does anyone live in the hebrides?

scotsgirl_3

I would second Jowo's comments. I live in Edinburgh and have family in Inverness, and there are some stunningly beautiful places in Scotland which you could go to whilst still being considerably more accessible than the islands. The west coast is full of lovely little places and some very rugged scenery whilst still being commutable to Glasgow if you like being near the coast - or areas around Loch Lomond etc - some are touristy but plenty aren't.

dianah

i live on the isle of man, which, fair enough, nowhere near the hebrides and slightly different situation (not actually part of the UK).

i moved over here three years ago from manchester and while it was a major shock to the system with regards to the shops and opening times.
so many advantages though
1. everywhere is close - i can drive anywhere on the island within an hour
2. you don't get scammed - everyone knows everyone and if you run a business and con people, everyone knows
3. it's safe - there's not a single place on this island i wouldn't go at any time of the day
4. people are nice
5. in manchester, if you wanted to go for a nice walk, you had to drive for half an hour first... i don't have to do that here
6. rarely any traffic
7. dealing with government bodies = EASY. i had a query regarding a driving licence while i was in the uk - called dvla, had to go through seven (7!!!!) menus before i managed to speak to someone. over here, i can just call the relevant office or, walk in and talk to them. they're all helpful too.


the disadvantages:
1. costs a lot to get off the island
2. you can't get certain stuff over here and delivery prices are high
3. shops generally shut at 5pm.. tesco's open til 10pm but no 24 hour shops
4. everyone knows everyone - that's generally a good thing but sometimes it isn't

seafarers_wife

Im originally from the west coast of scotland and used to live 10 mins drive from loch lommond. have lived in aberdeen as well. im fussy as the house i grew up in we will never be able to afford and thats the kind of house we are aiming for. i love the area round tighnabruich, but thats completly out of our price range, aberdeen and the surrounding area is out as my oh hated it up there. glasgow area is out as family would stick their nose in way to much for our liking. im down in county durham at the moment and property is way to expensive here and i miss the smell of the sea, plus english supermarkets have annoyed me. why are they only allowed to open 6 hours on a sunday when in scotland they are allowed to be open for longer than that!

i think thats what i want more than anything the smell of the sea.

Jowo_2

seafarers_wife wrote: »

Im originally from the west coast of scotland and used to live 10 mins drive from loch lommond....im fussy as the house i grew up in we will never be able to afford and thats the kind of house we are aiming for. i love the area round tighnabruich, but thats completly out of our price range.

I expect 99% of the population can't afford properties in popular areas of the Highlands. If you are stuck on areas/types of properties you can't afford, then I guess you will be disappointed with the remaining ones that are within your budget and this is hopeless as your dreams cannot be realised.

seafarers_wife wrote: »

glasgow area is out as family would stick their nose in way to much for our liking. ...english supermarkets have annoyed me. why are they only allowed to open 6 hours on a sunday when in scotland they are allowed to be open for longer than that!

Shame you've ruled out everything within travelling distance of Glasgow as there is so much scope within this catchment area for cheaper properties close to the coast, perhaps along the Clyde or down through Ayr to Galloway/Stranraer, simply because you can't push back on interfering relatives.

Supermarket opening hours play little part in most people's property moves, I suspect!

SP123_3

I remember Skye just as Bailey says when I was a child, however, it has moved with the times and might be a better option for you than Lewis. Stunningly beautiful landscapes, remoteness if you want it, but it's only about 3 hours to Inverness if you want city facilities. Wester Ross is also amazingly beautiful and could be a sensible area to look.In either case, you have to be prepared for the weather, and the midgies, and the fact that Sainsburys and B&Q are not on your doorstep. On the flip side, it's a magical area and there is still a community spirit.

I'd live there in a heartbeat (considering I currently live in Colorado, that's saying something).