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 left behind her life in Bedford to embrace a new chapter on Fair Isle, the UK’s most isolated inhabited island. Her decision to relocate came after reading about a nursing vacancy, but she may have overlooked a key detail: the island’s unpredictable weather. “I bought my banjo, guitar, bed, sofa, and roughly 150 dresses, which aren’t practical here because of the wind,” she explained. “So I’m now in the market for new trousers.”
A Remote Nursing Role
Located approximately 760 miles (1,220km) from Bedford, Fair Isle lies midway between Shetland and Orkney. Known for its knitwear, wildlife, and bird observatory, the island is the southernmost of the Shetland archipelago. When its previous nurse left for a position in NHS Scotland, Tammy seized the opportunity. “I thought, ‘I’m going to apply’—I never imagined I’d get the job,” she said. “My dream has always been to live in a remote place, like Alaska.”
Tammy has spent 23 years in nursing, including 13 as a palliative care specialist. She described her previous role as “rewarding” and a “privilege” to support patients and their families during life’s final stages. Yet, the pull of a new adventure led her to the island. “I wanted to slow down, find peace, and connect with a new community in a traditional nursing way,” she added. “Sometimes after all the chaos, you need a break.”
The Journey and Adjustments
Though her move was well-planned, the trip faced unexpected delays. She arrived in Shetland on 9 February but reached Fair Isle only three weeks later due to severe weather. Despite the setback, Tammy has adapted quickly, now feeling “as if I’ve always been here.” “The peace is incredible,” she noted. “Even though I’m naturally sociable, I’m finding a quiet balance.”
As the sole medic on Fair Isle, Tammy is responsible for caring for all residents and visitors, from children to elderly patients. In emergencies, she relies on a GP practice in Shetland and can call an air ambulance or coastguard helicopter. “It’s a full-time job—whatever comes my way, I handle it,” she said.
Music and the Sea
Named after country singer Tammy Wynette, Tammy Hine’s passion for music runs deep. In Bedford, she was part of a band called Duzzy Avocado, where she cherished the local music scene and community. “I love Bedford, but here, you almost forget the rest of the world exists,” she reflected. “Everyone’s so welcoming—cups of tea, parties, even a disco.”
She continues to compose songs in her free time, often inspired by the island’s natural beauty. “My new work has shifted my focus to the moon, Northern Lights, and the sea,” she said. “I spotted orcas on my second day—something you rarely see on a lunch break in Bedford.” She also looks forward to the puffins’ return at month’s end, calling the bird-watching experience “phenomenal.”
“The stars have aligned,” Tammy remarked, expressing gratitude for the serendipity of her move. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
