Shetland.org

Case Study: Maggie Dunne

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“People have a better work life balance and you feel part of a community”

Maggie Dunne works for the Council’s Infrastructure Services Department, which, like most Council services, is based in Shetland’s main town, Lerwick. Her first visit to Shetland was in October 2003, when she came up for an interview.

I lived in the south east of England at that time. I had never even visited Scotland before and was I was now going to the remotest part - it felt like a real adventure! On the interview visit, I immediately noticed the wonderful light and seascapes, and then the lack of trees. I was impressed by the ferocity of the weather and the connection this gave you to nature - the wind literally took my breath away when I walked off the plane! The environment is so pristine and the accent was impenetrable.

I moved to Shetland in December 2003 having accepted a job managing Environmental Health at the Council. I was excited by the opportunities offered in the post; the range of work was so varied and the level of responsibility so great. I knew it would be challenging professionally. I was slightly apprehensive about the idea of living in a remote and seemingly barren island (it was December!) and being so far away from my family and friends (and the shops!).

I feel accepted into the community and everyone I have met – both work colleagues and socially – have been very friendly. I think Shetland has managed to retain a sense of community that has been lost from many areas. However, I was conscious, when moving, that it is rude to move to a community and change it or expect it to change to accommodate you. I think you should come with an open mind and accept the “Shetland Way” and be prepared to adapt to a different pace and style of life.

The pace of life feels slower, people have a better work life balance and you feel part of a community. In my work, you can also see the impact that your work has on the community that you live in. The pristine environment and stunning views also make my twenty-minute drive to work a joy every morning.

There is a huge amount of challenge, variety and responsibility in my job which would not be the case in a similar post on the mainland. I’ve had the opportunity to work on corporate and cross-cutting issues; I’d never have had that chance elsewhere. I can also see the impact of what I do in the community around me, which is very rewarding.

The disadvantages? I find that the dark nights in winter can be hard work. When you’re working, you miss the daylight unless you get chance to leave the office. Because my job has a public profile, I sometimes feel I am never off work, or I have become my job, as people speak to me about work at evenings and weekends or in the supermarket. The distance from the mainland makes it difficult and, sometimes, expensive to see family and friends and makes weekend trips a huge effort. The small propeller planes mean that some visitors refuse to come back! I also miss going to see bands, catching films, or theatre trips as I’ve always done things on the spur of the moment. Now, I have to plan properly.

I’d recommend a move to Shetland if you want to prioritise things differently in your life, if you want to contribute positively to the community you live in and you want to engage with nature every day.