We gave up city life & moved to ‘paradise’ but it was a total shock – it stinks, rains all the time and there’s no pub
RESIDENTS of remote islands who gave up city life to move to ‘paradise’ have told how it was a “shock to the system”.
The Outer Hebrides, Scotland, boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, picturesque lochs, momentous mountains, Insta-worth castles and stunning beaches that would rival the best on the planet.
The 15-inhabited islands of the beautiful Outer Hebrides – with a population of just 26,830 – come top in terms of happiness, life satisfaction and how worthwhile people feel, according to the ONS.
But now nhabitants have told how in reality it stinks, rains all the time and there’s no pub.
Scottish islander Rhoda Meek told MailOnline: “If you moved here for the slower pace, know that that is a myth. Island folk work hard, often in multiple roles.”
She moans about “the lack of street lights, presence of bulls, rams, s*** on the road, smelly ring feeders outside the house and cockerels”.
Meanwhile, Alex and Susannah, who left London to make the islands their home with their son Cedar, also have to battle with a lack of electricity and water mains,.
Speaking on BBC Scotland TV show Return to Uist, Alex said: “I’m going all out, I want to get chickens and geese, sheep, pigs, to plant trees, get polytunnels and the whole lot – and of course build our new house.
“We’ve no electric, no mains water never mind broadband, we’ve taken on a real challenge – but I like a challenge.”
He added: “Some people call it barren, treeless and behind but it’s far from that.
“It’s a beautiful place and I’ll bring all the practices I’ve learned here (in London) to the island.
“The stress of my job and city life had us at breaking point, we wanted better for Cedar.
“It’s a shock to the system, the weather is harsh and it’s not easy to get to.
“But it’s a nature lovers paradise with white sand and it’s perfect for crofting.”
And Author Carole Johnstone who moved to the Isle of Lewis and Harris from Essex says the islands can be an “eerie place”.
She said: “’There are empty houses with abandoned cars in the drives and net curtains in glassless windows.
“Obsolete inland roads populated only by small-eyed sheilings with rusted corrugated roofs. Stony ruins of blackhouses and long-forgotten villages.”