Family unlocks new way of life and embraces Bressay community spirit

Situated a 10-minute ferry journey from Shetland’s capital Lerwick, the island of Bressay is home to about 360 people.

It’s known for its striking scenery, spectacular cliffs, and an abundance of incredible wildlife.

Amenities include the Maryfield Hotel, a shop and post office, heritage centre and the volunteer-run Speldiburn Café. And a vibrant community.

It’s a world away from Leeds, where data analyst Richard Burrell lived until May 2021. Richard and his family swapped city living for a new adventure in Bressay ­– and 12 months on they are loving island life.

To some it may seem a radical change, but to Richard, 46, it seemed a natural choice given the advent of remote working and ever-improving communications technology.

“Covid has changed the world,” he says. “The world suddenly became a much smaller space.

“I had been working from home for the best part of two years. Everybody has a video phone, my parents, friends, family.

“It proves you don’t have to be around people to see them.”

It’s true that technology makes island living much easier – Shetland boasts superfast broadband connections in many parts of the isles and Scottish government efforts continue to roll out the R100 connectivity programme throughout the community. Richard uses the 4G network to ensure he and his wife, Helen, can both work seamlessly from their home in Bressay.

But it was not connectivity that persuaded Richard the move to Bressay was a good idea – the spark of inspiration came from a television property show, focusing on locations where buyers can get an idyllic lifestyle, without having to pay fortunes.

Naturally Shetland was one of the highlighted areas.

Richard was watching with Helen. “We both looked at each other and thought 'this is a really good idea'. I couldn’t get it out of my head, so we explored it.”

That exploration included a call to Promote Shetland “who really did help” back in early 2021.

“Promote Shetland was a real source of information for us, and I think without it we would have struggled.

“I’m one of those people who has to know everything about something, that’s just the type of person I am. Without having Promote Shetland and having those conversations I just don’t think we would have moved.”

Those conversations and the research on shetland.org and Promote Shetland’s Facebook groups helped Richard and Helen decide the time was right.

And thanks to an accommodating employer who recognised the benefits of remote working – one of the directors said “absolutely, go for it” – the island living dream is now a reality for the Burrells.

The family – Richard, Helen, and children James, 15, and Lily, 12 – arrived on the NorthLink ferry in mid May 2021. They were lucky enough to get a view of their new home as the boat steamed past Bressay before entering Lerwick Harbour via the “North Mouth”.

Researching the schooling system and the quality of life that Shetland youngsters can enjoy was a persuading factor.

The risk of getting involved with – or becoming the target of – gang culture is negligible in small communities. Add to that the children’s freedom to explore and play safely. It all helped convince Richard moving to Shetland would suit his family.

Before heading north Richard signed up to newsletters, spoke to some new Shetlanders who had already made the move and read lots of Promote Shetland articles online.

“The more we read them, the more excited we got. The [shetland.org] website has been great.”

The children are now settled in the new Anderson High Schoolin Lerwick. The school moved to a new site on the edge of the town in 2017. Built from scratch, and complete with state-of-the-art facilities, the school also has use of the athletics track, pitches, and sports halls at the Clickimin Leisure Complex. There is also a halls of residence for pupils from some outer isles, and well-equipped classrooms, IT suites, music rooms and laboratories.

Richard admits the school exceeded his expectations.

“The Anderson High School is absolutely incredible; in terms of facilities, it’s superb. It stands up against any school, certainly in Leeds, that I’m aware of. It’s brilliant in that respect.”

While the Burrells have swapped the sounds of traffic and sirens for more natural noises – waves, bird call and rushing wind – adjusting to life in Bressay takes a bit of time, according to Richard.

“There’s 360 people on the island. We have to get involved in that community or we could get isolated.”

Getting involved is something the family has done with gusto – with the friendliness of the community making that much easier.

“We have embraced the community, I’m now on the community council. One of the reasons was getting to know people, but it’s about making a difference now.

“I think adding new blood and new ideas can help invigorate the areas. I hope my experience away from the area will help benefit the community as a whole.”

In the year that Richard has lived in Bressay he has also made strong connections with fellow islanders. He said people don’t really talk to each other in his home city, but the difference in Shetland is noticeable.

Richard sometimes works away from Bressay but said: “I know that if Helen ever needed somebody there are people on the island looking out for her. Our car broke down while I was away and one of the neighbours came and gave her a lift back to the house and put the battery on charge.

“It’s that sense you're all in it together and knowing that you can rely on the majority of people on the island. There are lots of people who would look out for us.”

That sense of unity has left a deep impression on Richard. “You live on an island, you’re not just a mate, you are ‘family’.”

Perhaps that is why Bressay, and Shetland, feels so much like home for Richard and his family. That and the ease with which they can step outside to switch off from work pressures.

“After the most stressful of days we can go outside and see the sea and the scenery and the ships or whatever. It just makes it worthwhile … it’s great to be able to go out and just breathe in some fresh air and just look at the world going by.”

And Richard has some advice for anyone who is thinking of making the move to Shetland – go for it!

“Do I regret it? Absolutely not. Would I do it again? One hundred per cent. Would I move from here? Not if I can help it.”

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