An Island Adventure
I've mentioned before the importance that Fair Isle has played in my life. I went there as a university drop-out, looking for adventure and to escape the city. I met my husband there and I still have islander friends - people I got to know more than fifty years ago. Now their children skipper the boat, farm the crofts and man the fire tender when the small plane arrives from Tingwall. Of course there are new islanders too, people who have arrived, as I did, with energy, enthusiasm and passion for the place.
I was working in the Bird Observatory all those years ago. It housed a staff of ornithologists who ringed the migrant birds and researched the seabirds. The attached hostel was a place for visitors to stay. It was very basic, rather like a youth hostel and I worked as cleaner and assistant cook. (On my cooking days the food was very basic too...)
This year, after Shetland Noir, I went back to Fair Isle, to celebrate the opening of the wonderful new observatory. The previous building had been destroyed by fire, and it took a huge effort from the island, the trustees, and supporters to bring the project and the observatory back to life. Now it's running again, magnificent, with the same ethos but with very much improved facilities - all the rooms are en-suite, there's a glorious modern kitchen and a bar, named after Kenny, an islander who loved to sit there. What a brilliant weekend it was, full of laughter and music.
It occurred to me then, that the observatory would make a great place to run a writers' course. I don't have any formal qualifications to teach such a course, but I have a long history of writing popular crime-fiction and a passion for story. How would you like to join me in Fair Isle for your own writing adventure?
We'll limit numbers so I have a chance to chat with everyone individually as well as setting group exercises and supporting group feedback. My wonderful publicist, Emma Harrow, has agreed to join us on Zoom. She's worked with some of the biggest names in publishing and will give some hints about promoting yourself, whether you're a new independent author or have a mainstream publisher.
We'll stay in the observatory guest house, using its peaceful library as our base, but there will be lots of opportunity to explore this beautiful island and find inspiration from the landscape.
Ann says: "Thanks to everyone who applied to join me on the Fair Isle writing course. We're astonished at the level of interest.
"This course has already sold out! Perhaps we'll have to think of running it again next year."
Here are the details:
The course would run from Monday 10th May 2027 until Friday 14th May. The fee would be £1500 per person in a twin room and £2000 per person single occupancy. All rooms are ensuite. This would include:
- A four-night full board stay at the Bird Observatory, to include breakfast, a light lunch and two course dinner. We'll be eating with observatory staff and other guests. All dietary requirements are catered for. Tea and coffee is always available in the lounge. The bar has a selection of beer and wine for sale.
- All course tuition, workshops and associated activities. These might include guided walks, knitting demonstrations or other island experiences. Completely optional if you prefer to focus on the writing!
- One additional night's stay if required because of weather-related travel disruption at no extra cost to the guest.
Travel into the island will be organised by the observatory for a small extra charge. It would be by 8-seater plane from Tingwall on Shetland Mainland. This 20-minute journey is occasionally disrupted by fog, and we've made contingency plans in case this happens - you'd be transferred to Tuesday morning's boat. This takes 2 hours from Grutness in South Mainland. You'd still arrive into Fair Isle in time for lunch!
Participants would need to make their own way and cover their own costs to Shetland Mainland. Loganair flies from cities in the Scottish mainland and Northlink runs a daily overnight ferry service from Aberdeen. Both should be booked as soon as possible. Check out Visit Shetland or Air B&B for accommodation.
So, what do you think? Would you like to join me on a very special writing adventure? If you have any queries about course content, please contact me: . For information about the observatory, or to make a booking, contact Steve on: .
Photos copyright © FIBO Steve Holgate 2026
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