Heather in The Far, Far, North

The Good Shepherd at North Haven, Fairisle

 Our daughter Heather is currently on the island of Fairisle, one of the very least accessible parts of the British Isles. The trip to Fairisle required a train journey to Aberdeen, an overnight ship journey from Aberdeen to Lerwick on Shetland. A bus from Lerwick to Grutness pier, and finally a two and a half hour crossing on a modified trawler, the Good Shepherd (pictured above).

Puffin

Heather is there as a National Trust for Scotland volunteer helping the crofting community. Her tasks so far have included drystone walling and sheep mustering and shearing. She certainly seems to be enjoying life among the crofters. The outstanding wildlife more than makes up for the hard work, puffins are a favourite.

The reality of the journey on the Good Shepherd is seldom the idyllic scene in the first picture. More often like the picture below....

Let's hope that with the help of the National Trust for Scotland, Fairisle will remain a viable community and not go the way of other (now uninhabited) islands such as St Kilda .