We Went Off Grid In Scotland: Here's Why It Was Tough

[@ferdm9646]

I grew up in a village where electricity and telephones were nonexistent. I completed my primary education by the dim light of a kerosene lamp. Over time, electricity made its way into our lives-bringing with it the first light bulbs, then televisions, refrigerators, and finally the smartphones and smart gadgets we now take for granted. As I reflect on this journey, I realize there’s always something new to want, but what we truly need is the contentment that comes with a happy life. Sometimes, I long to return to that simpler, more fulfilling time.

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Thanks for sharing this 😊 It must have been so interesting to see the changes take place. We try not to get too caught up on all of the tech, though there’s more and more made specifically with off grid life in mind. You’re right though, sometimes the simplest way of life is the best 😊

[@ferdm9646]

@@The_OffGridFamily Absolutely, there's a unique charm in simplicity that often brings the most fulfillment. It’s intriguing to see how technology progresses, but sometimes keeping things straightforward is the best approach. Don’t worry-things will definitely work out well in the future.

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

Same here I enjoy it so much so I live off grid. But unfortunately uk is getting very bad 😢

[@Adrian-qr9mu]

Hi. I had to comment when I seen this. Your story reminds me of my grandmother when electrification was introduced in rural Ireland in the mid 40s. Up until this like you, lighting was with paraffin lamps. She was terrified of this new dangerous thing coming into her house. After been convinced she was the last in her rural community to accept electricity . Yes simple times,close knit joyful families,very united. Water from an open well carried in buckets across a field,ducks, chickens and the odd pig getting fattened.Im her grandson so I don't fully appreciate what they had only what i have been told. My children have even less appreciation. They're too busy on their devices to even care what is long gone.Its gone to the stage they don't nod in appreciation any more,they send a text. Like you if I could go back and experience life I would and if I could exchange certain things what I have now I would.

[@ferdm9646]

@@Adrian-qr9mu Thank you for sharing that story about your grandmother; it brought back a lot of memories for me. It's incredible to think about how much has changed in just a few generations. Like your grandmother, many in my community were wary of electricity and other modern conveniences at first. The simplicity of those times, the strong community bonds, and the hands-on way of life are things that I deeply cherish. It's true what you say about appreciation - it's harder for the younger generation to understand or value those experiences when their world is so different. But it's great that you recognize the value of those simpler times, even if they are long gone. If only we could go back and experience that kind of life, even for a short while, I think it would bring a lot of perspective and perhaps even a bit of the contentment that seems so rare today. Cheers

[@keithw8286]

I’m off grid for last 10 years in Devon. I bought two food grade IBC and collect rainwater. Then a 12v pump and water filters for non potable water,with a 12v ultra violet for drinking water. I realise this takes infrastructure, but without a spring or well, it’s the best option for me. Best wishes to you both, it’s a long road but worth it.

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

Can I ask you a question please Is using a tin roof better to collect the water collect some water off a tiled roof. It was a horrible colour and had lots of bits and it wasn’t 100% confident water off tiled roof. Take care

[@MC-pz3qj]

Your honesty about the emotional rollercoaster is really refreshing. Fraser, please take solace from everyone like me (with young kids) who watches and wishes they were brave enough to give up the corporate life to pursue the sustainability journey. It’s definitely not easier but it’s more enriching for your family.

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Thank you ☺️ It is a good way of life but it does have a habit to throw the occasional curve ball 😂

[@dafthermits]

Hang in there. We've been off-grid for 38+ years. Live in a converted bus up here in the Scottish Highlands. Hugs The dafthermits ❤

[@frederick7832]

Beautiful honesty, inspiring mentality and wonderful family. Keep going and wishing you all the blessings. You are the WAYFINDERS of the future. Keep it stepping brothers and sisters ❤❤

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Thank you for your kind comment ☺️

[@Boney1963]

Well done for not swearing Fraser 😂😂 One of the best videos I’ve watched today, in fact this month.

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Thank you 😊 We’re really pleased you enjoyed it

[@mikebarry229]

Let the water in the container stand as long as possible, then pour it slowly into the filter with the spout uppermost, so that air can come into the container as you pour without disturbing and agitating the sediment that has acrued. Far easier to pour as well as the water coming out is not having to fight against bubbles of air going the other way.

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Thanks for the tips ☺️

[@humanitylane]

I love using my Berkey filter. I'm sure it'll be ok for you to drink. My only worry about it is that it apparently takes all of the minerals/ natural salts out too.

[@BeBetterTomorrow321]

I've lived in a tent for 2 years now. I live on small game and fish I catch. I live in a hot tent with a stove for my heating and cooking source. All my possessions i can carry in my backpack. I've never been happier. Granted I'm single with no kids so i don't have the challenges a family would have but i was sick of working 50 plus hours a week just to be able to scrape by paying rent, bills and having nothing left after it. I have also been sick of dancing to the tune of the hierarchy in the uk. Best decision I've ever made. Stay safe everyone. Never give up your freedom ❤

[@onemanhisbackpack8571]

Well Fraser. I suppose you have to look on the bright side……I’m not quite sure what that is at the moment. But I’m sure there is one somewhere🤣 Thanks for another great vid😁👍

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

Rrrrr bless the children saying daddy are you okay 🤠👍

[@fredflintstone1428]

It reminds me of a Lee Evans sketch where his wife suggests going camping for a holiday. He remarks 'Yeh, that'll be good, live like a refugee for week'. I've been using a Berkey since Nov 2023, funnily enough down in Lincolnshire, but I am using mains water as the source. We only have a limited amount of physical, mental and emotional energy we can draw upon. Good luck.

[@happyglampers9053]

Hopefully you have a more positive time after this. Re the stream, was there anyway of checking upstream to see why the flow wasn’t there? And…. Don’t be so hard on yourself Fraser, people that post numpty comments need to be ignored pal. Hopefully your water situation and heating were resolved 👍 Keep up the great work 💪👌👍👏

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Thank you 😊 it wasn’t all bad in the end, once we resigned ourselves to the fact that it wasn’t going to be a holiday 😂

[@happyglampers9053]

@@The_OffGridFamily 👌💪😂😂

[@UnacceptablePhil]

I have a Berksfeld as well. We use it to filter all our tap water that we drink or cook with. We’d love to get land and live on it, but currently using what we have (garden) to mini-homestead. Chickens, fruit and vegetables growing etc. The goal at the moment is to be in a position where, if the power (and all utilities) went, we’d be like, whatever. Then sit back and watch the muggles lose their shoot.

[@annemarieskidmore5194]

I think your stream is a drainage ditch because it is straight and clean sided. I live in Moray and all managed woodland is ditched.

[@The_OffGridFamily]

We talked about this and we think you might well be right! It had good flow on it last year though. Do the ones near you flow well?

[@The_OffGridFamily]

It's funny how they pick up on the vibe sometimes isn't it? She's a sweet girl ☺️

[@EmbracethechaosPortugal]

I raised 5 children offgrid in Perthsire Scotland, best years of our lives,apart from the abusive husband. Id go back in a heartbeat( withoyt him obviously)

[@BonnieMoonMakes]

I don’t know where you are based in Scotland, but my husband our 2 dogs and I live in our van and are in Moray. You are welcome to come and get some water from us if that’s helpful 😊 if not very best of luck anyway!!

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Thank you so much for this comment, and for your offer of help. We really do appreciate it and it means a lot ☺️

[@amandabartell1502]

Stomping in water before trying to bucket it out was never going to go well lol. Hope you find a better water source, maybe theres a spring somewhere on the land, good luck 🤞

[@The_OffGridFamily]

This is very true! 😂 That's why we cut our losses when we were in there with the kids. In previous years, the stream had been so fast-moving that we wouldn't have stood in it anyway. Crazy the difference a year can make 😩

[@joschmoyo4532]

Anyone who thinks off grid is easy or 100% idyllic is going to be disappointed. Anyone who thinks or tells you they are 100% self sufficient is lying or delusional. But a healthy lifestyle close to nature ? Thats doable by anybody. At your own pace. Nobody else's. We have looked at buying another more secluded spot but 2 acres is enough as it is.

[@K_a_r_l_o_s]

Although I rate the British Berkefeld filter systems. The Lifesaver jerry can or cube would of been handy due to the water not flowing as you had expected as they filter under pressure, so you would have a faster filter time.

[@The_OffGridFamily]

That’s good to know for next time, thank you 😊

[@K_a_r_l_o_s]

@@The_OffGridFamily The Lifesavers filter viruses as well as bacteria, they also come with a replaceable carbon filter. The Jerry can will filter up to 20k litres and the cube 5k litres.

[@ASmileAdayful]

Bloody goo tube unsubbed me🙄 was thinking of you guys last week, we went to look at a property in a field, looked great on paper😩. Decided to die where we are 😂, too old now. Keep going guys for your babies😘. I'm going to watch😊 now 😊

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Oh no! 😩 Glad to have you back though ☺️

[@davidsonkeith8465]

Thinking outside the box but still off grid: how about a bunch of us (trustworthy) wannabe off-gridders having allocated times to stay and sample the life while doing ground work(s) as rent and reporting back so you folks can organise. Alfresco B & B

[@christinasmith6043]

follow the water up and down you might find a bigger source, or create a dam so there some depth, the top stuff might be better.

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Thanks for the suggestion ☺️

[@EmbracethechaosPortugal]

Step one,never stand in water you aim to harvest, use a simple syphon technique using a short hose and take water from upstream never downstream.

[@humanitylane]

You need a buddy, someone who can share the physical tasks with you & has the same mindset.

[@EmbracethechaosPortugal]

Neither peat nor clay coloured water is in any way dangerous, infact it comtains more beneficial minerals

[@Crazydiamond_1974]

Please don’t go down the fig leaf route 😮

[@matthewwakeham2206]

No water in Scotland? Someone must have left the plug out?

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Our thoughts exactly! 😂

[@andypayne1571]

Off grid or the joy of owning nothing and living in your pod in your 15 min city connected to super fast internet so you can use your VR headset and experience off grid in the comfort of the pod you don't own and co share with another family. Hard but some other things are harder.

[@thehighlandlife2023]

Yessssss! Right?

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Absolutely ☺️ It's not always easy, but it is worth it 👍

[@koiservices6694]

I use a berkey water filter to filter the tap water 😂

[@The_OffGridFamily]

That’s probably filthier than the stream to be fair 😂

[@koiservices6694]

@@The_OffGridFamily that’s my point 🤣 great video you guys 👌🏽

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@koiservices6694]

@@The_OffGridFamily that water should come out crystal clear 👍🏽 I’m working and saving every penny to purchase some land so I can get out of the system . You guys are amazing .

[@K_a_r_l_o_s]

I use the British Berkefeld filters to do the same. The tap water here has loads of chlorine in it.

[@nigelchant2263]

Didn't know that your home is Lincolnshire, I'm in North Lincolnshire

[@The_OffGridFamily]

Yes we are South Lincs. Complete contrast to Scotland 🏔

[@dm.b7560]

Going off grid without a proper plan, and mostly when obviously you are not a positive person, is not a good idea, is clear that you need to enjoy the process even when is hard, so the best thing to do is to plan it properly, you deserve to enjoy it, planning is the solution against difficulties, so you can keep a positive nice attitude, seems to me like you are not happy, so you better re structure this experience or it can become hell.

[@dantheman6698]

i wouldnt be drinking that water, filtered or not 🤮

[@The_OffGridFamily]

😂 yeah not as clear as we would have liked!

[@1TrueNature]

what you need is community

[@The_OffGridFamily]

We’ve learnt this more as we’ve got older. We have a much better network back home 😊 but don’t know many people near our land in Scotland.

[@1TrueNature]

@@The_OffGridFamily I have no doubt you will met like minded people up there🙂 Keep going, your doing amazing things!

[@greggillies1320]

@@The_OffGridFamily I'm off grid at the top of loch lomond if your nearby, happy to provide tools, equipment and morel support, I'm at Doune farm.. let me know if you need anything!

[@thehighlandlife2023]

@@The_OffGridFamilyIf your anywhere near the far north give me a shout many hands here that can lend a hand xxx

[@jack14kd]

​@@greggillies1320 lovely part of the world. Just came back from that part of Scotland. Are you proper off grid. Also how hard is it to buy land or woodland and build a lodge or something simple to live in.

[@stevenfrazier8939]

i would have boiled it before filtering

[@carlmatthews6191]

Dude, I'm worried, you appear to be SO ill-prepared for this adventure, in terms of mental, emotional, and skill-set resources, you could be doing more harm than good. Did you survey the plot before you bought it for natural resources, ie; water, sunlight, wind. Some or all are needed to generate energy ! PLEASE demonstrate you have some clue as to what you're doing and that you have a plan !!!

[@somechrisguy]

drama queen