(Image: NTS)
A rare opportunity to live on one of Scotland's remotest islands has become available - just as the latest residents arrive.
A new family is being sought to make a croft their home on Fair Isle, which has just welcomed the latest incomers to swell its population of just 60 people.
Earlier this year, the National Trust for Scotland advertised a rare chance for tenants to take up a five-bedroom house and croft on the island, with hopes of attracting a new family to join the community.
Katy Phenix, 33, a secondary school teacher, and Josh Moore, 35, an electrician, were immediately intrigued by the opportunity.
Although they had never visited Fair Isle, they had been thinking about finding a change in pace for themselves and their two children, Teddy, 11, and Hetty, 6.
The family from North Yorkshire arrived on the island in July and is already putting down roots and learning the ways of island life.
Katy Phenix and Josh Moore, the newest Fair Islanders (Image: NTS)
Katy said: “We had been feeling for a while like we were stuck in the rat race with our jobs and tied to a big mortgage, and we wanted a better life for our kids and more quality time with them. We saw this opportunity and although it’s a very big change, it felt like what we were looking for, so we took a leap of faith.”
The family was selected through the application process by a panel from the Trust and members of the community, and after selling their house and tying things up in North Yorkshire, moved north.
Josh’s expertise as an electrician has already been in demand, supporting battery installation as part of Fair Isle’s Grid Resilience project, and various other jobs across the island.
Katy has taken a post working in early years at the nursery, and the children have started at the local school.
Katy continued: “I think that to live here, you have to be open to all opportunities and be really flexible. It’s very different to move from a guaranteed income to a more freelance style of working, but there is so much opportunity for work to come in, and Josh has almost been too busy already. We’re adapting to a slower pace and enjoying the freedom.”
Now there is the chance for another family to follow in the couple's footsteps as another house and croft become available in October.
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The property comprises a large five-bedroom home, a 12-acre croft and associated shed buildings.
Marie Bruhat, Chair of Fair Isle Development Company, and Eileen Thomson, Chair of Fair Isle Committee, said: "Fair Isle is looking forward to welcoming the next residents to our wonderful island.
"We are a small but dynamic community of around 50, with an excellent primary school and nursery, a beautiful natural environment and a great way of life for those who want to work hard to contribute to community life.
“It’s a fantastic place to raise a family, we are always keen to welcome practical, adaptable and sociable people. There are many work opportunities here, especially for those with trades experience.
"Our lifeline ferry and retained firefighting crew always need able recruits, and there is the chance to work crafting our world-famous Fair Isle knitwear. Crofting life means being flexible and being good at multi-tasking, being able to do things yourself and enjoying the freedom that brings.
“Outgoing tenants Hollie, Deryk and family have been such wonderful members of the Fair Isle community for more than 25 years, and while they have big shoes to fill, we hope the new tenants have just as positive an impact on the Isle, and that they enjoy making Burkle and Fair Isle their new home."
Anyone interested in the croft tenancy on Fair Isle should email fihousingatnts@nts.org.uk for an application pack. The deadline for applications is Sunday 8 November 2026.
While the application is open to all, the Trust encourages people with direct experience in crofting and land management, trade skills such as plumbing expertise, joinery, or maritime skills, or those with craft skills looking to develop their business on the island or contribute to preserving the Fair Isle knitting tradition to apply.
Fair Isle Crofting (Image: Jonathon Bulter)
Angus Murray, the National Trust for Scotland’s Operations Manager for Fair Isle, said: “We’ve been very excited to welcome Katy, Josh, Teddy, and Hetty to the Fair Isle community and it’s great that there is a chance for another family to come this year as well. We’re inviting applications from hard-working and enthusiastic people who will bring skill, creativity, and care to this special place.”
Fair Isle has a current population of around 60 people, with a primary school and nursery, local shop, post office, and an active community hall that hosts regular events.
Katy said: “I would encourage anyone with an open mind and the willingness to join a really social and supportive community to apply. Everyone is so friendly and helpful and we don’t feel at all isolated. The shop is fantastic, the internet is better than where we lived in North Yorkshire, and we have this beautiful landscape on our doorstep.
“We’re really excited to start our vegetable patch, take on some sheep and hens, and welcome our family and friends to stay so we can show off this special place. We’ve done so many nature walks with the kids since we arrived and seen puffins and wildlife that we just didn’t get to experience before. We’re so happy to be here and looking forward to everything that comes next.”