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
A Shift in Lifestyle
Tammy Hine, now residing on Fair Isle, the most remote inhabited island in the UK, has found herself in an unexpected situation. After leaving her life in Bedford, she moved to Shetland, where she is based, but only reached Fair Isle three weeks later due to severe weather. Her decision to relocate was driven by a desire for a new experience, as she approached her 50th birthday and felt the need for one last adventure.
The island, known for its wildlife and knitwear, is just three miles long and one and a half miles wide. It lies midway between Shetland and Orkney, making it a challenging yet captivating place to live. Tammy, who has been a nurse for 23 years, was drawn to the role after the previous nurse left for a position in NHS Scotland. She applied for the job, accepted it, and is now responsible for caring for the island’s 45 residents and any visitors.
Tammy’s wardrobe, however, was not well-suited to the island’s conditions. She brought 150 dresses but quickly realized they were impractical due to the strong winds. “I actually just bought my banjo, my guitar, my bed and my sofa, and about 150 dresses,” she said. “They can’t be worn here because it’s so windy, so I’ve got to buy new trousers.” Despite this, she has settled in and described her new life as “like I’ve always been here.”
Her transition to the island has been smooth, though the journey itself had its challenges. “I never thought for a minute I’d hear anything back,” Tammy recalled. “I thought, ‘I’m going to apply’—and now I’m here.” She expressed a deep connection to the island’s tranquility, contrasting it with the bustling life of Bedford, where she was part of the music scene with her band, Duzzy Avocado.
Tammy’s passion for music remains a constant. She joked that her band’s name, Duzzy Avocado, and her own moniker, Tammy Wynette, have both influenced her life. On Fair Isle, she finds herself “forgetting there’s another world outside,” immersed in the community’s warmth. “Everyone’s so welcoming,” she said. “They come round, and I’m having cups of tea with everyone. I’ve been to a party, had a disco, and even jammed with one man.”
While her full-time role as the island’s sole medic requires her to handle everything from children to adults, Tammy has embraced the unique demands. She noted that emergencies are managed with support from a Shetland GP practice, and an air ambulance or coastguard helicopter can transport anyone to hospital if needed. Her love for nature and solitude has also shaped her experience. “I’m really very sociable, but I’m also really good on my own,” she said. “I just felt like slowing down, having some peace and quiet, and meeting a new community.”
Recently, Tammy had the chance to spot orcas on her second day on the island, an experience she described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment. She eagerly awaits the return of puffins later this month, calling the bird watching “phenomenal.” Reflecting on her journey, she said: “The stars have aligned.”
“I’ve written some songs but they seem to be about the moon, the Northern Lights and the sea now,” she added. “It’s a different kind of inspiration.”
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