We live on a remote island with 110 people – there are no shops and only one taxi driver… everything comes off a boat
LOCALS living on a remote island with just 110 people say there’s no shopping hub, only one taxi driver – and everything is delivered by boat.
The Island of Eigg is located off the coast of western Scotland and is known as one of the most picturesque Hebridean Islands sitting 10 miles south of Skye alongside Muck, Rum and Canna.
It is also one of the most isolated, with just over 100 inhabitants – and no connection to the mainland’s power.
But, this hasn’t stopped the local community as they generate electricity for the whole island themselves.
Situated about 15 miles into the choppy sea, a constant stream of wind over the island created endless power from their wind turbines.
They also keep everyone’s homes running 24 hours a day, seven days a week using three incredible hydroelectric generators.
A large collection of solar panels are also used to boost power sources.
Eigg was actually the world’s first community to build an off-grid electric system powered by all three – wind, water and solar.
Everyone who visits the island arrives by boat, along with all deliveries from parcels to food.
There is just one small local shop, which also operates as a post office.
Meanwhile, staff at the only cafe on the island, Galmisdale Bay Cafe & Bar, are always greeting a stream of customers who come for a slice of cake and a chat.
Despite limited amenities, there is a bike hire store, a crafting shop and a respite area for campers.
Plus, the breathtaking island offers three cosy glamping pods which can sleep up to four.
They boast sea views where visitors can seal and otter watch from the comfort of their own little shepherd’s hut.
Dolphins, Orcas and Sunfish are also some of sea life that can be spotted from the coast, while Golden Eagles and Buzzards can be seen on land.
A bed and breakfast called Lageorna is also available to those who would prefer a more traditional stay – with four star meals.
Tourists can explore the island on a guided wildlife walk, traverse the UK’s largest pitchstone ridge An Sgurr, or discover more about the island’s history at their two museums.
And, if you’ve sampled a few too many drams for a traditional Scottish experience, you can always call the one taxi man to come and give you a lift.
Proud cabbie Charlie Galli told Green Renaissance: “The hardest thing you’ve got to cope with is probably the cows.
“I tried to nudge one once, it took umbrage, looked at the car and booted it.
“That’s probably the worst thing on the island as far as traffic goes,” he joked.
Charlie moved to the remote community after two heart attacks served as a “wake up call” to leave behind fast paced mainland life.
“Eigg is one of the small islands off the coast of west Scotland,” he added.
“You wouldn’t get me off here unless I’m kicking and screaming or possibly arrested.
“Moving here is the biggest thing I could have done to change my life.”
The devoted taxi man described his favourite thing about the unusual island was making life-long connections with people.
“I am the island’s taxi. You meet people who’d you’d never expect to meet,” he continued.
“I don’t know about everyone else but I get something from that, it’s a good feeling, you meet people here that you keep in touch with for the rest of your life.”
On his evenings off, Charlie said there’s nothing better than sitting out and watching the sunset with his pipe and a spot of whiskey.
This comes as locals living in one of the UK’s most isolated towns with no shops and hours from a doctor say they LOVE it – and refuse to leave.
Happy homeowners in Easington, on the south Holderness coast are proud of the community despite “hopeless” bus services and next to no basic amenities.
“We have two pubs and two graveyards, so if you want to drink yourself to death here you’re sorted,” joked one resident.
Meanwhile, people in Mersea Island, Essex, say they wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.
There is only one way to arrive by taking the Strood – a road that floods at high tide leaving residents isolated from the outside world.
But one resident said: “We love it. Because for that time, we’re completely cut off.
“It’s a real community.
“Everyone looks out for one another. No one needs to be on their own.”
However, those in Blaenau Gwent, Wales, offered a different perspective to living in a remote town.
Locals fear they’re going to become even less connected, with the future of their much-needed public transport up in the air.