A former secondary school history teacher has swapped her career in North Yorkshire for life as a part-time crofter on Fair Isle, one of Britain's most isolated inhabited islands. Katy Phenix, 33, relocated to the island with her partner Josh Moore, 35, and their two children in July, seeking a slower pace of life and more time together as a family. According to BBC News, the family had never visited Fair Isle before making the move, yet four months on they describe themselves as having settled into their "completely different" island existence and feeling "really lucky".
The relocation was a significant undertaking. The Northern Echo reported that the move cost £8,000 and the family transported four cats and three dogs alongside them. They also took on 30 sheep and a ram to begin their crofting enterprise. Katy discovered the opportunity through an Instagram advertisement in March 2026, and after a selection process involving the National Trust for Scotland and island residents, they received their offer in May.
Fair Isle lies halfway between Orkney and Shetland with a population of approximately 60 people. The island stretches three miles (5 kilometres) in length and is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is part of a broader trend of families seeking alternative lifestyles on remote Scottish islands, with other remote Orkney islands recently welcoming new residents and even the first baby born in 33 years.
Why did the family make such a dramatic move?
Katy explained that the family was not living the life they wanted before relocating. "We were snatching time together over weekends and holidays," she said. "You get a mortgage, you get a car and you have to work to keep that up. Moving to Fair Isle has cut all of that out." The island offers a primary school and nursery, a local shop, post office and community hall—sufficient infrastructure for families willing to embrace island living.
What work do they do on the island?
Since arriving, Katy has taken up a post in early years education while also working as a part-time crofter—a person who shares pasture land to raise livestock. Her two children, Teddy aged 11 and Hetty aged six, are among only five pupils attending the local primary school. Josh has found his electrical expertise in high demand on Fair Isle, which operates off-grid with its own energy system powered by a combination of wind and solar power, backed by a diesel generator for emergencies. He is currently working on a large battery replacement project. "We're switching to new lithium ones," he explained. "I'm also fixing people's lights and sockets."
How do island residents balance multiple roles?
Eileen Thomson, who chairs the Fair Isle committee, emphasised that everyone on the island has multiple responsibilities. "You'll see people working in the fire service, the shop and the school," she said. She stressed that new tenants must be multi-skilled, as large community projects require widespread participation. "A lot of the really big jobs need every single person to turn up and help, whether it's gathering all the common grazing sheep or doing the hay bales in summer," she added. Thomson also noted that creative individuals could support Fair Isle's famous knitwear tradition, a distinctive textile developed on the island in the early 19th century.
What are the couple's future plans?
Katy and Josh have been engaged for several years and are planning to marry on Fair Isle in 2027. "The church is literally next door," Katy noted. The couple hope that another family with children will relocate to the island in early 2027, which would expand the school roll and create more opportunities for their own children's social development. Eleven-year-old Teddy expressed hope that more young people would move to Fair Isle so he could establish a football team. His sister Hetty added that their seven pets from North Yorkshire were "loving" island life.
What opportunity is the National Trust for Scotland advertising?
The National Trust for Scotland has advertised a further residential opportunity on Fair Isle as outgoing tenants prepare to leave after more than 25 years on the island. Shetland News reported that the new opportunity includes a five-bedroom house, a 12-acre (5 hectare) croft and associated shed buildings. The trust is encouraging applications from individuals with crofting and land management experience, trade skills such as plumbing, or anyone looking to develop a craft business on the island.
Angus Murray, National Trust for Scotland operations manager for Fair Isle, said:
We're inviting applications from hard-working and enthusiastic people who will bring skills, creativity and care to this special place.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications to the newly available house and croft is Sunday 8 November 2026. Prospective residents should demonstrate a commitment to island life and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the small but resilient community that sustains Fair Isle.
