I live on a remote island with fewer than 60 people. There are a few things I wish I'd known before moving here.

Living on a remote island has been rewarding, but also challenging at times.

Maebh Howell

Last year, when I packed up my life's belongings into one big, blue suitcase, I didn't know what to expect.I was moving to Fair Isle: one of the UK's most remote inhabited islands, and a place I hadn't even visited before. My partner was working at the island's bird observatory, where I was also about to start a job as a housekeeper.A million thoughts, questions, and fears raced around my mind. I knew I'd be living in a rural place with under 60 residents, but I didn't know what the weather would be like, what I would need on the island, or what the single shop there would sell.I adapted quickly to remote-island life, but there are a few challenges that I never would have predicted.It takes a lot of money, time, and luck to leave the island

Getting on and off the island can be tough.

Maebh Howell