The children and staff of FIPS thoroughly enjoyed performing their Christmas Concert to our isle community on Thursday 14th December!  It was great fun to make, and a real team effort from all staff and children.

It all started after the October holidays.  We brainstormed a Fair Isle version of the Nativity.  Instead of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth, we had Magni and Merron in Lerwick who were expecting a baby.  Even though it was 2023, there was a National Census requiring everyone to return to the place of their birth.  Back to Fair Isle for Magni and Merron . Instead of travelling by donkey on the long and dusty road, they travelled ferry on the rough and choppy sea, as there was no chance of flying from Tingwall due to full planes or ice on the runway (common at this time of year).

We met many Fair Isle residents along the way, from the boat crew, Jimmy and Glen Dog, to three ‘wise’ crofters, Ian, Deryk and Marie, bearing gifts of lamb, veg and knitting!  Magni and Merron tried different B&Bs (Burkle, South Light and Springfield – all full) before settling in Steven’s byer.  The baby was named Nick – our nature-expert isle-resident Nick Riddiford was born on Christmas Day!

Fiona and the children made all the set pieces and backdrop in Art lessons.  Pat and the children rehearsed the singing and chime bar accompaniment to our Good Shepherd song (to the tune of Little Donkey).  With so few pupils, Hollie did a brilliant job playing herself, Josie, Steven and Marie with extraordinary quick changes in between!

We received excellent feedback from all in the community who thoroughly enjoyed the performance and the tea and mince pies afterwards, served up by our Parent Council.