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| From this ........ |
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| To this |
Nicely silvered larch cladding, shed, tarmac, veg patch (experimental), compost bins, log store and chain sawing area, our new car and a few less trees. All outside work done using materials from the croft wherever possible.
It's been an interesting year where we have learned a lot about the island, the local community, the weather (!) and ourselves.
I have finally given up the world of work and we are living a very different life. As with any change there have been positives and negatives.
The smiles far outweigh the downturned faces so it's a big thumbs up to Skye Living.
Things we have learnt:
- Skye is a very windy island -except when you need a breeze to deter the midges when it is resolutely calm
- We can cope with power outages (heat, light, food) which is just as well as they are still a regular feature of island life
- Drive with potholes in mind at all times. Even if you think you know where they are, the new ones that spring up overnight will get you and NEVER drive through a puddle at any speed as this is where they lurk
- Visitors to the island will stop their vehicle with no warning and without seeking a layby as the scenery is so gorgeous they must have a photo now
- Do not expect fast service, responses or deliveries but accept that the slower pace goes with living here and adapt. Delivery drivers get to know you and will leave your goods where you can find them without waiting for a signature.
- The internet is an essential part of life here. Living without a phone line for 2 months was purgatory
- Mobile phone signals will disappear at the first hint of bad weather and will not return until it warms up/calms down. Mobile phone companies think this is OK and not their fault
- Always keep an "Inverness" list on the go. It's a long way if you forget something
- The local community welcome you and you can become as involved as you wish. Either end of the spectrum is fine
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| From this (high heeled designer shoes for work) |
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| To this - Designer wellies plus wellie socks |
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| And this - Boots, waterproof shoes, walking boots & many pairs of slippers! |
- No more Monday mornings when work beckons
- Wouldn't change much about the house design (more electrical sockets the only thing)
- We can choose exactly what we do and when we do it
- RHI payment based on the air source heat pump
- The views and the light are constantly changing - all of them beautiful
- We survived "the worse winter in ten years" with only minor damage
- Crofting (our version) is much fun and good exercise
- The local community hall holds pilates sessions and the 20 minute walk to get there is glorious
- Clear skies and beautiful starry nights. No light pollution
- No cameras tracking your every move
- We are ten minutes from the Cuillin range, the most notorious, beautiful and toughest mountains in the UK
Negatives:
- The delivery charges added by some retailers / suppliers is shocking. We have a bridge! Pick and choose your retailer - John Lewis, Whittards, Amazon and Sunday Times wine club all deliver free, if they can do it so can others.
- Distance from friends and family - although visits to and from do take place and we did know this when we decided to move here.
- No sight of the aurora here in Fernilea (yet)
So we are settled, happy and looking forward to the future on Skye.
Dreams can come true - you just have to believe and put in the effort!
