National Trust successful in finding new Fair Isle tenant

THE SMALL community of Fair Isle is set for a new arrival after a tenant was found for a croft on the island.

National Trust for Scotland, which owns the island, announced earlier this year that it was offering a “once in a lifetime opportunity to croft, live and work” in Fair Isle.

A spokesperson has now confirmed that a new tenant is expected to be moving to Fair Isle in the summer after receiving a good level of interest in the opportunity.

“We look forward to welcoming them,” they said.

The croft in question includes a four-bedroom family house, several outbuildings, approximately 5.67 hectares of croft land and associated common grazing.

Highlighting how people in Fair Isle are often multi-skilled, the trust said folk with experience in trades, such as electrics or joinery, or in the maritime sector, were encouraged to apply.

The island has a population of around 60 people, with a primary school and nursery, local shop, post office, and an active community hall that hosts regular events.

It can be accessed by flights from Tingwall Airport or by boat, with the ferry usually running to Grutness in Shetland’s South Mainland.

Later this year a new Fair Isle ferry is expected to be delivered to Shetland Islands Council, replacing the ageing Good Shepherd.