North Ronaldsay, the northernmost island of the Orkney archipelago, welcomed its first newborn in over thirty years last week when parents Jorge Suarez and Alice Traill Ford celebrated the birth of Duncan Wilder Thorstein Traill Suarez Ford. The arrival marks a generational milestone for the remote community, which had not recorded a birth since Thomas Brookman arrived in August 1992.
A Remote Birthplace Rooted in Family History
Reaching North Ronaldsay requires a 20-minute flight from Kirkwall on the Orkney mainland or a two-hour and 40-minute ferry journey. Despite the isolation, the family traveled more than 8,000 kilometers from Costa Rica to ensure the baby was born in the historic Holland House, a residence built by Alice’s ancestors, the Traill family, who purchased the island in 1727. Alice stated to BBC Scotland News that she wanted the child to experience the energy of the island, noting that she felt alive and free there during her own childhood summers. The family coordinated the birth with the National Health Service (NHS) after confirming the viability of using the historic family property, which has been passed down through generations and remains in the family’s possession.
Did you know? North Ronaldsay is internationally famous for its unique breed of seaweed-eating sheep, which are kept off the beaches by a 21-kilometer drystone wall surrounding the island.
Traditional Island Celebrations and Family Legacy
The baby’s middle name honors Alice’s grandfather Duncan, the former Laird of North Ronaldsay. Following historical tradition, a flag was hoisted at Holland House when the baby was born at 04:05 on September 15. Residents marked the occasion by opening bottles of whisky prepared by the family, complete with attached four-leaf clovers collected on the island over the years and a Groatie Buckie—a pale pink and white seashell found on Orkney shores that local tradition associates with good fortune and prosperity.
Future Plans for the Family Between Costa Rica and Orkney
Although the family runs a school in Costa Rica and will return there in November, Alice confirmed that her children will maintain regular ties to the Scottish island. She expressed her desire to pass on the gift her mother gave her, allowing her children to run free, explore the outdoors, and feel a deep connection to the local community every summer. Meanwhile, the island community continues to celebrate the historic arrival, punctuating three decades of demographic silence with traditional toasts and family continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last baby born on North Ronaldsay before this?
The last recorded birth on the island prior to last week was Thomas Brookman in August 1992.
Who is the newborn named after?
The baby is named Duncan after Alice’s grandfather, the former Laird of North Ronaldsay.
Where did the birth take place?
The birth took place at Holland House, a historic estate built by the Traill family, who purchased the island in 1727.
How do people travel to North Ronaldsay?
The island is accessible via a 20-minute flight from Kirkwall or a two-hour and 40-minute ferry ride.
Worth a look