North Ronaldsay welcomes first baby in 34 years

A baby has been born on the remote Scottish island of North Ronaldsay for the first time in 34 years. Duncan Wilder Thorstein Traill Suarez Ford was born on September 15 at Holland House, a residence built by his mother's ancestors.

Alice Traill Ford and her partner Jorge Suarez, who split their time between Costa Rica and the Orkney archipelago, originally planned for the birth to take place in Costa Rica. However, the family decided to proceed with the birth on the island upon arrival. The mother noted that she felt a strong intuition and connection to the ancestral home.

The island, which is the northernmost in the Orkney archipelago, has a small population of approximately 51 to 72 residents and lacks a local hospital or resident doctor, relying instead on a single nurse and potential emergency helicopter assistance. The community celebrated the arrival of the newborn with small bottles of decorated whisky.