Could You Live In The Outer Hebrides?

Back in August I spent sometime on the Isle of Lewis and Harris filming my "Lewis and Harris Series" for KZbin. While over there I sat down every day and spoke about how I felt living in such a remote but beautiful landscape. This video is a collection of the thoughts and feelings I gathered while over there, producing a video sure to make you think about modern day life.
So tell me...Could you live in the Outer Hebrides?
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[@TheCatlova]

It’s not horrendous in Winter at all, the peace & tranquility is magnified, the storms make you feel life with an intensity we had not experienced before. We never tire of the scenery, every day you appreciate it more. Yes, high quality clothing is essential!

[@TraceyRaison]

We bought our house in Easter having spent December here last year and have to say it is impossible to feel lonely here, as the people are so warm and friendly. We love our lovely neighbours, who have welcomed us with open arms and helped us out so much. It is an extremely close-knit community, living on an island but it is honestly the best thing we’ve ever done. We bought the house and have no regrets whatsoever. The ferries can be a pain, admittedly, but there’s no greater feeling than when coming home to Lewis. Xx

[@jsfaulds]

Your never lonely if you can make yourself laugh and tell yourself a good story

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

I like that one. I crack myself up sometimes.

[@pawshands9706]

Even better when you share your everyday life with a animal companion. Heavenly contemplations.

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

Speaking as an "island girl", born & raised on a rural-ish isle, home of the wettest spot in the world -- where I live on the island rains/drizzles daily -- you look forward to the sunny days, but learn to love the rain as it means nourishment for the land/animals & for me as a photographer: WATERFALLS 😉 & I've noticed the point you made abt missing the "hustle & bustle" in the tourists that come here. Us locals find it weird that it's like they don't know how to relax. City people typically equate "busyness" with productivity/purpose. They always have to be doing something, going somewhere...to just slow down, appreciate the stillness, be "isolated" & be comfortable in that isolation, seems to make them anxious. From what I've observed. To be fair, you did nail it when you said that the locals have a different relationship to it bc they were raised on it, lived it all their lives. & we do. When I travel the world, I love exploring the massive cities & towns, but the constant noise, all the lights, makes me feel "on" all the time. So when I fly back home & it's quiet, dark (barely any street lights here), it's the best way for me to decompress. I love returning home. 🧡

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for your lovely and insightful comment. It's great too hear from someone who lives this life. It's fascinating how we all see and view the word differently. I like how you enjoy the opposite of what the majority of people do (going to cities to experience the hustle and bustle, rather than going to the solitude - because you live that life already!) thanks again :)

[@buddhastaxi666]

We travelled from a tiny village in far southern West Australia and wandered through the quiet celtic lands and without planning went found ourselves on a Stornaway ferry via Nederlands, Cornwall and Wales where i was born in Neifod, Cumbria. We found it busy. There was a quiet half buried stone circle where we could connect to the goddess.

[@davidnicolson6443]

Although the rain can be annoying

[@Swiftalarm_]

I have relatives on the Isle of North Uist, used to live there and visit every three months, lovely place.

[@kristopherphoenix1101]

I realize Im kind of randomly asking but do anyone know a good site to stream newly released movies online ?

[@MinooBabe]

I think it's amazing, good whiskey , not much to do. Sometimes I hang a rope from the lamp, but then change my mind and life goes on. It's amazing!

[@jonathanmchugh3208]

It is where I intend to end up living when I retire. Live the solitude. Yes I could

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thats wonderful Jonathan! I hope this dream comes true for you.

[@QvodInferivs]

Beautiful houghts and totally agree. I recently came back from isle of harris in lasgintir beach and as i was driving a older gentleman waved me down from the side of the road to simply say hello and asked me where i was from, I told i was from and my surname, he said to me you better pull to the side and come on in. Next thing i new i was being taught Gaelic and told about the history and offered dinner and tea, his wife surname was the same as mine and she told me all the history behind that clan in the erea then gave me a book about he local history and migration aftr the cleareances. My whole experiance left me very touched and intouche with people, history and land. I loved the isles from skye to Mull of kyntre to lewis and harris. Bless scotland and its people.

[@kimgrantphotography]

It sounds like you had a lovely experience over in Harris. many people are so willing to chat to you and teach you a thing or two. Very nice place to be and spend some time. Glad that you enjoyed your trip :)

[@sarahmacleod3841]

I live in Stornaway and today it was snowing in spring, the snow was even deeper than the snow in winter!

[@andrewjditton]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I found myself nodding madly throughout. But I think your thoughts might join up if you stayed longer. Possibly you have not yet connected the 'community' about which you speak in the first half with feeling 'isolated' in the latter part. I actually think you can be far, far more isolated and lonely in a city surrounded by people than in the Western Isles. But you have indeed highlighted reality as opposed to romantic fantasy. Le dùrachdan.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your feedback and views on the topic Andrew

[@dannysze8183]

Hi Andrew, I have been following your channel for a while. I live in Hong Kong which is very dense and expensive. Indeed I only connect with my family and my true friends who are all at different part of the world. With the easy access of internet, you can connect with them easily. In reality, the people living in the city has the 'gain' mentality and one is constantly compare the social status with each other and it can be very tiring and lonely. I also think that the people living in the island would be less competitive and more friendly. You have inspired me to buy a motorhome and travel. Thanks.

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

@@dannysze8183 I have yet to visit the Outer Hebrides, but after following Andrew's channel it has inspired me to go there. Which has brought me to this video. So, more viewing and more planning. Thanks for your thoughts, Kim. best wishes.

[@dannysze8183]

@@meanqueensuperscrimper8908 best wishes

[@schuylerleithulfr788]

My name is Skyler Lothrop. My grandfather's parents came to America from an island called Barra, home of a small village called Castlebay. I am 31% Scottish and 27% Irish. The rest is English and Germanic. I have quite a strange story, as a young man I started traveling Europe to sortof ... retrace my roots. But to the surprise of the entirety of my family, I have yet to visit Barra. And that's because it's quite ... difficult to get there, it seems, as well as expensive. And I've taken into account that obtaining / getting the goods that you've grown up on ect isn't always going to be there or be available despite the immensely low population. It's disheartening to see how small the population is there, but rather refreshing to hear that these very islands have the largest concentration of Scottish Gaelic speakers. Anyway ... I moved to Russia and have lived here for a long time, originally being from the United States. My wife is Russian / Finnish. We have discussed our visit to Barra and are looking forward to seeing it. And maybe, just maybe ... perhaps if it's in our budget and we like the lifestyle and location, we may retire there in our elderly years. I can't say. As Russia has a very, very close place in my heart. It is my adopted home and I've fell deeply in love with it. My goal, as a fanatic for my heritage, is to visit all the places my ancestors are from. Scotland, Ireland and Sweden. I learned the Russian language despite having no Slavic ancestry (at least none present. ). If I can do that, I'll be learning Scottish Gaelic too. Believe it. Subscribed.

[@scottmurray5553]

I’m from the island it doesn’t feel lonely or isolated. I would say it’s one of the best places in the world so much more freedom than the mainland

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your first hand views Scott! Lovely to hear that you enjoy living the island life. I certainly can see how the freedom attracts so many

[@angusm9419]

Can you expound on the "freedom"aspect, please?

[@hannahpumpkins4359]

I lived on a remote island- your neighbors become your family, and trust me, you're never lonely because no one ever really leaves you alone! ("How did you guys know the food I ate made me kind of sick and I was on the toilet all night long?")

[@ninecatsmagee8384]

It's the same living in the highlands. We're out on a mountain and nobody around. Not a sound except the sheep and the shepherds when they come for them. Mainland Scotland is a lot of things. I spent a summer month on Lewis and it wasn't different from where I normally stay at the foot of the Cairngorms -- except for the sea, which is lovely. Where do you live in Scotland? You must be in a city, especially if it had such impact on you in a day. I'm never lonely here. It rains for months and snows for months. I'm never lonely. There's the view, the animals and sometimes visitors. You just don't know your way yet.

[@Caroda_band]

The busier and more populated a place becomes, the lonelier and more isolated life becomes for many. Being in my 50's I remember when streets where much quieter and people much more friendly. My own assumption is that the programming of society to hunt wealth rather than happiness. That is a mistake for many.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Absolutely. That and how secular and "woke" society has become. It believes in nothing except material wealth and this never satisfies the soul. Even semi rural parts of the UK have become insanely busy and overcrowded. My fondest memory was as a child growing up in a lovely Cotswold villiage in the 1970's where traffic was non existant....now the street there is lined with cars and crowded by outsiders wanting a slice of that pie, which as a result is eaten up and has driven the descendants of the original villagers out and made it no more than a commuter belt villiage devoid of the community it once enjoyed. I yearn to live away from this rat race we now inhabit. England is not what it was....far too urbanised and developed....far too capitalist in the worst sense of the word.

[@sosagecaserol6675]

Coming from Lewis, there are sacrifices that come with living here, there is half as many things available immediately at your fingertips than on the Scottish mainland. It is also more expensive to live here, and with the ferries always playing up you can’t always rely on getting away/getting essential produce in. However, with those sacrifices, you get a sort of spiritual freedom that is granted by being closed off/far away from mainstream life in the cities and towns of mainland Britain. My favourite part about living and being from Lewis is being able to walk/drive to multiple beaches that can arguably be described as some of the best in the world, and not a soul will be around but the gulls and sheep in the Croft. My least favourite thing about being from the island is the sense of community can be a double edged sword, yes it’s great to have a relationship with most of the people in your town/village but the gossip gets around fast and most people know everyone else’s business. Some may find that claustrophobic, I know I do. But I loved you just standing in Ness appreciating the peace. That’s what island life is all about.

[@maureenseghieri472]

Thank you to share this truly lovely Video. ❤😊

[@pawshands9706]

I have been watching many videos on life in different places of Scotland. I have to say I felt you were relating beautifully your thoughts and perspectives on your deep examining of yourself. I am from NYC, a very insane place for a child to grow up in. I love thinking of places entirely different from what I know to be the "everyday". The choice to isolate is a special one and it needn't be a lonely experience. You have a very special nack for educating viewers about all things Scot. I live in the U.S. colony of Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, and it isn't for me. I need open spaces and the luxury of down time. My trip planning continues towards Scotland.

[@anselman3156]

It's good to get a refreshing change of scene in a quiet and beautiful place, and to experience a close community. I am sure you are rather gregarious, and can contribute greatly to a sense of neighbourliness wherever you live. And, of course, there are opportunities around Scotland for communion with nature. Each of us doing our little bit in our respective localities, participating in local life and culture, spreading kindly feeling, all makes a difference. When you live your values, some of that may rub off on others, and go towards making a more humane society. You have made a great contribution to the virtual community on KZbin, which has its worth, and I think can influence people's positive approach to their daily interaction with neighbours. You have great insight and potential. I wish you a good year in 2019.

[@kimgrantphotography]

What a lovely comment. Thank you very much :)

[@thomasnelson7869]

I am from the tristate area here in Tennessee with my blood line in Alabama. I have recently discovered that my ancestors before they were moved to Northern Ireland and then later to the states. My ancestors are from there. Modern Mccrary but had a different spelling centuries ago. Son of Roy was the original translation. A step to the McDonalds.

[@GusScottExley]

Absolutely fab video, Kim. You are a true ambassador for Scotland. Love that you are taking the time to expose us to a side of Scotland it's difficult or impossible to find unless you know about it. Great work. I think in a lot of ways moving to a different country is a lot like you describe, at least that's my experience.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your kind words Gus and your feedback on the topic

[@richarddelasota1812]

I am from Southern California, and I get the same feeling of peace when I visit what is called Mid-Coast Maine. My wife and I spend a couple of weeks there just about every summer. One thing that has occurred to me as a result of these many visits is that rural, peaceful areas do not support a lot of jobs. It’s one thing to visit an area, but it’s quite another to have to make a living there, and what we have learned from the locals we’ve come to know is that most people who live there year-round have two service or tourist related jobs to make ends meet. We have toyed with the idea of moving to the area, but we are retired and have an income unrelated to the local economy. To move there, though, and to have to scramble to make a living could be a challenge. AND, I am glad to know you have discovered the “Lewis Trilogy.” Great books. I believe that Peter May lived in the Islands at least part-time while he was working on a BBC series set there. There is another series of such mystery novels, these set on the Shetland Islands, called the “Shetland Series” written by Anne Cleeves. Well worth a read, and best read in order.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your feedback on the subject Richard. Rural places certainly don't support much jobs and the ones they do support are usually low paid. It's a shame. I guess that's why so many dream of retiring somewhere like that rather than living their whole lives there. It's sad really but equally good that so many of us make the time to visit them when we can. A friend of mine recommended the Shetland series too! I feel I need to visit Shetland first and then read the books. I like getting transported back to a place I know through reading them. It's lovely

[@shaynasheikh4832]

I have always wanted to visit the Outer Hebrides and will finally be making a trip in October! I studied and lived in Scotland for 6 years but had to leave at the time due to work opportunities in England. I’ve been dreaming of the Hebrides all these years. I can’t wait to feel the slower pace, I was brought up in Africa and my dad is from Ireland. I’m used to long silences but I’ve not found anywhere in England that can offer real quiet like the Scottish Highlands and rural Wales. I’m yearning for it. I’ve missed Scotland terribly.

[@blahblahblah4993]

How was your trip?? X

[@giselesmith7795]

Some years back, I moved from San Francisco, CA to rural Colorado (the nearest grocery store was 15 miles away). At first, it was great - lots of space, quiet, varied wildlife, and star gazing at night was amazing. However, after getting snowed in several times the isolation started to get to me. I did learn to quilt and weave in that environment, as well as read a tremendous amount of books. What moved us back into a city (Denver, CO) was when one of us experienced a medical emergency and realized just how isolated we were. We were both quite young at the time - the farthest thing from our minds was needing an ambulance. Now I tell people to check emergency services before committing to such a secluded existence. It was fun while it lasted.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for your personal and honest feedback on the topic. Rural life sure does have its drawbacks at times. It's nice that you've experienced both ways of living and have found where you'd like to be now though. You never know what will work for you in life unless you try. Thanks again!

[@macleod41069]

Crazy wind and rain in winter the midges and rain in summer….good luck

[@jo-anbryson466]

Coming to visit next year.

[@wadesaleeby2172]

I first visited Scotland with a friend. We were exchange students living in England and took 10 days to travel some of Bonnie Scotland. We had a little Austin automobile with nearly bald tires/tyres and caught the ferry to the Isle of Arran to find the graves of some of his relatives...McMurchie. We almost gave up the search but discovered the Church and graveyard behind a large hill. The Scottish gents at a pub asked what we were doing and once they learned they wouldn't let us pay for our drinks. It was great comraderie. I felt at home in Scotland. I told my Mom that it suited me just fine and that it was like someone knitted a custom cashmere sweater just for me. I have returned many times and fell in love with Wester Ross, Edinburgh, Skye and the Outer Hebrides. It is like stepping back in time to a wonderful place that holds you and comforts you like no other place. No cars or lorries spitting diesel fumes. No mechanical noises. Tranquility, peace, an atmosphere that penetrates to the marrow.....a great natural remedy for lowering the blood pressure. Many times when I put my head on the pillow I imagine being in a little stone cottage by the shore with a fire crackling as I fall asleep. Is toigh leam Alba!

[@ChrisHunt4497]

I already live on a small island (isle of Man) but we have lots of facilities here so it does not feel isolated at all. In fact we get all the nice parts of Island life without the bad bits. In fact I moved to live here from Birmingham and my only regret is not moving here sooner. We went for our holiday this year to the Outer Hebrides and I fell in love with Barra. If I had my time again I would live there. Island life can be a bit claustrophobic at times but the scenery, safety, community, and pace of life are what keeps me here. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you very much for your first hand views and experiences of island life. I love hearing from those who stay there and hearing what drew them to move there. Glad you love it as much as you do!

[@bobbyshafto3259]

There's nowhere on Earth like it,for me the Ness area is the best (my mother lived there for 24 years). My wife has read the Peter May trilogy and lots of his other books and I think he also wrote "Machair" the Gaelic soap-opera. This is a very interesting piece of film. I suspect that when you had the meal and the piano was being played you were at the old Decca Station,being hosted by Pete and Louise,we've stayed in their self-cater a few times (fabulous).

[@johnh1159]

I spent a year and half on Benbecula.....It was lovely, no crime, real life, real people. what more do you want.

[@JS-ob4oh]

What you feel is not inner peace. It is isolation that forces you to think about it. Inner peace does not come from a place; it does not come from outside. It comes from within. That's why the "inner" is before the word "peace". Some one who has inner peace is still at peace even when surrounded by turmoil. And some who is at peace, exerts peace into their surroundings; not the other way around.

[@huwalban]

Great video Kim. My conclusion is that as long as you are comfortable - really comfortable - in your own skin, then yes you could live in somewhere as isolated as the Hebrides. I recently took a personal trip to the Lakes and spent most of the time on my own with my camera enjoying my own head space, and I loved it :)

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your feedback and yes, that's a very good way to put/describe it. It's not a place for everyone.

[@desgardner7169]

I go to a small village in Ireland every so often its exactly the same as where you are now, the people are just wonderful, everybody talks to you, at the local pub I went in one night after dinner the barman said sit down iwill bring your drink to you, ten minutes later the barman said we have a spare dinner its yours if you want it........I live four miles from the center of Birmingham so you can imagin how I feel......I dont think the people that you have been talking about could survive here needless to say I could not survive there.......thanks for sharing this was a very interesting video.......

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your feedback Des. It's lovely that you're able to get over to a similar place in Ireland from time to time. It is so refreshing to experience it first hand. Birmingham certainly is a huge contrast!

[@tomdunn1254]

Yes I would like to live there. I am used to live in isolated places.

[@anthonyhazlewood5788]

As a 65 year old man, I find that the modern world is ok for some things, but it, in my opinion it was much better when I was 10 or so, not long after the war... You knew everyone, you didn't lock your doors, and even if you did, you put the key on a bit of string behind the letterbox... Life was simple then... Today it's all stress and rush... Maybe the island community isn't as "isolated" as you think, as there is probably more community togetherness, unlike modern life in the cities, where a lot of people don't even know who lives next door... I think I could enjoy the island life quite easily... Good Vlog Kim... It was very interesting...

[@helensproston7312]

Love it ! I come from South nowear Cambridge in a small village ..over 20 years ..which used to be so quiet ..now can't work from home due to noise ..always loved Scotland ....thinking if retiring up there .....don't like the cold but the peace is worth it !

[@Melissa_939]

Interesting and thoughtful video Kim! Personally, I could never live in places like this, which is not what you would expect because I spend all my holidays hiking and camping in remote areas. I remember being stuck for five days with bad weather in Sissimiut, Greenland, after walking the Arctic circle trail, and starting to feel so locked up. After a few days, you've been in all the stores and cafes and museums, and I couldn't explore the mountains or go out to sea in the truly terrible weather, so what do you do then? I like to read and play games and talk with people, but I guess I'm much happier if I can just hop on a train and go visit friends, go to other areas, see something new. Also, there is just something enjoyable for me to be among a bustle of people just busy doing their own things.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you for your take and opinion on this topic. It's certainly and interesting and thought provoking subject. It's amazing how we all adapt to different styles of living. I'm a bit like you though. Love going to remote places for trips but don't think I could live there all the time. Thanks again :)

[@MultiJoe84]

I just discovered this video and really enjoyed it. I’d like to visit the islands this year as I’ve never been. But like yourself I couldn’t live there. I like a bit of life outside the door in the morning !

[@malcolmlagares8245]

It would certainly suit me well.

[@cityzens634]

When I first moved to the Isle of Lewis I was told It’s very difficult to make a friend of a local and so far that has been true.

[@genekelly8467]

There is a reason why people abandoned these islands...constant rain and no sun is very depressing.

[@lokatpic]

My wife and I spent a week from the hustle and bustle of the big city life. We went to Catalina Island. Which is a tourist place. When I talked to some of the people it was. Well Nothing to do. Very quiet. I found peace their. People smiled. All seemed relaxed. I enjoyed being their for a week. It was during the summer months and .. I loved it.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for sharing this Don - lovely to hear :)

[@DonJoyce]

Sounds a bit bleak, but in some ways similar to rural Canada. My wife and I live at our rural cottage half the time, and the other half in the city of Ottawa. The difference is immense. I love the peace and quiet of the cottage, and the small town feel is so much friendlier. Does a city grocery store cashier greet you by name and make sure your favourite ice cream flavour is in stock?! (That's tiger Tail, btw...lol). Great video, Kim!

[@kimgrantphotography]

Wow you're so lucky to be able to spend half your time in a rural community and the other in the city. I think finding that balance is the best way to live - you go it!

[@MarkKellyPhotographyUK]

Having lived on the West coast of Scotland 30 yrs ago, as you mentioned in the video, we knew all our neighbours, in fact the whole street, front doors were locked only when you went to bed and the children were safe. Totally different life style to that of today.......we loved it. Island would appeal but so does the highlands in general 👍🥃🥃

[@kimgrantphotography]

This is lovely to hear Mark. Many people have complete contrasting options on this subject but it's so refreshing to hear from someone who has first hand positive experiences of living this style of life. I'm so glad you love it!

[@lawrencejack5038]

Sometimes it is good to get away, to appreciate what you already have ,great honest video 🙏🏻

[@mkoschara]

I live in Costa Rica and love Scotland.

[@johnmacdonald3282]

Have spent around a year or 2 of my life on the island and I would rather live in the worst house in Lewis out in the sticks with cow pat as my pillow than where I am now stuck in the east end of London. Hopefully soon I will have a place eyeshot of Tiumpanhead lighthouse

[@hughgilliland2519]

Just arrived back on Harris tonight. It’s our 4th visit this year. This is a very special place. The people are wonderful as is the landscape.

[@kimgrantphotography]

4th visit this year! Wow Hugh - lucky you. Glad you enjoy it over there. I agree - it is a very special place!

[@WeFade2Grey]

Thanks for posting, I was hanging on your every word. I have just returned from Lewis & Harris and am now romantically dreaming of returning and leaving behind the hassle and grime of Manchester. Thanks for your honesty also! Whether or not I move there I certainly plan to revisit.

[@davidnicolson6443]

Did you visit the North of lewis

[@Bloom_LaurieSoileau]

Hubs was just offered a job in Isle of Lewis but declined, in part due to my very real sunlight sensitivity/sadd. It’s a grueling decision as we’ve worked 5yrs toward moving to Scotland and hinge on his hiring. But your detailed description & candidness helped so so much- as have other voices. Thank you! We’ll enjoy visiting the Outer Hebrides and feel sad to have “missed out”, but not nearly so as we’d be trying to make a go of it there. ❤

[@sosagecaserol6675]

I’m glad you were realistic about life in the North West of Scotland really is, people often forget how rough the lack of daylight is in the winter and it catches them off guard. Truly an underrated thing people should be thinking about before moving.

[@marieta.s]

I think what you said in the video is the most important thing to remember: people who have been born and raised there have adjusted and can “do” this lifestyle. It would take a very special person to actually live there by choice and fully adjust to the place, weather, isolation etc. Personally I wouldn’t mind spending a week there but I would want to go back to my small sized city with all the modern amenities we are used to enjoy on a daily basis. I don’t really like big cities like London etc but I can live happily in a smaller one.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your honeist feedback on the topic. Really enjoying reading everyones views on it :)

[@susanfirth2279]

Good video, its nice to hear how your visit made you feel. It keeps it real. Good job. It actually made me think of a time when my niece lived on a remote island off Vancouver Island in British Columbia., Canada. Remote, need water taxi to get there. Not very large and although there are people who live there year round, it is mostly occupied from May to October. It is absolutely beautiful, lots of wildlife surrounded by the ocean. Kids spend their days outside, riding bikes, swimming running, adults spend their days walking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, reading and visiting and yes some do work there...LOL. Very few cars - very laid back way of life. I could live there during the summer when the weather is good but come winter would be very bleak and I don't think I could do it then but had the pleasure of spending a couple of weeks there for a few years each summer.

[@kimgrantphotography]

That remote island off of Vancouver sounds like an amazing place to spend the summer months! It is true that the island life can vary dramatically between summer and winter. I want the summer to arrive now after reading this! Made me feel warm and happy :)

[@mick8586]

all the best for 2019 Kim

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thank you Mick!

[@heyalexjota]

I've been living in Oban for a winter and it was quite calm and isolated for me and I was living in a hostel with few people. Although I love that countryside and calm life, I'm not sure if I could cope with that loneliness. But I guess you never know if you don't try... Nice video Kim! It makes me want to come back! hehe

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your feedback. The isolation and loneliness certainly would get to many

[@manuelrivera6873]

I was at The Edge Cafe and had a wonderful experience. You can see it on Google maps at Aird Uig, Isle of Lewis HS2 9JA, UK. I was visiting from America and spent 3 weeks in Scotland. I am so Happy I ventured from Unapool via ferry to Stornoway! When you get to the cafe and it is busy, come back when it is just you and the Lady. She will sit you down close to where she will make your meal and I would recommend the fish soup. I had a dessert she had available and it was to die for. I was their with a dear friend and she may remember us. It just so happened there was another couple there that was from the same area that we came from in America. Small Word!

[@waynelyne4583]

We are in the process of making the permanent move to Isle of Harris. We are so excited and truly cannot wait to leave the hustle and bustle of mainland madness behind. We will be immersing ourselves into The Islanders way of life and hoping the locals are happy to teach us their ways. Definitely not for the faint hearted though.

[@cityzens634]

Don’t expect too much from the locals, they are friendly enough but you are unlikely to make a friend of one. Do your own thing and life up here will be what you make of it.

[@aNaturalist]

I really like these types of vids about moving to rural areas, and the social side. I grew up on the edge of a small town, and miss living rural, but my world views are different from the rural people in my region, mostly. I'll probably still move again to a rural area.

[@peterfuller5875]

Was there in 2008 , one of the most gorgeous places I ever saw and yes what would I give to move up there

[@dobspatto4830]

I would live in the Hebridean but I don't know if village's like to meet strangers I think I would be scared off the locals. It's ok for a visit have you seen a Pagen witch hopefully friendly.

[@tylermacdonald8924]

She makes it sounds so amazing

[@belight4686]

everything depends on your own internal view of the world you live in. x

[@tylermacdonald8924]

@@belight4686 Uh yep

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Good video and well thought out. We recently returned from a trip from the Butt of Lewis down to Barra, In South Harris and Barra we had beautiful weather, blue skies and sunshine and I thought maybe I could live there. I spoke to a local on Barra and she said she felt a bit isolated in the middle of winter. I live on the south coast of England, near Brighton and it is all crowds, traffic and noise, aircraft, trains, cars etc. I think perhaps I could live there OH, especially Barra, in the summer only. Returning to Mainland Scotland at Oban felt like returning to chaos.

[@AndyUK-Corrival]

I am contemplating moving to the West Coast of Scotland from way down on the South coast. It would be a huge step for me and whilst I have visited many times I wonder how I would cope. What I do know is, I couldn’t cope with living in a crowded area and a recent change in my life means I will be selling my home and I won’t have the same resources to purchase something here. There are, however, opportunities in Scotland. Many thanks for your thoughts, maybe I need to spend a week or two in one place to see how I like it. Thanks Andy UK

[@CarloDidier]

Personally, I think I could very well live there, if I hadn't a wife and kids. Despite my love for my family, I'm a loner at heart and the company of my dog would be sufficient. So, it depends a lot on your situation and whether you were born in such a place or not.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Very valid points there Carlo! Thank you :)

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

I live in Phx. Arizona U.S. My neighborhood used to be on the very outskirts. A two lane road was our border and our streets were dirt. I'm lucky that my area(like a lot of sunny AZ) has grown and is very desirable. Now I am thinking about selling this place($) and moving to the hinterlands. Why? Because I'm a small town boy to begin with. This place is like a busy city. I've actually heard horns being honked from aggravation with other traffic or pedestrians. I'm surprised at at Kim's video; seems to me all of the UK is rainy and stormy and Scotland is a little worse. I was actually thinking about going there from Ms. Grants vids until it got to the midges. I hate knats(maybe our version of midges). I hate mosquitoes(born and raised in wet Alaska). I hate wind. That's the one thing that keeps me from moving to the High Desert Plateau(lot's of flat sandstone, little vegetation). But you can't have it all and that kind of life with-wind-not-withstanding might be interesting since I was raised in a very extreme and cold environment. I've always kind of liked the High Lonesome. Knowing your neighbors isn't always a good thing. There are a lot of Kooks in the hill country(at least around here).

[@Brenda-xc7sq]

The familiarity of home always tugs on the heart. My hubby and I lived in Spain for 10 years until 3 years ago when we returned to England and were pleased to plonk our feet back on home soil.. Fabulous video.

[@itsonlyme458]

Great video and very thought provoking. My partner and I are seriously considering moving to the Isle Of Lewis. We’re both in our early 40s and both sick and tired of the stresses and strains of modern day live. We want to do it before it’s too late. We’re just unsure whether the dream of rural life will be too hard for us suburban lot. Again, great video. 👍

[@vovamccher8160]

I would love to live there.

[@bumblebee9337]

I can live in remote locations, but I do need more sun! I grew up in a rural area and rural life will always be for me.

[@paullittle29]

south Uist is even more traditional than lewis, I done a landscape and portraiture project t in S.uist last year and was welcomed into houses up and down the island. One morning I sat and has a full breakfast with a family I had never met before, just before picturing the parents kids (young crofters). Amazing down there and defo worth checking out. roll on summer so I can go bak and continue the project.

[@NicolinaDanielle]

Her skin color tells me no, I probably could not.

[@karenrobinson3283]

Hi Kim. So excited to watch this after seeing the title! I spent a week on Harris and Lewis last summer in a chalet - going to be brave next summer and camp in Harris, Lewis and North Uist. I have asked myself that question and don’t know the answer. I know that I’m obsessed with the Hebrides and will keep returning. If you don’t mind me asking, what make and model of tent did you use and how did it stand up to the wind? Thank you so much for the video - loved it! 😀

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your feedback Karen! It's lovely to hear that you've got such a nice connection with the Outer Hebrides. My tent is Trespass...sorry I don't know the model. I got it very cheap in a sale years ago. Was only meant to use it for a festival but it's still going 4 years later(quite surprising...sure I only paid £40 for it!) Will have to get a new one in the new years though...it's been through a lot.

[@petermillar24]

Lack of trees would be my problem

[@kimgrantphotography]

Yes - I would struggle with this too

[@TheKlink]

@@kimgrantphotography one of the things i want to do in this life is an aforestation project in the Hebrides.

[@dobspatto4830]

Hi I do understand what you are saying. But what about Pagen witches in Scotland and we're you are now. I am a fan off Witchers but just the nice one's like the Charmed one's and Grimm lol. But when I was in Scotland there was 3 men that went missing so that sounds scary. But I do love Scotland but I believe you have to be careful . I love watching your videos. Can you do a video on Pagens witches the good pounts and the dark side. Nice to watch your video. Dobspato

[@jtm2y]

When I search my surname says it’s from there. Not islanders now but definitely from a rural area. Found this fascinating. Thank you

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Good to hear your thoughts. I used to live on the Isle of White and even though is way busier it’s still isolated in the fact your surrounded in water lived there for 13 years. I could only drive 10 miles before I hit the sea.

[@kimgrantphotography]

The Isle of White looks lovely! Lucky you living there for so many years. Must have been a challenge at times but I'm sure the beauty made up for it :)

[@TMAdventuresT7]

Hi Kim what a fascinating insight into the Isle of Lewis, I agree on most you saying it’s a wonderful place, I’m thinking of buying land of even a small house on the Isle and at the moment scouring the Net for advice like yours. Thank you for uploading and sharing your thoughts 🙏🏼

[@kimgrantphotography]

That's great to hear! Good luck with your quest and hope all goes well for you :)

[@06lilweezy1991]

Just found out that my ancestors were from the outer Hebrides

[@belight4686]

Where did they end up Canada or America?

[@tomcook7676]

In my heart, I could live in a small town in Canada. Yet, when I return to my family and friends I am glad to see them. So, I make such places retreats, not just a place, but many places. It is healthy to maintain a variety of escapes to go too. You mentioned the people, business of where you live. Make that your Base Camp. I am 72, and I have a Base Camp ( my apartment ). Getting away so often, and someplace familiar to come back too works for me. Good Luck, and Happy New Year!

[@kimgrantphotography]

Your life sounds very similar to mine. I love having a base but going to many places as much as I can. It works for me also. Gives variety and interest to life while maintaining a safe place. I guess many can't do this due to work and money constraints but it sure is a good way of living.

[@amullinder]

No way. I visited Lewis in 1994 and hated it. It was so dead. I couldn't wait to get to somewhere like Skye which was more interesting and had more life.

[@marklunn9870]

I love the solitude, but I can imagine that the isolation would get old really quick. I would start to miss everything people take for granted.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Snap - thanks for your outlook on the topic Mark

[@LazyGamerScotland]

A total dream to visit them!

[@growinginthewind]

My partner grew up in south Uist. We're considering moving in 2021 :) great video

[@kimgrantphotography]

Good luck with the move! Hope you enjoy living over there :)

[@growinginthewind]

Kim Grant oh we will 😊 moving in 2020 now. Roll on Uist

[@bestrickie2]

Hello I’ve been there, wonderful views, the high winds, storms and so on adds to it. However and as you said, they have a set way of life so no I wouldn’t actually live here but yes nice enough and I’d love to head to Skye and other nearby districts as well as heading back here including heading to Stornaway.

[@paulrobinson8795]

I live in Preston and this sounds idyllic. Planning on going for a holiday first. Whats the wifi like?

[@charlespinkney3283]

Great video. We almost moved to Barvas a few years ago but the house we were going to rent was taken off the market. We now live in Cornwall in a village called st mawes which is quite rural but not as isolated as Barvas. We still wonder what it wuld have been like if we had moved to barvas so your videos are great to watch. Thanks

[@jimmcintosh9045]

I lived in Stornoway for 8 years and was working there till the last year and stayed for that summer as I loved the beaches and swam in the sea. However I left before the winter as it can be a bleak place Lewis and most buildings in Stornoway are grey!

[@Westeross]

I love this video...I have read the Peter May series, and you have reinforced my determination to leave the mainland next time we come to dear old Scotland (from my homeland of Australia). You are talking about life before “social atomisation”. Thank you x

[@edwardneilloftheclanmacnei7057]

I've been to the outer Hebrides on my holidays and I would like to live there one day. In the old days when the clans were fighting against each other and some clans like the McNeill of Barra turn to piracy for survival, the outer Hebrides was a save haven for Scottish pirate's like Ruari the Turbulent where the law of the mainland didn't apply to the Scottish isles. As a man who likes the cold weather, the outer Hebrides is like the colder version of the Caribbean with the white sandy beaches.

[@ThePlataf]

I'm of the McNeill of Barra clan, and have yet to visit. Every time I make arrangements, something spoils the plan. I feel that Barra us not yet ready for my visit!

[@fionamacneill7859]

I grew up as the daughter of a piper, so I fell to sleep as a baby to piobaireachd music, before being a Highland dancer. I thought everyone's father sang canntaireachd. Fond memories of camping with pipes in the evening. When I first did the genealogy of our family, there was not the info available today. I went to Barra in 1981, and tis a rugged landscape, The graveyard is full of headstones saying"Lost at Sea," because no one could swim. I understand there is now a swimming pool on Barra. Then a chance piece of information showed that we were derived more recently from Macneils of Colonsay, because our ancestor was the third born son, who did not get the castle, so he traded islands with a cousin to get Colonsay. Now, that is owned by an English family. The first relation who left had been living on Mull, and left in 1805 to Nova Scotia, then the family went to PEI as a group, one a member of Parliament, until the family once again picked up altogether and went to Oregon in the late 1880s and remained to this day. There is a pull though, indescribable, but way beyond the rain and the wind, which calls one to water's edge. I think it is because we were driven out, and our relations were killed, imprisioned, or indentured. They shoved the clan off the island, but they cannot take the island out of us. Vincere vel Mori.

[@robertblesse5108]

Thanks, Kim. I enjoyed this video and your question about living in the Outer Hebrides. About ten years ago I read a book called Seasons on Harris by David Yeadon. This, along with the Peter May, Lewis Trilogy, fueled my desire to visit the Outer Hebrides, which I finally did in September, 2016. Unfortunately I had car problems and missed the ferry from Uig to Tarbert, which enable me to only have one full day on the islands. I made the most of it though, visiting and photographing everything from Rodel (and St Clements Church) to Dalmore Beach-Luskentyre, the Callanish Standing Stone, Seilebost, etc. It was a memorable visit and I can see how entranced you are with the place. I'd like to return for an extended stay, maybe for a month or even six months-how wonderful it would be to get to know the island well, slow down and photograph its many beautiful places in a variety of weather conditions. But you question-could I live there? Well, probably not. It is so isolated and I imagine most of the winter the weather is unbearable. Also, the logistics of getting back to the main-mainland are somewhat difficult. I travel back to the U.S. every summer to see family and friends, which would be difficult. Also, I would miss Italy (we live in Florence) and all of our friends here. It's a beautiful, haunting place, but I don't think I could live there on a permanent basis. Thanks again, Kim. Happy New Year. I look forward to watching your videos in the coming year. I love Scotland and your videos just bring it to life for me. I hope to return there soon, but am not sure when. Cheers, Bob

[@cab325i]

I don't know if I could do that year round, but I think an extended time every year for a few weeks in a place like that with my camera would do wonders for peace of mind and allowing creativity to bloom.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Great way to look at it Cab - thanks for your outlook on the topic

[@asifvirk953]

I love to live in these type of places because that's where my heart is, about being bored I'll make sure I got my camera gear for stills and video plus a drone too and go walking or climbing even running just to stay fit. If there's Wi-Fi there that'll be a bonus but all and all its about the peace and quiet and to love the beauty of your LORD.

[@ianscott947]

I would only consider going there and staying for more than a few days if I was doing a photo project with the locals, something like a "Year in the Outer Hebrides" type thing, but if the photography or going outside became so weather dependant as to become the exception as opposed to the norm , which looking at the rain in the video it could quite easily become then I imagine boredom and sanity issues setting in rather fast.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your feedback on the topic Ian. Enjoying reading everyones replies :)

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Photographer Gary Gough recently posted several videos from Harris & Lewis. I'd love to visit, but I could never live there. I'm a big city boy.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

The scenery The weather is A Topic just now. Interviewer: what's it like in Marble Bar when the temperature gets to 49? Interviewee: home. It set a new record yesterday, 49.3. around 120F for the old fashioned.

[@stuartwatson3648]

Thanks for the honest video. I have visited a number of Scottish islands and have the exact same emotions. I love to jump in for a few days and relax but longer term it seems hard work. Must take a certain type of person (or long time to adapt) to live there for weeks/months and all credit to them.

[@kimgrantphotography]

Thanks for your views Stuart! Enjoying reading how we all see and view this lifestyle so differently.

[@ClaireCaoimheRaeMoonshadow]

Thank you for this! I've been quite interested in the Outer Hebrides for some time. And with the current state of the United States, running away to the islands sounds wonderful. But I am also a very social person and very attached to my friends and family here. You made this in 2018, but here in 2020, with a pandemic and social distancing, I am feeling very isolated. I don't know that island life would agree with me. Although, as a native of the Pacific Northwest here in the states, I'm definitely used to the rain.

[@TimberGeek]

I think we'd actually fit in fairly well there.

[@charlesgardner4875]

Thanks for sharing. I would give it a try if was able to. It would be a great learning experience.

[@Artist1974CH]

Very interesting video! Have you ever visit the Wemyss Caves in your country?

[@kimgrantphotography]

No I haven't...in fact, I don't think I've heard of them either! Where are they? They sound interesting.

[@MichaelLDye]

Would love to visit the place! I find every time I’m at a quiet secluded area I am somewhat eager to get back home. But, for me I think it has more to do with editing the photos I captured. Lol

[@kimgrantphotography]

Yes - theres always that anticipation to get back home to the computer!

[@112spotterhaaglanden8]

I think i really want to go there and live there for mabye a month or two, three. Just Photography and mabye get a small job somewhere. I want this experience.

[@juliesmoochy3996]

What i love is being away from global tyrannical governments.