Bye Bye Fair Isle

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An epic pandemic adventure to Britain's most remote island.

The Journey to Britain's Edge

The Decision That Changed Everything

When the world stood still in 2020, Ed Reif 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.

Pandemic Pivot

The Ultimate Work-from-Home Challenge

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 Charleston to Fair Isle

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

Resilience, Community, Weather, and Wonder

Fair Isle is not just famous for its distinctive knitwear patterns. It is 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.

Featured Image

Welcome to Fair Isle

Video

Life at the Edge

A moving field note from the Fair Isle journey.
Image Cards

Field Notes from the Island

Home on the Range
01

Home on the Range

Our traditional Fair Isle croft house.

All Masked Up
02

All Masked Up

Twenty minutes of flight, a lifetime of drama. Shetland skies do not do ordinary.

Flightseeing over the North Sea
03

Flightseeing

From Point A to A-mazing: redefining short haul over the North Sea.

Skyelark on the lookout
04

Arctic Watch

Skyelark is on the lookout for her brothers of the Arctic. No viewings so far.

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