Lying 20 stormy miles west of Shetland, Foula is Britain's most remote inhabited island; indeed in earlier times, it may have been the Ultima Thule of the Roman sea-borne explorers.

In less than a century, the population has dwindled from 200 to only 30 - but the remaining islanders scorn any suggestion that they should abandon their crofts for an easier mainland life. In fact, they regard the rest of us with an amused and sceptical tolerance.