Fair Isle: 'Exceptionally rare' chance to live and work on the UK's most remote inhabited island

Those with trade skills, such as electrical expertise to support Fair Isle’s renewable energy systems, joinery, or maritime skills, are being encouraged to apply.

Angus Murray, the National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager for Fair Isle, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming new people to the island to become part of the crofting community of Fair Isle.

“We are inviting resourceful and enthusiastic people with the skills, creativity, and care needed to make a success of this unique opportunity.”

Fair Isle is world-famous for its distinctive knitwear and rich crafting heritage.

The Trust is welcoming applications from anyone with craft skills looking to develop their business on the island or contribute to preserving the Fair Isle knitting tradition. There are also opportunities to work for established knitwear designers.

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

Eileen Thomson, Fair Isle Development Company Director, said: "Fair Isle is a beautiful island with a proud and friendly community.

“Families and hard-working folk will have a chance to thrive here. It is not a quiet life or for those seeking seclusion, rather a busy community-based life, but amazing for raising a family and for work-life balance.

“We have an excellent primary school and nursery, a well-stocked island shop and Post Office, a resident nurse to care for us, and endless beautiful places to walk, run and even swim (if you are hardy!).

“If you are interested in the outdoors, wildlife and of course knitting then Fair Isle has an abundance of all.

“Super-fast fibre broadband and 4G (5G in some parts) mean we are well connected with the wider world too.

“Crofting forms the basis of work for many islanders, supplemented by many other essential jobs to keep our lovely island running. It is a fantastic place to live!”

The available croft has a four-bedroom house attached, several outbuildings with approximately 5.67 hectares of croft land, and associated common grazing.

With stunning sea views and surrounding landscapes, it has been called a “rare opportunity” to live in one of Scotland’s most beautiful remote locations.

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The croft house features an open plan kitchen, dining and living space, a large studio workshop ideal for someone with an interest in crafting, four bedrooms, a playroom, a utility room, and a family bathroom.

The house itself has oil central heating, electricity generated by the island, and telephone and internet services installed.

Scottish Land Matching Service said: “This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to secure a croft and family home in one of Scotland’s most remarkable island communities.

“SLMS are delighted to support the National Trust for Scotland in helping to find suitable tenants with the skills and long-term commitment to make Fair Isle home and contribute to its future.”

To apply for this lease opportunity, contact Scottish Land Matching Service at [email protected] or visit www.slms.scot/fair-isle for more information.