Open Country Fair Isle
Sep 18, 2025
Discover the charm of Fair Isle, Britain's most isolated inhabited island. The local economy thrives on knitting and birdwatching. Join Martha Kearney and ornithologist Alex Penn as they ring puffins and explore unique bird species. Meet knitwear designer Marie Brahat and learn about transforming sheep wool into Fair Isle creations. Plus, find out how the community supports its tiny school with just two pupils, highlighting the island's spirit of cooperation and resilience.
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Cruise Visits Support Island Economy
- Eileen describes how cruise visits boost many island incomes by bringing customers for knitwear and crafts.
- She also lists roles locals take during visits like catering, guiding and selling, showing communal effort.
Many Hats Sustain A Tiny Community
- Islanders hold multiple jobs due to small population and traditional subsistence patterns.
- Eileen explains that everyone contributes across many roles to keep the community functioning.
Screen Residents For Community Fit
- Choose newcomers who will join communal life, be sociable and work for the island's needs.
- The National Trust controls tenancy to ensure residents fit community requirements.