Scotland’s “most remote inhabited island” is currently hiring a teacher, with a salary of up to £58,000. At the moment, Fair Isle in the Shetland Islands is looking for a teacher to join its local primary school.
The island is the most southern in the archipelago, and is situated around 38 kilometres from the Shetland Mainland. Fair Isle’s school is home to just two pupils, though a younger child is due to start at its early years provision soon.
The teaching position has been described as a “unique” opportunity to play a key role in one of Scotland’s smallest thriving communities. Overall, the island is home to a population of approximately 60.
The job would therefore be well suited to those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and live a simpler and more quiet life. According to Shetland Island Council, it is seeking an “enthusiastic, committed and motivated” principal teacher to join its “well resourced” non-denominational school.
The full-time role would place the successful applicant at “the heart of the dynamic and welcoming Fair Isle community”. The school is currently led by a shared head teacher from Sandwick Junior High School. At the moment, the school staff is comprised of one supply teacher, one clerical assistant, one supervisory assistant, and various instructors.
In addition to educating pupils, a key responsibility of staff at the school is preparing pupils for secondary education. To continue their schooling, children must leave Fair Isle and go to board at Anderson High in Lerwick, Shetland’s capital.
Quality improvement officer at the local authority, Chloe Kerr, commented: “This is a unique and exciting opportunity to contribute to the life of Fair Isle school. Staff, families and the wider community work together to embrace the real life experiences the community offers and to help every child achieve their full potential.”
The principal teacher position will pay a salary of £57,897, inclusive of the distant islands allowance of £2,742 per year. Advertised on job site myjobscotland, it has a closing date of January 6, 2025.
According to the listing, applicants must have relevant qualifications and experience, be currently registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland, and be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme. Qualities such as vision, energy, initiative, good communication skills, and self-discipline are also required.
A school was first opened on Fair Isle in the 18th century by the Scottish Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge. Records dating all the way back to 1731 show there were 35 boys and 24 girls enrolled at the school, which at the time was located near the Auld Haa croft to the south of the island.
Fair Isle is looking forward to a brighter future after a testing few years. The island’s world-famous bird observatory was destroyed by a fire in 2019, though a new centre is expected to open its doors in 2025 following an extensive rebuild.
Elsewhere, a project is underway to replace the Fair Isle ferry and improve the harbour infrastructure. This is expected to increase the reliability and capacity of transport connections to the small remote island.
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