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 relocation to the UK’s most isolated inhabited island marked a significant life shift, though her wardrobe choices might have been a miscalculation. “I ended up buying my banjo, guitar, bed, sofa—and 150 dresses, which are impractical here due to the relentless winds,” she remarked. The decision came after she left Bedford, where she had spent years in nursing, for a 760-mile (1,220km) journey to Fair Isle, situated between Shetland and Orkney. At 50, she saw this as an opportunity for “one more adventure,” driven by a longing for remote living that had long been a dream.

When the position of nurse on the island opened, she applied without hesitation. “I thought, ‘I’ll try my luck’—never expecting a response,” Tammy recalled. The island, three miles (5km) long and one and a half miles (2.5km) wide, is known for its knitwear, wildlife, and bird observatory. Her departure coincided with the previous nurse’s move to NHS Scotland, creating a chance for her to step in. Despite the challenges, she now feels “like I’ve always been here,” finding tranquility in the island’s pace.

Tammy’s nursing career spans 23 years, with 13 spent in palliative care and the rest in district nursing. During her interview, she shared personal passions, including Dolly Parton and her banjo, alongside her desire to connect with nature. “I’ve always wanted to live in a remote place: my dream was Alaska,” she said. Yet, the island’s quiet lifestyle has become her new focus. “Sometimes after all the chaos, you just need to slow down,” she added, emphasizing the value of peace and quiet in her current role.

“I’m the only medic on the island,” Tammy said, explaining that she handles everyone from children to adults, no matter what arises. Emergency support comes from a Shetland GP practice, with access to air ambulance or coastguard helicopter services. While her music roots remain strong, she now finds inspiration in the island’s natural beauty, with songs about the moon, Northern Lights, and the sea.

Tammy’s musical journey began in Bedford with her band, Duzzy Avocado, and she still keeps the rhythm alive through writing with her friend Johnny back home. On her second day in Fair Isle, she spotted orcas—a rare experience compared to her previous lunch breaks in Bedford. “The bird watching here is just phenomenal,” she said, already anticipating the return of puffins. Her transition has been smooth, blending her sociable nature with a newfound independence. “I’m really lucky. The stars have aligned,” she concluded, reflecting on the serendipity of her new life.

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