2012 - a good year and here's to 2013

The end of a year in which we finally moved closer to our dream

 - The purchase of a plot of land on Skye finally completed in November

-  Agreement in principle that we can also purchase the tenancy of the surrounding 6 acres of croftland with Gary becoming the registered Crofter 

- Submission of the drawings required for building warrant (Highland Council to be paid shortly)

- The sale of the flat we owned in Plymouth meaning no financial obligations in the future

- The job in Alloa going OK and helping us to build the house we really, really want rather than having to compromise

- Several trips to Skye to decide that the plot was perfect and yes, we still wanted to live there! You have to check the rose-tinted glasses from time to time

Have just returned from lovely relaxing Christmas break in Wales where we stayed at Jacqueline and Ian's new house. They built theirs the hard way and provided some of the labour for the build.


As well as all that, we have discovered hills and mountains in this part of Scotland that have delivered some fine walks and wonderful days out. Towns, villages, people who have been, without exception, welcoming and friendly. We have learned some choice Scots words. The ladies at work have been teaching me a word a week plus the odd bit of Gaelic for added fun.

We have learned that patience is required and not always easy to find when you are waiting, waiting, waiting. But we have done our best not to be just passing the time until the house is finally ready and we can unpack those boxes for the final time. 

So, to 2013

Tenders due to go out at the end of January

Returns and selection of builder by the end of February (always the optimist)

Start on site sometime in March

A build programme of between 7 and 9 months

Yes, it is looking tight and we have warned family and friends, especially those with a washing machine and a spare room, that they may receive a visit next November / December.


New Year's Eve - we have just re-watched a programme about the Skye Trail (Cameron McNeish)  Hogmany is not all fireworks and champagne; don't believe everything you see and hear on the TV. It has just started to sleet outside so the fireworks we will see will be in the distance from our window or on the TV.

Whatever time it takes to complete the house, we fully intend to enjoy the next 12 months.

I particularly look forward to logging (or should that be blogging) the progress of the build here, complete with pictures.

So farewell to 2012 and here's looking forward to 2013

Slainte