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An Epic Pandemic Adventure to Britain's Most Remote Island

The Journey to Britain's Edge

When the world stood still in 2020, Ed Reef and Sarah Kennedy made a decision that would change their lives forever. Inspired by the haunting landscapes of the BBC series "Shetland," they dreamed of trading their comfortable life in West Sussex for something extraordinary—a life on Fair Isle, Britain's most remote inhabited island.

Their faithful companion, Skyelark, a spirited Scottish Terrier born in Charleston, South Carolina, had already made one epic journey across the Atlantic to England. Little did she know that her greatest adventure was yet to come—a move to an island so remote that it sits alone between Orkney and Shetland, home to just 37 souls and countless seabirds.

🏠 The Pandemic Pivot

As remote work became reality, Ed and Sarah took it literally—and figuratively. They embraced the ultimate work-from-home challenge: an off-grid croft powered by nature, complete with 5G connectivity linking them to the modern world while surrounded by timeless island traditions.

🐕 Skyelark's Adventure

From Southern charm in Charleston to English countryside, and finally to the windswept shores of Fair Isle, Skyelark celebrated her first birthday as a true island dog—exploring dramatic coastlines and participating in ancient sheep herding traditions.

Life on the Edge of the World

Fair Isle isn't just famous for its distinctive knitwear patterns—it's a living testament to resilience and community. Here, Ed and Sarah witness annual sheep roundups, share freshly filleted fish with neighbors, watch puffins dance on clifftops, and experience weather that changes faster than a Highland reel.

In a twist of fate worthy of the very TV series that inspired their move, Ed even met Doug Henshall (Detective Jimmy Perez from "Shetland") and the real Jimmy Stout, one of Fair Isle's 37 residents who inspired the character.