full to capacity with contractors on long-term occupancies, meaning more people will be buying from the shop, more people buying gifts and souvenirs and putting into the local economy.”

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.