From ponies to parkruns: embracing life in Shetland

When Eric Kilonzi stepped off the plane at Sumburgh Airport in August 2024, he was greeted not just by a bracing Shetland wind but by a landscape that stirred memories of his Kenyan roots. “I grew up in Mombasa, which is also an island,” he recalls. “So I could relate to some of the challenges, like access and remoteness. But what struck me first here were the ponies and sheep right next to the runway. You don’t expect that at an airport.”

Now nine months into his role as a staff nurse on Ward One at Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick, Eric can look back on a journey that has been as much about personal growth as professional development.

From one island to another

Eric’s path to Shetland began with a four-year nursing degree in Kenya, followed by an internship and two years of practice in adult surgical care. “I was working in orthopaedics, seeing a lot of broken limbs,” he says. “It was intense, but it taught me a lot about resilience and gratitude.”

His interest in Scotland was piqued by its culture – “the bagpipes, the Highland cows, the whisky” – and the promise of a different lifestyle. “I wanted somewhere less populated, where I could experience a different kind of nursing and living.”

When Eric stumbled upon an online application for a position in Shetland, he researched the islands. “The first image that came up was St Ninian’s Isle. It was stunning. But there was no mention of the wind,” he laughs. “I found out about that later.”

Settling into life in Shetland

Arriving in late summer, Eric was struck by the island’s resemblance to Kenya’s highlands. “It felt remote, but familiar. The drive from the airport to Lerwick was beautiful – I was curious about what the island held for me.”

One of the first challenges he faced was food. An early trip to the local Tesco resulted in overwhelm, and Eric remembers standing in the supermarket, looking for food that resembled what he’d eat at home. Hesitantly, he approached a fellow shopper and asked her for guidance on how to prepare a pack of meatballs he’d found. What happened next took him by surprise.

He recalls: “This lady literally just stopped her shopping. And, first of all, she just introduced herself and asked how I was doing. Then she went on to explain how to prepare the meatballs step by step. She even offered to share some of her own recipes with me! That was a bit unexpected. I can’t imagine that happening in many other supermarkets around the world. That level of kindness was unexpected and heartwarming.”

This sense of community has been a recurring theme in Eric’s experience. “People here are intimate in their relationships. They look out for each other. It’s something you don’t find often in today’s fast-paced world.”

Professional growth and support

Transitioning into the Shetland healthcare system came with its challenges, but Eric found support at every turn. “The team at Gilbert Bain Hospital has been incredibly supportive – from the manager to my colleagues. Even the patients are understanding, knowing I’m settling into the community.”

One unexpected hurdle was the Shetland dialect. “I knew there was a Scottish accent, but I didn’t expect a whole different dialect. I remember being asked to look for bricks. Eventually, one of the healthcare workers told me that I was not to look for ‘bricks’; I needed to look for ‘breeks’. Then I found out that ‘breeks’ are trousers in Shetland dialect!”

Eric now appreciates the Shetland dialect and even finds himself saying some dialect words when back home in Kenya, much to the bemusement of his family and friends. He says: “I sort of love it now because it's a bit different. Even when you speak to Scottish people down south, you find yourself saying something they're not accustomed to. It's special in that way. And it carries a strong sense of identity. So if you hear someone else speak it, you will easily know where they are from.”

Out and about

Outside of work, Eric has embraced the natural beauty of Shetland. “I love walking around the island – up to the Knab, down by the cemetery [in Lerwick]. It’s a great way to clear my mind and stay active.”

He also participates in the local parkrun in Bressay, a short ferry trip away from Lerwick whenever he can, and has joined a church introduced to him by a colleague.

“There’s always something for someone here. The community is vibrant and welcoming.”

Navigating challenges

Housing proved to be a challenge. “In Kenya, finding housing is straightforward. Here, it took us about six months to find accommodation. Thankfully, the hospital provided initial housing, which was a huge help.”

Despite these difficulties, Eric feels a deep connection to Shetland. “This place has sentimental value for me. The scenery, the fresh air, the walks by the sea – it’s a unique experience.”

Advice for prospective movers

To healthcare professionals, he emphasises the reciprocal nature of care in Shetland. “The community trusts you at their most vulnerable moments, and in return, they support you as you integrate into their lives.”

And for those considering a move to Shetland, Eric offers candid advice: “Bring your raincoat,” he chuckles. “But more importantly, be patient. The island grows on you – it creeps up on you, and becomes a part of you.”