Fair Isle, Shetland
Life on a small island changes perspectives. The only thing guaranteed is isolation. Who knew when the next supply ship would arrive, especially during the harshness of Arctic or North Atlantic winters. The modern world is slowly encroaching and bringing changes - hopefully for the better. Today the flow of supplies is more reliable and there is no reason for any of these people to die of starvation during exceptionally harsh winters, although the sea will continue to claim the lives of some of those who make their living on the uncompromising ocean.
Small island life enforces an awareness of the limits of resources defined by a finite landmass. And while surrounded by an apparently boundless ocean there is a also a realization that there, too, are limits. The riches of the North Atlantic Ocean will provide food in the form of wildlife: fish, seabirds and whales. Furthermore, seabirds will bring these riches onshore as they fertilise the land with their guano. Islanders know that these resources must be used judiciously if they are going to provide for future generations.
On islands resources are limited, imports expensive. Self-reliance has been, and remains, the norm. Energy is expensive, but need it be? How far ahead of the rest of the UK (and the world?) was Fair Isle when in 1982 they commissioned the first commercial aerogenerator in the British Isles to harvest the wind? A decision driven by the innate recognition of islanders that they need to conserve resources; even though the UK (and especially Shetland) was oil rich at the time and no-one had heard of global warming.
Island life may seem to appeal only to hermits since at first glance they may appear to have little - no cinema or theatre, no restaurants. But the strong sense of community found on these islands is cemented by a trust which is extended to visitors. In how many places in the world would you make a purchase from a souvenir stall where the goods were on display, no-one in attendance, just a simple note asking you to leave the correct money for the goods that you take?
Throughout this journey we have encountered island communities with differing national characters but so much in common. When we leave the islands we are better for our experiences, enriched by what we can take from them, and perhaps also by leaving a small part of ourselves there.
Life on a small island changes perspectives. The only thing guaranteed is isolation. Who knew when the next supply ship would arrive, especially during the harshness of Arctic or North Atlantic winters. The modern world is slowly encroaching and bringing changes - hopefully for the better. Today the flow of supplies is more reliable and there is no reason for any of these people to die of starvation during exceptionally harsh winters, although the sea will continue to claim the lives of some of those who make their living on the uncompromising ocean.
Small island life enforces an awareness of the limits of resources defined by a finite landmass. And while surrounded by an apparently boundless ocean there is a also a realization that there, too, are limits. The riches of the North Atlantic Ocean will provide food in the form of wildlife: fish, seabirds and whales. Furthermore, seabirds will bring these riches onshore as they fertilise the land with their guano. Islanders know that these resources must be used judiciously if they are going to provide for future generations.
On islands resources are limited, imports expensive. Self-reliance has been, and remains, the norm. Energy is expensive, but need it be? How far ahead of the rest of the UK (and the world?) was Fair Isle when in 1982 they commissioned the first commercial aerogenerator in the British Isles to harvest the wind? A decision driven by the innate recognition of islanders that they need to conserve resources; even though the UK (and especially Shetland) was oil rich at the time and no-one had heard of global warming.
Island life may seem to appeal only to hermits since at first glance they may appear to have little - no cinema or theatre, no restaurants. But the strong sense of community found on these islands is cemented by a trust which is extended to visitors. In how many places in the world would you make a purchase from a souvenir stall where the goods were on display, no-one in attendance, just a simple note asking you to leave the correct money for the goods that you take?
Throughout this journey we have encountered island communities with differing national characters but so much in common. When we leave the islands we are better for our experiences, enriched by what we can take from them, and perhaps also by leaving a small part of ourselves there.
