Anyone from Hebrides/ Western Isles of Scotland?

Question

I am English and would like to know how easy it would be to move to one of the Hebridean islands, and whether or not I'd be welcomed? I'm after a small place and a quiet, simple life.

Is property generally cheap or expensive? What is quality of life like?

Thank you very much!

Answer 1

You'd be joining an awful lot of other escapees from England --the Isle of Mull is referred to as "The Officers' Mess." Property is much less expensive in the Outer Hebridies -- Lewis, Harris, Uist etc. but be prepared to find that the locals will talk in Gaelic among themselves and be prepared to find the cost of living several times what you're used to.

Answer 2

I just spent a 10 day holiday in the Outer Hebrides. Lovely place. Harris and Lewis, the northen 2 islands are beautiful but with the power of the church, pretty well shut down on Sunday. No shopping, no petrol, no golf. You need to be in church.

The southern islands, the Uists and Benbecula, are very nice and if you ask me, that's where I would live. Air connections to both the Harris and Lewis and North Uist. Even little Barra has air connections but is very small and very slow.

I would suggest touring the Hebrides and taking a peek. I stayed at a B&B in Uist run by folks from Liverpool and they said the local people were fine.

I envy you. I've stuck some links here for property for you to look at. Skye seems a bit pricey, but the Outer Hebrides not so.

Answer 3

I'm living with my Dad and he's from Dorset. He watches Scottish TV here on the east coast and the amazing thing is that every time they interview someone from the western Islands on telly, they're flippin' English!! Honestly the place is hoaching with them. They must all be running away from something because believe me, it can get pretty hairy out there and the ferries stop at the slightest swell. Dear too, they're always banging on about fuel costs making everything more expensive and petrol is over £1.00 per litre. Think long and hard. The East coast is far superior. Up around Elgin there is a micro climate from the gulf stream, fantastic weather at times. I picked all this up whilst I was boarded last year at Mrs Taylor's. Lovely woman, from Somerset.

Answer 4

I don't even know if Iona IS one of the Hebrides, but i was so taken with it when we went there..... and Mull. Gorgeous places. I suggest wherever you think you'd like to live, you go and maybe rent there for 6 months at least so you get the feel of the place. I imagine quality of life is good, if you get involved with your community. Good luck anyway.

Answer 5

I have heard they are ok with the English. To most Scots your personal attitude is what matters not where your from.
Property wise It is cheaper but there is not a lot of it going.

Hope you dont mind wind and rain tho