I’m the only medic on the island – but I wish I’d brought some trousers
Tammy Hine’s relocation to the UK’s most isolated inhabited island may have overlooked her clothing choices. When she moved, she prioritized her banjo, guitar, bed, and sofa over 150 dresses, realizing too late that the island’s strong winds rendered her wardrobe unsuitable. “I’ve got to buy new trousers,” she remarked, highlighting the practical challenges of her new home.
In February, Tammy left her life in Bedford, traversing 760 miles (1,220km) to reach Fair Isle, a remote stretch of land nestled between Shetland and Orkney. At 50, she sought a final adventure, inspired by a nurse vacancy. After securing the position, she now tends to the island’s 45 residents and visitors, embracing the role with enthusiasm.
Fair Isle, measuring just three miles (5km) long and one and a half miles (2.5km) wide, is the southernmost of the Shetland Islands. Known for its knitwear craftsmanship, natural landscapes, and a dedicated bird observatory, the island offers a unique blend of tranquility and activity. Tammy’s arrival coincided with the departure of the previous nurse, who had accepted a post in NHS Scotland.
“I thought, ‘I’m going to apply’ – I never imagined I’d get the response,” Tammy said, reflecting on her decision. Her aspiration for a remote lifestyle, once a dream of Alaska, now materializes on this Scottish isle. With 23 years of nursing experience, including 13 as a palliative care specialist, she brings a wealth of expertise to her new environment.
During her interview, Tammy shared her passions, from Dolly Parton to her banjo, and her desire to connect with nature. “I’m really very sociable, but I’m also independent,” she added, emphasizing her adaptability. “I wanted to slow down, find peace, and build relationships in an old-fashioned nursing style.” The island’s simplicity, she noted, offers a stark contrast to the fast-paced life she left behind.
Tammy’s journey to Fair Isle faced an unexpected hurdle. Arriving in Shetland on 9 February, she only reached the island three weeks later due to adverse weather. Yet, she quickly adapted, now feeling “like I’ve always been here.” “I feel more at peace,” she said, “even though I’m sociable. It’s a dream come true.”
As the sole medical professional on the island, Tammy handles everything from pediatric care to adult emergencies, relying on a Shetland GP practice and a coastguard helicopter for urgent cases. Named after country music icon Tammy Wynette, she carries her musical heritage with her. In Bedford, she was part of the band Duzzy Avocado, but here, the world feels quieter, with neighbors offering warm cups of tea and invitations to gatherings.
While she writes songs with her friend Johnny back home, her current inspiration stems from the island’s natural wonders. “The moon, the Northern Lights, and the sea are now my themes,” she shared, recalling her second day on the island when she spotted orcas. “That’s not something you typically see on a lunch break in Bedford!” She eagerly awaits the puffins’ return at month’s end, praising the bird-watching opportunities as “phenomenal.” “I’m just really lucky,” she concluded. “The stars have aligned.”
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