Island Celebrates First Baby in 34 Years

North Ronaldsay, a remote island in Orkney with a population of just 59, is celebrating the arrival of its first baby in 34 years. Duncan Wilder Thorstein Traill Suarez Ford was born last week at Holland House on the island, where his family has deep ancestral ties.

The birth is a significant event for the island, as the last baby born on North Ronaldsay was in August 1992. Duncan was born to Alice Traill Ford and her partner Jorge Suarez, who temporarily relocated from their home in Costa Rica for the birth.

Ms. Ford, whose ancestors purchased the island in 1727, explained that the decision to have the baby on North Ronaldsay was an intuitive one. "We came here to the island and felt that it was right to have the baby here," she stated. The couple contacted the NHS, who were supportive of their wishes for an island birth. Two midwives were transported to the island via coastguard helicopter to assist with the delivery.

Ms. Ford, 41, has visited the island every year of her life and considers it her favorite place. The name Duncan was chosen to honor her maternal grandfather, who was the Laird of the island. "He was an incredible man, very kind and really strong and I felt like there would be no better name than his to carry on and continue his legacy in the world," she said.

To share the news with the islanders, Ms. Ford and her partner followed a local tradition. They raised a flag at Holland House and presented each resident with a bottle of whisky adorned with a four-leaf clover and a Groatie Buckie shell. This communal celebration marked the arrival of the island's newest resident.

North Ronaldsay is known for its historic lighthouse, migratory bird populations, and a unique breed of seaweed-eating sheep. The island's isolation and small population make such events particularly noteworthy for the community.