# First birth on North Ronaldsay in 34 years

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/first-birth-on-north-ronaldsay-in-34-years
> Updated: 2026-09-29T19:58:40.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

The remote Scottish island of North Ronaldsay recorded its first birth in 34 years on September 15. Duncan Wilder Thorstein Traill Suarez Ford was born at Holland House, a residence built by the ancestors of his mother, Alice Traill Ford. The child's father is Jorge Suarez.

Although the family, who split time between Costa Rica and the Orkney archipelago, had originally planned for the birth to occur in Costa Rica, Alice Traill Ford chose to stay on the island to experience what she described as a “special, magical and supported” birth. 

Because the island lacks a local hospital or resident doctor, the delivery required significant logistical coordination. After the mother's water broke following the final scheduled flight of the day, two midwives were flown to the island via Coastguard helicopter to ensure safety. 

As the northernmost island in the Orkney archipelago, North Ronaldsay has a small population of approximately 51 to 72 residents. Medical access typically requires a nearly three-hour boat trip to the Orkney mainland. The local community celebrated the arrival of the newborn—the first on the island since August 1992—with decorated bottles of whisky, handmade gifts, and a flag to notify neighbors of the event.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: North Ronaldsay celebrates first baby birth in 34 years

A baby named Duncan Wilder has been born on the remote Scottish island of North Ronaldsay, marking the first birth on the island in 34 years.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-ronaldsay-celebrates-first-baby-birth-in-34-years

### 2026-09-27: North Ronaldsay records first birth in 34 years

The first baby has been born on the remote Scottish island of North Ronaldsay in 34 years, marking a significant event for the small community of approximately 51 residents.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-ronaldsay-records-first-birth-in-34-years

### 2026-09-23: North Ronaldsay welcomes first baby in 34 years

The first baby has been born on the remote Scottish island of North Ronaldsay in 34 years, marking a significant event for the small community in the Orkney archipelago.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-ronaldsay-welcomes-first-baby-in-over-30-years

---
Cite as: First birth on North Ronaldsay in 34 years. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/first-birth-on-north-ronaldsay-in-34-years