No Hospital, Just 50 Residents: Scottish Island Welcomes First Baby in 34 Years
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North Ronaldsay: A remote Scottish island has had its first baby in over three decades. Duncan Wilder Thorstein Traill Suarez Ford was born on September 15 on Orkney's northernmost inhabited island, North Ronaldsay. The last infant born on the island was in 1992.
North Ronaldsay has a population of just about 50-70 persons and no hospital or resident doctor. The island has a resident nurse, but healthcare on the mainland is only accessible by ferry or air. The ferry ride to Orkney's mainland takes several hours, making childbirth on the island a rare occurrence.
Duncan's mother, Alice Traill Ford, chose to give birth at Holland House, her historical family house on the island. Her family has owned the property since the 18th century, and she has been visiting North Ronaldsay since she was a toddler.
The birth was carefully coordinated with the NHS maternity staff. Two midwives arrived on the island through Coastguard helicopter to assist with the delivery, and emergency evacuation plans were in place if necessary.
Duncan's arrival was hailed throughout the small island, with residents raising toasts and the family hanging a traditional flag outside Holland House. His parents intend to return to Costa Rica later this year, but they hope to bring Duncan back to North Ronaldsay in the future.
