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 trousers4 April 2026ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAlex Popein BedfordTammy HineTammy Hine moved from Bedford to Fair Isle in February and has been settling into island life ever sinceWhen Tammy Hine uprooted her entire life and moved to the UK's most remote inhabited island, she may have misjudged her wardrobe choices."I actually just bought my banjo, my guitar, my bed and my sofa and about 150 dresses, which you can't wear here because it's so windy – so I've got to buy new trousers," she said.In February, Tammy left behind her life in Bedford and moved about 760 miles (1,220km) to Fair Isle, roughly midway between Shetland and Orkney.About to turn 50, she decided there was "one more adventure to have". After reading about a vacancy for a nurse, she applied, got the job and is now looks after its 45 residents and any visitors.Tammy HineTammy flew to Shetland first, but it was three weeks before she was able to get to Fair IsleJust three miles (5km) long by one and a half miles (2.5km) wide, Fair Isle is the southernmost of the Shetland Islands, and is famed for its knitwear, wildlife and bird observatory.When its previous nurse decided to leave for a job for NHS Scotland, the position opened up. "I thought, 'I'm going to apply' – I never thought for a minute I'd hear anything back," said Tammy."I have always wanted to live somewhere remote: my dream was to go to Alaska."She has been in nursing for 23 years, working for the last 13 years as a palliative care specialist nurse, and before that as a district nurse.At her interview she gave a PowerPoint presentation, covering everything from the things she loves, including Dolly Parton to her banjo, to how much she wanted to be with nature.Tammy HineTammy said she could be called upon at almost any time to keep the islanders in good healthTammy said she loved her p...