Long
ago the cultivable land and the better grazing was divided into small
crofts. To this day crofting is a system that gives each household a stake
in the island and its future. It's a lifestyle based on low intensity,
subsistence farming.
The combination of modern technology and old style labour produces hay,
silage, oats, kale and turnips as winter fodder for sheep and cattle.
Although
so far north, islanders grow a lot of their own vegetables outside. The
increasing use of glass and polytunnels allows an even wider range of
produce to be grown. The crofting year has a task for every season with most
islanders combining several part time jobs with their croft work.
As
well as the ferry, school and other public service jobs, income also comes
from the knitwear co op, wildlife tourism, a local building fine and the
shop and post office. Fair Isle boasts a violin maker, a stained glass
artist, a traditional boatbuilder, and the making of traditional chairs,
spinning wheels and model yoales.
LEADING THE WAY WITH WINDPOWER
Far from the National Grid, Fair Isle produces its own electricity using
a combination of diesel and wind power.
The first 60kw wind
turbine went up in 1982 as a community effort, supported by council and
government development agencies. As the first commercially operated wind
energy scheme in Europe, it proved an extremely successful alternative to
expensive diesel powered generators.
Through the efficiency of the system the islanders were able to build up
a reserve fund which in 1996 helped pay for a second 100kw turbine and
upgrade the old one. With this development, aided by the National Trust for
Scotland, Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Enterprise and the European
Union, Fair Isle continue to lead the field in this developing technology.
