Boat Saving Drama & Renovating The Kitchen In Our 200 Year Old Cottage On The Isle of Skye - Ep76

Willie, Sarah and their dogs Jack Spaniels & new puppy, Nori, continue their biggest adventure yet - leaving their suburban life and moving over the sea to a remote cottage on the Isle of Skye, off the west coast of the Scottish Highlands.
In this episode, the Skye Lifers are grounded by bad weather - meaning they can't take their boat Betty out on the water. However, they do need to make an essential change to the mooring - which is at risk of breaking!
Will we manage to do it between sideways rain and hailstorms or will it be too late?!
Plus, we decide to make a big change in our cottage kitchen, which there's no going back on and we watch as our newest neighbour takes their first steps in the wild world of the Isle of Skye!
Thanks for watching & see you in the next video!
Sarah, Willie, Jack & Nori xx
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[@livingtheskyelife]

Thanks for watching our video! If you enjoyed it please do give it a like and subscribe to be notified when our next video comes out. Buy ‘These Old Walls’ here: williescott.bandcamp.com/track/these-old-walls You can support us by donating the cost of a coffee on our Kofi Page: ko-fi.com/livingtheskyelife Or by joining our Patreon community for bonus content: www.patreon.com/LivingTheSkyeLife Dirty Secrets of Scotland Etsy Store: www.etsy.com/shop/DirtySecretsScot Sarah’s Etsy Store: shewalksshepaints.etsy.com You can also follow our adventures on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/ourlifeonskye Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088574329199 Thanks and we will see you in the next video! Sarah, Willie, Jack & Nori x

[@manolisgledsodakis873]

Almost all modern fridges have swappable hinges for reversing the door.

[@hazelgilbert-chase6951]

FYI - a cow gives birth to a calf. If it is a female it is called a heifer and if it is a male it is a bull. Cow = Mum 🤠

[@valeriefarmer3774]

@@livingtheskyelife I have your song already I love it I find it really moving it feels like your cottage telling its story through the years .

[@jeanninef2110]

Love what you've done in your kitchen. Don't move the fridge!!!!!! It won't be practical!!❤

[@2nd_of_3]

Don’t move the fridge! Walking around the counter EVERY time you need something is going to frustrate you. Remember the triangle, sink, stove and fridge. change the door on your fridge. it’s easy. They are all capable of opening either way.

[@SharonPadget]

Good idea about the switching the fridge door.

[@jackiesaylor2487]

The triangle doesn't work in this space, because the fridge would have to be where the table is if that were the case.

[@howardwest1347]

She is correct

[@SarahHovley]

Just what I was going to say!

[@susangauci3278]

Better to leave the fridge where it is and change the door.its more handy where it is.I would def put on curtains .That space would look more tidy. Its not much iofa summer I agree but I would gladly swab some days with yours.Its suffocating here in Malta and summer has only just started.Glad you managed to change the chain at last.Already looking forward to next Sunday❤

[@killkult]

Leave the fridge, move the washing machine in the place you wanted to hide with curtains. Move the countertop under the window and make it a fold up for easy access, it will make the fridge more integrated into the kitchen and make the kitchen feel bigger . You can still have the shelves over the washing machine and the bins underneath the countertop.

[@livingtheskyelife]

Good idea - we will think about it for future changes!

[@debrascott8775]

This is smart

[@suzieq2958]

Great idea!! Do it now, if you can move the plumbing easily 🤔😊

[@JackthornLife]

That's exactly what we were going to say.

[@robertaphilbrick2393]

No do not move the fridge! No way you want to walk around that counter area every time you need something out of the fridge??? Especially while cooking. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@thehighlandlife2023]

Totally agree!

[@eileenmackin5382]

Leave the fridge where it is definitely. It'll drive you mad in the corner

[@JeanStAubin-nl9uo]

My vote is to leave fridge where is it. Easier to get at. That's for the video!

[@bonnerdebbie]

Small counter was a great idea, but don't move the fridge. Build shelves up further in the corner. Thanks for sharing the calf standing for the first time. Bloopers getting slim, but Nori is always helpful there. :)

[@davejennybroughton7909]

Hi, leave the fridge where it is, as you need it most of the time x

[@petertheakston7123]

leave the fridge as it'll be a pain walking round to it all the time. So add more shelves

[@Mog780]

I would personally add more shelving in and keep the fridge where it is, could also look at getting a left sided hinged fridge? Great video as always guys!

[@poppyk6182]

Aww 🥰 Seeing the birds feed from the bird feeders is just lovely.

[@jock364]

Yes it is, but I wonder if there is an argument against enabling birds to not rely on natural food resources in the summer?

[@ruthcomfort4735]

@@jock364they just recommend to not just stop, if you do it that way keep feeding winter to summer

[@jacquelyngudzinas2795]

Definitely keep the fridge where it is currently. Not only would you be taking extra steps to get around the island every time you go for something while cooking, you’ll also be inviting a spaniel blockade trapping you in the corner.

[@livingtheskyelife]

Ahahaha very good point!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@PlayfullyPainting]

My vote is leave fridge and add more shelves. Update looks good and great job on counter Willie and Sarah has some mad organizational skills. Sweet baby calf and first time standing was amazing. Adorable birds. Jack and Nori are a blast to watch. Hopefully better weather soon for some more boating adventures. See next week

[@amoore6981]

I vote for not moving it. Your bins are tucked away where they are, if you move the fridge you will have to find new homes for the bins so you can open the fridge door. Plus going around the island every time you want the milk is gonna get old fast.

[@donnamurray4675]

Don’t move the fridge!!! I’d add more shelves in the corner for more storage. In the US you can switch the fridge hinges so it’s either a righty or a lefty swing 👍👍👍

[@teresajames5993]

No leave the fridge there!! Build up more cupboards in the other corner!! ❤

[@tammyspurdle9208]

Don't move the fridge. Do put a curtain across the shelves. Keep making these beautiful videos. Thank you ❤

[@debrarose8079]

Leaving the fridge and building shelves in that corner with cupboard fronts will finish the space and likely more user friendly 😊 just a thought

[@kaycee625]

The fridge is probably the most constantly accessed thing in the kitchen so leave it where it can be easily reached instead of adding steps to the journey around the worktop. Instead I would build more shelves on top of the existing ones so that you have floor to ceiling shelving. You could use large wicker baskets on the upper shelves so that it looks tidy.

[@hindolbittern]

I vote fridge stays. As everyone else says, having to walk round to it could get old very quickly. The kitchen triangle thing (fridge, sink, cooker). Yes to curtain, but maybe make two so you can rotate whilst one is in the wash? I’d put shelves up the wall, ideally L- shaped, as you have that return bit of wall, for a bit more extra storage. But as it’d be at eye level I’d be aiming for kilner jars, baskets and even a painting to keep the visual clutter down. My system for dealing with recycling is a 1/3rd sized old fashioned galvanised dustbin by the back door. My cottage kitchen is small too and the council wheelie bins are way down at the end of the garden. So, recycling can go in a bin bag in the galvanised bin, and then the bin bag can be easily carried down to the wheelie bin, emptied in and reused in the galvanised bin to save plastic waste. Easy to do, even in the depths of winter, and saves kitchen real estate.

[@captainhoratiobungleiii7147]

If you have a part of your kitchen that's tucked away, that's where you keep stuff you don't need to access very often. And switch the fridge door round. I'm sure Richard would be able go do that.

[@suzannebarton777]

Love watching the birds feeding their babies from your bird feeders!!❤

[@lyndaplancarte4895]

Since you asked, I would install some additional shelves above the microwave ( for storage of larger kitchen items you don't use as often) and leave the fridge where it is. Like your idea of installing a little curtain maybe on a tension rod to hide the things on the lower shelf. To walk around that kitchen island every time I wanted to get in to the fridge, would drive me crazy. Have always liked your cabinets with the glass in them also.

[@carolinemcgonigle9147]

What a difference trimming down the counter top made! I love watching little DIY style jobs like this, gives me huge joy. My wonderful dad (a fellow skye life fan and the one that got me onto your adventures) built me planters like yours. Watching you guys tackle home improvement stuff is so satisfying to watch, seeing it all come together. With humour and honesty as ever. And the added bonus of spaniel ears in the wind, baby cows, and birds! Love it. Happy hailstones guys! Xx

[@pbjabq]

Fridge stays and add more shelving above the existing shelf next to the amended bump out. Better flow as most everyone else says!

[@frankpaquet295]

If you put the fridge over on the other wall, you'll always have to walk around the cabinet and shelf, to get to it; it's probably better where it is. Then you can put more shelving over the others on that wall. Love the new shorter counter. Have a good week, really good video today, thank you! (from Sandi)

[@dorothyeaston3393]

Watching the daddy Chaffinch feed his babies was magical.❤

[@poppyk6182]

I’m from Edinburgh Scotland. We called it a bunker back in the seventies growing up. I’m in my sixties now but Wullie is right. That’s what we called it.

[@margaretpaul4016]

Growing up in West Lothian we called it a bunker too and still do.

[@melaniehutton1822]

East Lothian here, we also call it a bunker.

[@sallyannc3176]

Not in Glasgow/west coast tho - only known people from Edinburgh/Lothian area to call it that.

[@alasdairmackenzie905]

@@sallyannc3176 I'm an expat Glaswegian and we always called its a bunker - still do here in the Middle East (aka West Lothian!).

[@garywanamaker2720]

HI SARAH AND WILLIE! RE COOLER BAG: to keep the bag cool, we freeze a water bottle or two (with our choice of liquid: coke, iced tea etc: LEAVE ROOM for liquid expansion) and they work great! Bonus, you now have a nice cool drink when you get home! ❤ from Vancouver Island

[@silverlady1118]

Leave the fridge, will drive you mad keep walking round to it Put up more shelves Thanks for sharing

[@geddesjimmy]

My wife and I both think the fridge should stay where it is, that would shortly nip my brain walking around the counter to get milk for my multiple cups of tea every day. Good job on the counter top Willie. (assuming you didn't trust Sarah with a power tool, even though she is perfectly capable) I use linseed oil on the wooden refurbishments that I do, but living in Spain there are a lot of little critters that like wood but don't like linseed oil. Funny enough I often miss the Highland weather, 30th of June today and the digital thermometer on my car was reading 40 degrees, and July and August are our hottest months. Great video and thanks for your music Willie.

[@mary-alicetully9843]

Leave the fridge! It will stick out too far next to the cabinets plus it will be inefficient on the other side of the counter. Love your counter adaption and a curtain is a nice idea

[@kimberlymolitor354]

Crazy how small changes to a space can make a big difference!! Loved seeing the little calf!!❤❤❤

[@carolethurlow9550]

Running round with the dogs was so funny. And the kitchen looks so much better. 😺 X

[@janakinb5495]

I would leave the fridge where it is. It is probably the most use thing in any kitchen. Quick access trumps a bit more space.

[@thriftytowers7160]

loved watching those mad dogs pelting around in the wind! as for the fridge-dilemma, I would leave it where it is.. easier to access... but i'm quite lazy..

[@louiserayner2343]

Beautiful job on rearranging the nook in your kitchen. Personally, I would leave the fridge in its current location.

[@lemfam4693]

Love the counter restyle! I wouldn't move the fridge. Going around every time would get annoying. I love the birdfeeders right outside the kitchen window. I look forward to every video, you guys always make me smile.

[@krisentwistle4839]

I think I would leave the fridge where it is, but I would put shelves all the way up to the top of the cabinets . If that makes sense? So visually it just looks like a continuation of the cabinets .Or if you can get the same cabinet but another one of those in. Good Luck😀

[@thehighlandlife2023]

I’d leave the fridge and put more shelves up! Oh the weather has been far from summer like hasn’t it!? Been the same here in the Highlands… summer may arrive one day 🤣 I have just released a video on our exploring Spain series from our month long trip to Spain and I am reminiscing about all the sunshine we have left behind! 🤣

[@livingtheskyelife]

Not jealous of your trip in the slightest…🙄

[@thehighlandlife2023]

@@livingtheskyelife he he! I have to say we loved it, especially the sunshine and warmth but nothing like coming home to Scotland… even in this weird summer vibes it’s got going on! But can’t help but miss the sunshine. Maybe just maybe the rest of July will be better than today! The midges we so bad last night too 😭

[@fairyacorn4854]

Lovely.......... I think the fridge should stay where it is otherwise you will have to walk all the way round the worktop to get to it if you are cooking and using the worktop. You made a good job of the space and I love your new bins and their colour. Stay safe see ou all ext week. XXXX

[@sallya.2412]

Glad you got the new chain on for the boat despite how the weather was. Neat to see the calf just born there. Trimmimg the kitchen counter came out great. I think the fridge should stay where its at, better access to it. Plus the corner hides the things your storing. Enjoyed the video. Thanks guys.

[@stuc734]

Brilliant Sunday night sorted. I'd say leave fridge where it is just to save removing shelves and kitchen should work like a triangle from sink/bunker to fridge to hob/oven etc etc. Re Scottish summers as we Scots know our natural skin colour is blue not pink....coz it's Scotland and its freezing 🥶🥶🥶🤣🤟🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ChristophersMum]

DO NOT...move the fridge...remember you have to open the door fully to get the bottom drawer from the fridge...and I don't think that you will have enough room to do that...besides it will increase the effort in using the fridge...you can though move the washing machine into Henry the hoover's space so you'll have more space under the worktop...you'll need to panel over where the space left by the washing machine...I really love the birds at the feeders and the parent was feeding the young chicks...I don't comment much but when I do it's because you asked for our help...ATB at Skye Life Cottage.😀🌠

[@ginacrusco234]

Thank you for showing momma cow with brand new calf, plus the 10-day follow-up! All creatures great and small.

[@joancline4844]

Even with the wild weather ..What a heaven sent place ..loved the video 💞💞 xx xx

[@annekeolivier9646]

You can buy a 2litre of Coca Cola and pour it over the rusted chain and bits. The rust will be 'eaten' away😱 and that's exactly why I don't drink Coke😉 Greetings from 🇿🇦

[@nomorehate9176]

I vote to leave the fridge where it is. It would be a pain to have to walk all the way around the counter to get to it IMHO. If you need more storage, just add shelves above the ones on the left wall. Loved the Spaniel Ears in the Wind segment!!

[@alisondoughty2194]

Your brave souls. I remember The Isle of Skye in the torrential rain. NICE KITCHEN CHANGE. 🎉😃

[@lovelyskull3483]

Wonderful video. Some crazy weather there. The kitchen looks amazing. Thank you.

[@AuntieK53]

Great idea to trim down the countertop. What a difference! Please do leave the fridge where it is, both for aesthetics and ease of access. More shelves above the microwave could be very handy. (Enjoyed the newborn calf footage.)

[@jenpersoon]

You're doing a great job editing your videos, they are very professional and enjoyable and the music, well it's just beautiful.

[@irmibullinger1421]

Love how you changed the kitchen. Personally I would not like the fridge behind the counter because it would be inconvenient to get to. Just hang more shelves back there to store things you don't use as often.

[@lou-lou1171]

If you move your fridge then you will only end up moving all your ‘stuff’ into its place (you know you will 🤣) and it will drive you potty having to walk around everything to get to your fridge. Looks good as it is. 😊

[@michaelsherck5099]

I believe I'd leave the fridge where it is. Here in our kitchen we're into it often enough during the day that making it further away and more difficult to reach would be annoying. It will be interesting to see what the two of you decide! Thanks for the lovely video. The drama of the calf was fun!

[@FLSueL]

I love the kitchen re-do. Great idea. Don't move the refrigerator. I think you'll hate opening it up against the counter and being stuck in the corner when you're getting things out feels very claustrophobic. I think you'll get really tired of walking around the counter, plus all the things you put back there in the corner are more like things that you want out of view, not on shelves for display. I didn't read the rest of the comments to see what others thought, but that's my thinking. 😉 Thanks for the fun video. 😊

[@erinjackson8010]

That was a very strong pose 💪😎 😂 I'd leave the fridge where it is and put more shelves up on the left xxx

[@hazel3564]

So cute, I love watching the Mother bird feeding her babies! You have very popular bird feeders. Great job on the kitchen. Leave the fridge there.

[@beverlyethridge5084]

I like the extra space but putting the frig in that corner would be a big mistake having to go around the bar every time you need something.

[@larhumba4233]

I'd leave the fridge where it is as you will be opening it often so it'll get very annoying having to walk round every time you need something . Plus the recycling bins will be more visible if you move them.

[@carolynmurtaza1180]

Leave fridge where it is. Why not make a cupboard in that corner, with shelves gor more storage space

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I would call it a fixed Kitchen Island (because it can't be rolled out of your way. Leave the fridge where it is. It is easier to get in and out of where it is now. I keep my recycling cans in my carport outside the house. The bird seeds could be kept outside in a galvanized trash can under a galvanized lid. Rats can't get into those all metal cans (unless you forget and leave the lids off).

[@shirleyg1962]

Really enjoyed the video, especially the wee baby calf. My suggestion is to leave the fridge where it is. Love the new recycling bins.

[@daxkitcar]

Leave the fridge where it is, it will be a pain to go behind the counter every time you wanted milk etc. Making the counter smaller was a great move. Love your program

[@isttra]

Fridge stays!! You will get so annoyed if you have to walk around every time. I think adding shelving or a cupboard above would work well. It would look really cool if Willie could try and build it to match the one to the left? Where the drawers are could maybe be a roll-hutch so the microwave could stay?

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

Keep the fridge where it is you would get fed up going around the end. I would investigate if the washing machine could removed perhaps it is just a case of a new extension and take away the island .Plus put more shelves above the microwave

[@maryearll2135]

thanks and yes, that was a great idea for the little remodel. Works much better with the added room, Leave fridge where it is. Loved the Flying Spaniel Ears. Fun with the fur pouches..

[@lyndabenner1634]

Leave the fridge there, just change the door opening. It's up at the top, you can do it. Excellent video, loved it.

[@lorraineyoung9452]

I would move the wall cabinet closer to the window and that can be your storage neuk!

[@lauraquigley6403]

Move the fridge! Put up beautiful shelves where fridge is. 🙏🙏🙏

[@BrokenBackMountains]

I'd move the fridge. Tidier and the door won't be so much of a hassle

[@susanelliott1970]

Leave the fridge where it is. The counter will be handy and the other spot the counter will be blocked when the door is opened.

[@marilynthomson9564]

Also, I love your idea of putting a curtain in front of the glass recycle. I bet it would look really cute.

[@fayputnam1774]

Agree! Leave the fridge where it is! For all the reasons already mentioned.

[@perchristensen8962]

New kitchen looks good, definitely don't move the fridge. You could switch the fridgedoor hinges to the left, so the door is hinged on the left side, and the fridge can get pushed up against the right wall. All fridges allows you to choose, what side you want the door to be hinged.

[@treelimbtlc]

Loved the birds. Maybe have a session with them in sitting with nature.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Glad you curved th corners! Sharp corners are fatal...

[@LB-gr7gu]

Thanks for the lovely content .. hail. boat. Baby cows. Reno's. Doggies all great ❤❤

[@lynnebradley5857]

I wouldn’t move fridge if I were you. Think it looks good as it is. We feed the birds every day and have found they absolutely love mealworms 😊 We have lots of wood pigeons and magpies too but looks like you don’t. Thanks for another great video guys.

[@avidviewer1]

I completely agree with previous comments re moving the washing machine to the corner (where the bottle bins are) and getting rid of the counter completely.That'd not only increase the canine play space (priority 🤣) but also give the humans so much more room to move around 👍🤗

[@beverlyholmes9136]

You could use wood cut from counter to make a shelf (or 2) above the other shelves in corner. Looks like it would match.

[@veronicashipley9123]

Just sending love and light to you both and the pups 🐶🐕🐾. More shelves for storage jars etc maybe, and a nice little curtain will do the trick. Take care xx

[@kateseverein7650]

And Nori is helping as usual!

[@JoanHannah-dm8so]

Move the fridge...😂. Love you two and your videos and of course the Isle of Skye oh and of course the music maestro .. ❤️

[@heatherw9084]

Loved your video as usual. I say, don't move the fridge as you will be walking around that corner way too much. You could try switching the fridge door to open the other way and see it that makes any difference for you. Loved seeing the birds feeding and the little calf doing well after a wet start. I hope your weather warms up soon. Have a great week! ❤

[@suzanneeichman9576]

What about building a mud room (all enclosed) out your back door? Put all the recycling bins garbage bin, Hoover , dog and bird food.

[@livingtheskyelife]

It’s a good idea, but the only window from our spare room looks out onto that bit, so we would lose that view/natural light unless we made a sunroom 😅

[@tracycharalambous5223]

Leave the fridge where it is. If you move it into that corner it'll look tidy but you'll be walking around the washing machine every time you need the milk. It'll drive you mad in a week. Love the podcast & the baby cow this week x

[@livingtheskyelife]

Haha seems like most people agree with you! Glad we didn’t move it 😅

[@emilygarwood1373]

I wouldn’t move the fridge. But if you really want to get a feel for the flow. When you’re cooking try putting the fridge items on the shelf and then walk over and grab each item separately. You’ll know if it annoys you after that.

[@Jax-kj5yo]

I have to say, I agree with comment below to swap the fridge door opening to open the other way. This happened to me and the swap was so easy and it made a huge difference. Despite the rain I am still so envious of your life in Skye. It isn't always easy I know but so worth it.

[@livingtheskyelife]

Swapping the door opening is our plan if we don’t move it 😊👍

[@the-reading-lemon]

The kitchen improvement is great! Pros of moving the fridge: frees up the corner it's currently in and you could put up shelves on that wall, which gives you more room to manoeuvre around the counter. Con of moving the fridge: do you really always want to have to walk around the counter to get something out of the fridge? I can see that getting annoying really quickly. I suppose another solution would be to simply switch out the fridge door (if possible) so it opens the other way? That way you could shove it further into its current corner. The outtakes were hilarious, as always. Willie should do a whole photo series of silly poses like the one on the kitchen counter and sell them as a calendar. Meanwhile, the weather seems to be doing its best to confirm the old saying: If you don't like the weather in Scotland, just wait five minutes!

[@nicoleforrester4254]

I would move the fridge & open up that space even more-it sits out in the floor to far.

[@grapesodatravels]

Bless the wee calf! Well done moo mum! Don't move the fridge but maybe add more shelves about Hetty and co!

[@lynnmclaren1595]

Lovely to see the newborn calf getting on it’s feet. Definitely leave the fridge where it is !

[@livingtheskyelife]

It was such a magical moment! We were literally watching it for about half an hour to make sure it stood up and managed to feed. We were ready to run to the farmers house if it didn’t look like it was going to make it 😅

[@charlotteanddavestorey6553]

Personally I think you’ve done the right thing , kitchen looks far better . Could sit and watch those birds all day on that feeder .

[@lydiaross2554]

Shelving Do not move fridge

[@elizabethargyll4720]

While I wait for "Ootlander" to start I always like to catch up with the 'Skylanders'. Move the fridge!

[@livingtheskyelife]

Ahaha excellent!

[@noob26]

At 4:30 - is that an ancient stone anchor?

[@mandywhitton]

Move the fridge it should not be near your vent xxx then put shelves up where you fridge was

[@WthrLdy]

Move the dishwasher under the microwave, flip the doors on the fridge, and turn it 90' and put a small microwave cart next to it between the fridge and doorway, and get rid of that kitchen thumb altogether.

[@WthrLdy]

Clothes washer - I meant clothes washer under the microwave (where it is now)...

[@Jax-kj5yo]

One other thing to consider in whether to move the fridge or not, is to work out if you can utilise the space where the fridge already is, otherwise you are cutting down available space. I think the comment below suggesting putting up shelves in the alternative wall space is a good one as well as changing the door hinges. That will give you more storage.

[@alisonfoster9695]

It’ll drive you nuts if you have to go all the way around that breakfast bar to get the fridge every time you need something, I’d suggest leaving the fridge where it is and possibly adding some more storage shelves above what you have now, can never have too much storage. 😊