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

Tammy Hine’s move to the UK’s most isolated inhabited island was driven by a desire for adventure, though her wardrobe choices may have been less than practical. Upon arriving in Shetland, she quickly realized her 150 dresses were unsuitable for the unpredictable weather. “I bought my banjo, guitar, bed, sofa, and a bunch of dresses—none of which are useful here because the wind is relentless,” she said, explaining her need to purchase trousers. The island, roughly midway between Shetland and Orkney, is a stark contrast to the bustling life she left behind in Bedford.

Her journey began in February, when she traveled 760 miles (1,220km) to Fair Isle. Approaching her 50th birthday, Tammy decided to embrace “one more adventure” after discovering a nursing vacancy. She secured the role and now tends to the island’s 45 residents and visitors, fulfilling a full-time medical position. Fair Isle, a narrow landmass of three miles (5km) by one and a half miles (2.5km), is famed for its knitwear, wildlife, and bird observatory.

The job opening arose when the previous nurse left for an NHS Scotland opportunity. “I thought, ‘I’m going to apply,’ but I never imagined I’d get the call,” Tammy recalled. Her career in nursing spans 23 years, with 13 dedicated to palliative care. She described her previous work as “rewarding,” emphasizing the privilege of supporting patients and families during life’s final stages.

Tammy’s new role has been transformative. “I feel so much more peaceful,” she said, despite her sociable nature. The island’s slower pace and tight-knit community have allowed her to connect with residents in a more personal way. She’s also taken in the natural beauty, from spotting orcas on her second day to eagerly anticipating the return of puffins at month’s end.

Her arrival was delayed by harsh weather, but she adapted quickly. “I’ve been to a party, had a disco, and even jammed with a local,” she shared, highlighting the warmth of the community. Though she’s writing songs with her friend Johnny in Bedford, her current work has inspired new themes: “They’re about the moon, the Northern Lights, and the sea now.”

As the sole medical professional on the island, Tammy relies on a GP practice in Shetland and emergency services like air ambulances or coastguard helicopters for critical cases. “Sometimes after all the chaos, you just need to slow down,” she reflected, finding balance in her remote life.

“I’m really very sociable, but I’m also really good on my own: very independent, probably to a fault.”

Tammy’s blend of independence and community engagement has made her transition smoother than expected. “I feel like I’ve always been here,” she said, embracing the island’s rhythm.