Vicar on a mission to change Holy Island’s fortunes

“Lockdown and the absence of tourists gave us time to think,” Dr Hills said, as she looked out to St Cuthbert’s Island and the mainland from her vicarage next to St Mary’s Church.

“We need the visitors, of course, but we also need the island to be a vibrant, sustainable place with affordable housing and jobs”.

So, in 2022 and led by the vicar, a project called Holy Island 2050 was born.

It envisaged a different future for the island, one that would offer visitors a different experience.

“People arrive on the island and wander around, but how easy is it for them to learn about the island, its incredible history and its unique flora and fauna?” she asked.

“It’s crowded, hard to navigate with run-down amenities.”