Fair Isle Bird Observatory: Transforming life and research on Britain's most remote island
Tracey Coffey, Steve Holgate and Ruth Holgate shared their story about how bikes have changed the FIBO team's ability to get around the island.
When the team at Fair Isle Bird Observatory (FIBO) applied to our Cycle Access Fund, they faced a unique challenge. Located on Fair Isle, the UK's most remote inhabited island, transport options are extremely limited.
Situated midway between Shetland and Orkney, Fair Isle has just one single-track road connecting key community facilities, including the shop, post office, fire station, community centre and the island's famous bird observatory. At the time of their application, the observatory relied on a single old car (their "old banger") to transport guests, carry shopping and supplies, attend community events and support vital ornithological fieldwork across the island.
The solution was simple: more bikes.
In October 2025, Fair Isle Bird Observatory was awarded funding through the Cycle Access Fund to purchase six rugged mountain bikes and two ebikes. Since then, the bikes have become an integral part of daily life on the island.
Today, staff, visiting researchers, scientists and ornithologists use the bikes to travel efficiently around Fair Isle, reducing reliance on motor vehicles while improving access to field sites and community facilities. The impact has been immediate and far-reaching.
For the observatory's ornithologists and rangers, cycling is now part of their everyday routine. Bikes are used to reach bird traps for ringing activities, monitor wildlife across the island and respond quickly to reports of rare bird sightings. The addition of e-bikes has made travelling across Fair Isle's challenging terrain easier and more accessible, helping staff cover more ground throughout the day.
Beyond supporting scientific research, the bikes have also strengthened community connections and enhanced wellbeing. Staff and visitors use them for recreational rides, off-road adventures, beach picnics and trips to visit elderly residents who may otherwise feel isolated.
The project demonstrates how relatively small investments in cycling can deliver significant benefits, particularly in remote communities where transport options are limited. By providing practical, sustainable and enjoyable ways to get around, the Cycle Access Fund has helped Fair Isle Bird Observatory improve its operations, support community engagement and make active travel a natural part of life on one of Britain's most extraordinary islands.
Fair Isle Bird Observatory
The bicycles are being used by staff, visiting researchers, scientists and ornithologists and have made a very positive impact on our day-to-day operations. The ornithologists and rangers use the bikes every day, cycling to traps to collect birds for ringing and racing to rare bird sightings. We also use them for recreation, beach picnics and visiting elderly isolated locals.
The Cycle Access Fund receives funding from a Scottish Government People and Place grant, administered and supported in the Shetland Islands by ZetTrans.
