What's it really like to live in rural Scotland?

[@pauls3204]

A German motorcycle club on a tour of the west highlands were in the same pub as me , I asked them in all seriousness WTF they were thinking of touring western Scotland in July ( about 1995) as it doesn’t stop raining until August . One of them replied that it was BECAUSE of the rain that the amazing scenery and incredible beaches weren’t covered in crap hotels second homes and BnBs He said the shit weather is what has largely saved Scotland from becoming even more overrun than Spain or Portugal . He’s right .

[@Lucia-pd6fi]

I completely agree, I am from South Spain but I live also near nature in the UK. Spain is completely overtaken by tourism and plenty of areas have been ruined because of it. Because of the UK weather, tourist don't flock here in the same way. Also, I suppose it depends what awful weather is for you. I don't mind the rain/snow... I would rather have that than 35-40 degrees during 6 months of the year with constant draughts.

[@coradejong1014]

L ucia I agree with. you

[@damienkarras8552]

And when the weather is not enough.. there are midges!!!

[@shirleyhowley4721]

Don’t agree we have SH weather ,we have a varied climate which I am thankful for !

[@sandersson2813]

Scotland is infested with tourists in summer so I don't really see how it is any different.

[@Anita-rq9ev]

Thank you for being honest Molly. I think it all has its ups and downs, living in a city is convenient and things are easy to access, but can be loud and hectic. Living close to nature can be calm and peaceful, but can be hard too. As long as we are happy, everybody is entitled to live as we want or can 😁 best wishes

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you Anita, very true ☺💚

[@cindychurch335]

I love Scotland. As an American I was fortunate to visit twice but want to go back! I love the simple minimalist life as well.

[@andeebee2530]

I’ve lived both city and country. Spent most my childhood in New Zealand outside exploring or just hanging out in nature. Even as one of 6 children, I still spent a lot of time alone. After breakfast, Mum would tell us all to go outside and play. She had a whistle that was her grandfathers from the fishing boat off Aberdeen that they used to blow in the fog. Mum would blow the whistle at lunch time and tea (dinner) time and we would all come home to eat, do the dishes, then disappear again. I now live in the suburbs of Brisbane, Australia. We do have a lake at the end of our road with lots of birds, turtles and some other wildlife. I used to walk around it everyday but no longer can due to some chronic health issues. I do often wonder how much the urban, people filled, environment affects my health. I would dearly love to live in a tiny house with lots of land around or by the sea, but hubby would not, so I can’t see it happening any time soon. I get so much enjoyment watching your videos and just have to imagine myself there.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Your childhood sounds wonderful! I'm glad you enjoy my videos ☺💚

[@presstodelete1165]

We had an old School bell just outside the back door that marked meal times.

[@s3ra9h1m]

Wow the similarities. I too grew up in New Zealand, played outside a lot and ended up in Scotland. Lived in a caravan on the shores of loch awe for a number of years. It was isolated, but not too isolated. Nearest pub was a 30 minute walk and 45min of zig zagging back 😂

[@markbuten1728]

I grew up on the edge of town and spent my youth in the woods and fields when not in school. Now because of health issues, I must live in the city near hospitals. I am very fortunate in that our home looks out upon a small woods. We see deer and hawks and have birdfeeders out to attract all of our feathered friends. I miss the quiet of the country, but now I’m content with the availability of major medical communities so close by. We visit the country several times a year to get away from all the hustle, bustle and noise, so in the end, we are very fortunate. Thank you for all your reflections and thoughts.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment. I think you can enjoy nature anywhere, as long as you remember to look, as you clearly do 💚

[@humankindnessperson2730]

Hello from Northern California! Watching your videos, if you are seeing this Molly, thank you, for sharing this beautiful landscape with us; Personally, it brings me a sense of peace, longing for the call of the forest, the mountains...and there are plenty around me, but there is a sadness I feel, when looking around me. First off, I personally feel and wish that people from all walks of life, whatever, could enjoy their lives as they choose too, so long as they/me or anyone else is not deliberately out hurting, denying and/or destroying someone else's rights to live their life in this world, that feels right for them. This beautiful, honest video leaves me, feeling heavy hearted and as stated, wishing for places where one can just be and not have to worry about someone else's views for our lives, in ways that up-end our sense of peace and belonging, in an already crazy world, which would not be so crazy, if people would stop and really take a long hard look at their actions, regardless of their beliefs, lifestyle or whatever and just leave others alone and get on with their life, as peacefully as possible. Yes, I understand that there are mental health factors, and deep seated multitudes of other things going on, that create chaos, lack of peace or even knowing how to begin creating this kind of way of being in the world. Anyway, I am a dreamer....excuse me for the long-winded comment. Hugs to sky! My always have abundances, peace, happiness and love.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your beautiful comment 💚

[@01happykat]

You live in a very beautiful area! :) I've spent a lot of time in that area as it's my favorite part of California (I'll take a hard pass on Southern CA). I live in the heart of Philadelphia, which I love, but I often find my little deck garden isn't always enough. Most weekends, I escape the city for greenery and quiet, but my job and home are in the city. With housing prices skyrocketing in the suburbs and interest rates climbing, I can't afford to move. So, I take the best of both worlds. I am lucky. I have world class art museums and hiking - I get to choose which I want during my time off.

[@archiediggins641]

Very calming vlog as always. I'm a Highlander who has recently returned to my roots and although yes it can be quite challenging at times weather wise, I am determined to make a new life for myself. Plans are ongoing and my hubby and I are really embracing a simpler life for ourselves which bizarrely doesn't feel like a step backwards but a big move forward.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw that's amazing ☺

[@DiannaBarbee]

I am living in a caravan visiting all of the states in America. I am an American so I want to see them all. I have visited England, France and Amsterdam. Scotland is my heritage too so when I am finished here, I am going there. I love the serenity of nature and envy your resilience.

[@pureheart3552]

babe i miss you 😢

[@petertownend7777]

Watch you don't get bummed by a little ginger haired kilt wearing jock

[@kerry00]

Lovely to see scenes of home. I'm from further north than you are and small village life can be brutal there - gossips, not being accepted by the locals, everyone knowing everything about you... if you have a thick skin and don't mind your life being an open book it can be wonderful.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Its a very good point and can lead to rural living feeling very lonely. Thank you for sharing your experience 💚

[@2nd100k]

im a scouser, im sound wherever 😂

[@colleenmckinlay2916]

Hello from BC Canada. Here on the west coast of Canada we have the ocean, mountains and rivers. It is a stunning province with wildlife galore. My Dad was from Scotland and I loved hearing all his stories. I had the absolute joy of travelling to Scotland a few years ago. Absolutely loved the highlands. Just found your channel. So looking forward to meeting you through your channel. My nephew and his wife are leaving for a months visit to Scotland in September. They are renting a camper. And my son is travelling to the Orkneys in Oct. as a guest chef at the distillery there. So , you can see, our family ,bit by bit , is connecting with our roots.

[@johnwilson3842]

Scots accept everybody unless They don’t want to fit in😊

[@geethas5173]

I'm from Sri Lanka where you get lovely beaches and plenty of greenery all year round ! But we too have very cold weather on certain parts of the country . I am hoping to live in Scotland very soon and live a little away from the main town till we get settled so your video was very informative and nice . I too love to be in nature and love walking in the woods . Its an absolutely amazing feeling...but don't you get a bit worried for your safety sometimes... ? Either way I still love it

[@XeniaSketchbookPages]

Modern life is so complicated... I feel a lot of anxiety and my stress level is too high. I try to spend weekends somewhere outside the city, closer to nature. It helps me feel better and recharge. Thank you for sharing your feelings. Hope you have a wonderful day. Love, Xenia 🤗❤

[@StanleyKelly-r6v]

Love and light ireland ❤

[@isabellejoubert1075]

I loved what you said about finding nature experiences in urban areas. I live in an apartment block in large town/small city and I have a little balcony garden for my own green space. I am also trying to learn all the birds in my area and which are indigenous, which are not, etc., just so that I can feel like I'm in touch with all the little nonhuman creatures around me.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I love that! 💚

[@evastanford2249]

I grew up on a rural farm in U.S.A. We had a fire place for heat , until I was 11 ,we had no electricity, we had all the vegetables and fruit, also we had hogs for meat, nature was all around. So honey enjoyed your life .

[@connyvanacquoy7179]

Hello Molly, I live in the Netherlands in a village nearby the woods and countryside. I love the Scottish Highlands we walked the West Highland Way, went to Mull and Sky...always difficult to leave Scotland after the holiday. Thanks Molly for the nice video

[@carolranes91]

In 2014 my mom passed away and as I was the last surviving member of my immediate family I was dealing with a lot! I couldn’t sleep at night so I started watching the British program called the Monarch of the Glen! I was immediately struck with amazing feelings for the land! I couldn’t get enough of it, and I stayed at mini and night all night long watching the series! There were 11 seasons, so I watched it for quite some time, and then I went back and started watching it again because I could not get over the fact that I was in love with the land! Now I live in Williamsburg, Virginia in the United States, which is where the United States was originally founded Jamestown Virginia. It’s just 11 miles away, and Yorktown, Virginia, where we won. Our freedom from England is another 11 miles in the other direction! Anyway it dawned on me I wonder if this love of that area of the world is somehow in my DNA or a DNA memory! I firmly believe that all memory from previous generations is carried in our DNA and that’s why we think we are reincarnated! So I started my search I remembered that my grandmother’s maiden name was McWhirt! I started researching that name with my family members that I knew from my grandmothers side! Anyway, for over two weeks I stayed up almost every night all night long researching on ancestry.com. I also hired someone from Europe to help me do research that I couldn’t find here in the states! I found that previous generations of my family on my mother side came from the highlands of Scotland! Specifically, they came from the area of Fort William! So I really enjoyed your video today and the scenic views! Because it seems that I actually have a past memory from previous generations of living in that area! I also live alone and love being alone I don’t have much patience for spending time with people and just chitchatting ! I have subscribed to your channel and I look forward to more interesting videos of the amazing landscape there! Also, I noticed you have red hair and red hair was a predominant feature on my mothers side of the family! My great aunt that I was named after her name was Nellie she was what we call in the US “flaming red head”! The same color as your hair!

[@rosiethebear300]

Can Identify with your comments! Thanks for sharing. So when are you moving to Scotland? lol

[@carolranes91]

Would love to! Don’t know if I could stand the cold, I have gotten use to a warmer climate on the east coast (Atlantic Coast) of Virginia!!! I love the beauty of Scotland and watch many KZbin channels of the Highland area. There is some great news coming to the world before the end of the year and we will be done with the Covid thing! Also all of us will have much more income as prices go down dramatically and no more mortgages or debt. It will go away! So for sure I will get a trip there and spend some time there!

[@carolranes91]

I just saw the sign for Abernathy and my brother in law when I was young had the last name Abernathy!

[@ABPhotography1]

Google Actor Glenn Ford, while researching a movie role for a famous physic, they found he had several pastlives, including a piano teacher from Elgin in Scotland. Researchers actually visited the town and found the grave site.

[@cinziam457]

Same thing happened to me -- also watch Monarch of the Glen, Hamish McBeth, etc and couldn't help but notice that I felt intensely attracted to the land, the humour and the overall aesthetic. My last name is Italian but sounds exactly like "McCree", which is supposedly 17 Century Scottish. You've inspired me to look into this. Thank you.

[@missglenellen]

Thank you for this week’s video. I have been living in very rural Ireland for the past 22 years, at the southwesterly coast of the Atlantic. Moved into an old-ish little house after a separation this early spring. Trying to establish a real garden on my acre below a boggy hill, i e for many creatures, as the house had just a grassy rectangular „lawn“ with boring hedges around it. I love the more slow and silent country life, luckily enough being very healthy and being able to help myself with minor ailments with essential oils, which I am very familiar with for about 30 years. Being a clinical aromatherapist I write books and a blog about this my passion. And I learnt to give online courses and a podcast with now 55 episodes. I grew up in cities like Santiago de Chile, Curitiba in Brazil, Bonn, Frankfurt and Munich in Germany and even mid Manhattan, all beautiful and highly interesting, but too much for a HSP like me.

[@Little_Sidhe]

Collies are such fantastic dogs, it'd almost be rude not to have one whilst living rural life.

[@justincissell9262]

Thank you for sharing. I truly enjoyed watching. I live in a small town in the State of Arkansas, which is in the United States of America. We are located in the middle of the country, next to the Mississippi River. The community I live in is the town of Wilson, and the population is less than 800 people. I work in a town that is 11 miles away and really is a quick drive. Arkansas has a very diverse landscape. We have hills, small mountains, good size lakes and nice rivers and large areas of very flat farm land. I live in the area covered in flat farm land, but the hills aren't far from where I live. We have lots of little animals around my community. We are a town but it is a town where you can enjoy nature. I have lots of rabbits coming and going from my yard along with all kinds of other animals such as raccoons, armadillos, hawks, owls, bald eagles and numerous types of birds and other animals. I've noticed this year there is a family of 4 red foxes living in town. At night you can hear coyotes and see them on occasion. These are just a few of the animals I see on a daily basis. I can't wait to visit Scotland. It might be a little while before I can make that trip. My family have made plans to travel to the Western part of the United States next month. We are visiting Yellowstone National Park and the Tetons area. After that, our next big trip will be a cruise to Alaska. Maybe after that I can make it to Scotland. I hope all is well with you. Thank you again for sharing.

[@lanta-darren]

I'm Scottish, and agree that the north west coast of Scotland can be stunning. I moved to a small island in Southern Thailand 7 years ago and prefer the rural life here. Its like the Scottish highlands (same difficulties getting basic supplies etc), just with better weather and palm trees. ☀🌴 Happy to have left the rat race. I'm glad you weren't feeding that chocolate to yer dug.

[@kariannecrysler640]

I have to drive an hour to do shopping. I’m in Michigan on the Manistee National Forest. There’s no cell service until at least 2 miles from my home. The sandy forest soil has lots of pin oaks and jack pines where wild blueberries & wild roses thrive. Gardening though is all in containers for now because the sand is so prevalent your nutrients deep down away from the roots lol. My home is about 400sqft. I get wild turkeys, deer, black bears, lynx, bald eagles, & numerous birds who come back each year to nest around my home. I also run barefoot as often as possible. I do shopping once a month and do cheap child care for a couple families who live out here in the middle of nowhere. I am excited to find your channel and learn more about your beautiful surroundings!✌️💗

[@year3thousandmusic]

Love the slow paced video. I'm from the U.S. I recently bought land by the Pacific Ocean in WA state and the land is tiny house approved! I cannot wait to build my tiny and set it up as off the grid. I feel so lucky :)

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Oh that's so exciting! I wish you the best of luck with your new home ☺

[@amyfriesland723]

I live in the city. There are things I like about it, but I would also love to live in the country. I love being outside and less people and a simpler life is really attractive!!

[@globalmotivation9409]

Same here

[@Gosia-MG]

I live in a small town and have countryside just down the road literally. Tiny home living is on my bucket list once the kids move or most of them anyway. I'm enjoying where I am. Plenty of good walks and lots in the area to see.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment, sounds like you have a lovely home ☺

[@kathryngrace9038]

I appreciate your honesty. As a lifelong city dweller in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the US I find your channel fascinating. I tend to romanticize life in a rural setting. It’s a good reminder of the things about city life I’m thankful for and appreciate.

[@01happykat]

Same here! I do love watching Molly's life -- it is very beautiful indeed and reminds me of all that I love about the UK!

[@amyh1045]

I live in a semi-rural area. It’s ideal as I have most of the benefits of rural living, but am only 30 mins away from a city.

[@andreasissons7766]

Great questions to think about. Living remotely does seem idyllic but as you said access to amenities is difficult. I spend 3 months of my year on Prince Edward Island and the rest in Toronto. PEI: Clean air, ocean, less humidity in the summers, great restaurants, music but the downside this year was I was there during hurricane Fiona which was terrifying and devastating. There's compromise wherever you live and I feel grateful I have the choice and option to live in two different places.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Its so true that its it important to be grateful to even have the choice 💚

[@martaukaszewicz9080]

Thank you for the video! I'm from Warsaw, the capital of Poland, but quite luckily we live in a quiet part of the city, with many parks and green areas. Now, since September, I've been living near Madrid in a small town which is at the same time close to the city (20 minutes by train) and to the nature (10 minutes walking). I love this combination!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment! Sounds like you've found a good combination :)

[@martaukaszewicz9080]

@@hippyhighlandliving And I like the weather here - a lot of sun and still warm. In Poland we have very gloomy winters, not much sun, not much snow, everything is grey...

[@saeedyeslam1202]

​​@@martaukaszewicz9080 I'm a foreigner living in Poland, how did you find it there ? Is it expensive?

[@martaukaszewicz9080]

@@saeedyeslam1202 Not that much. Accommodation is quite expensive, but food is rather cheap. And there are lots of second-hand shops with beautiful clothes :)

[@saeedyeslam1202]

@@martaukaszewicz9080 how about job opportunities and salaries? Are they low and not that many opportunities?

[@jennygrimm4969]

I live in a small rural area in Michigan, USA. We are fortunate to have four very distinct seasons that I enjoy. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you, I love the changing seasons! ☺

[@johhny1759]

I like the changing seasons as well we miss out on it living in the city we’re all distracted by Netflix 😅

[@suzie5772]

It’s not easy living a remote, introverted life. You live with the guilt ( not sure if that’s the right word) of not fitting into the hustle and bustle of city, social life. You spend most of your life asking yourself questions. Why don’t I fit in ! Why do people always question our independence. I wish I’d realised who I was many years ago. Be my own person. You live in a harsh environment with limited everyday resources. But town and city life can be suffocating. Thank you for sharing your life and thoughts ❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts 💚

[@drrd4127]

I was raised in a small village in rural Scotland I don't feel guilty about not fitting into the city, it's not my natural habitat.

[@evelynwilson1566]

I live in Clackmannanshire which has a nice mixture of towns and stunning countryside. I couldn't live in a city, I need to know that i can walk and be in countryside very quickly. Im quite anti social so I wouldn't like to live somewhere with a very small community as that can be quite invasive. We are so lucky in Scotland that so manyof us have easy access to countryside. When I was young the only way as a woman to get a home in the countryside was to have an extremely well paid job, or to marry a farmer. Nowadays, I know so many young women who are workings as gardeners, rangers and conservationists. It' s a really positive change

[@abigailgerlach5443]

Any place that Amazon won't deliver to is an automatic "no" for me. I'm totally urban, but there's an 8,000+ foot mountain in my backyard so it's the best of both worlds. I grew up in Wyoming and that's as remote as anyone should get!

[@kprnr7140]

I live in Ayr, west coast of Scotland. I have family in Glencoe and always go up twice a year, once in winter and once in summer. Some of my best memories is exploring those hills as a kid with my brothers.

[@Katesharpandvoice]

It's amazing how my dishrack made it from Minnesota, USA to your countertop. I have the same one.

[@jim_dubhglas]

Pleased to have just found your uploads - Subscribe clicked! I'm a Canadian of Scots/Irish descent and I adore Scotland, ever dreaming of living there. I am particularly fond of my paternal great grandfather's side and history, and there's just such a feeling of home when I am there, in Scotland's rural land. The easy access to solitude and nature abound strikes a chord in me like no other. I am a lover of the outdoors and an animal enthusiast, bent on always being able to help in some way. I'll be back on Scottish soil this spring and always, trying to figure a way to live there. Can't wait to get back to the land that seems to pull my inner being daily. CHEERS!

[@pauls3204]

Your welcome to it ! We’re moving to Portugal , Scotland had been basically destroyed by the English elected Tory government and the supposed independence SNP going full woke and anti fossil fuel. Unless you are reasonably wealthy ( £2000 per month disposable ) you won’t be able to live or buy a property anywhere outside some city ghettos . Every single week the English ( UK) or Scottish government do something to make our lives unbearably expensive. So fk it ! We’re off next year .

[@Heidi1466]

Thanks for sharing this Video I am from Austria Love Nature and can't wait to get up to the Highlands

[@dellablair8514]

Thank you for another beautiful video, Molly. These are like balm to my soul and they make my dark, early Monday mornings bearable; I actually look forward to Mondays now. Thank you for sharing your honesty, it’s easy to be caught up in the bucolic views and calming music without giving the limitations another thought but knowing Scotland and how much driving there is around those beautiful lochs, I can imagine it’s difficult once those options are taken away by the weather and your plans have to be changed - let alone living in the Highlands and going off grid!

[@colorsofavon934]

I live in the Palm Springs desert of California. We have cacti, joshua trees, yucca plants and palm trees. It was a very dry year. I'm planning a trip to Ireland next year. I love visiting other regions and climates. Best wishes

[@Danika_Nadzan]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Molly. I really love your walks with Skye and the stunning views of the Highlands. I think you are both smart and lucky to be able to live in such rural places. I think it's wonderful that you are following your dreams at such a young age! I live in a 35 ft. camping trailer on a friend's 75-acre farm on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. It is very beautiful, with a combination of regenerated wildlife field, horse pasture, and woods. It's convenient to just about everything, but that also means it's not as quiet as I'm sure it is at your home. That's the only downside for me, because I'm very sensitive to noise, but the upsides are the local wildlife, the low-cost, and the supportive friends. At my age (mid-60s), those are pretty important. I have lived in suburbs, small towns, and rural areas throughout my life, and my definite preference is rural. I have been mostly happy and don't have a lot of regrets, but I do wish I had put more thought into what was most important to my wellbeing at a much younger age, like you. If I had, I would have spent a lot more time living in a rural area, working much more closely with nature. (I'm like you, I stop to help struggling bugs, etc...I saw that in one of your previous videos and was delighted!) One of my favorite homes was right beside a wildlife preserve, where I befriended the caretaker, an amazing and knowledgeable woman...I only lived there for a year or two, but it holds a special place in my memory. Thank you again for these lovely videos!🥰🥰🙏

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Yes, I'm always saving struggling insects. I think small moments of kindness are powerful 💚

[@01happykat]

Oh wow! As a Center City dweller and suburban native, I'm curious where you are. We are fortunate to have some beautiful natural surroundings in PA.

[@judithrussell9162]

Hi Molly. I’m Australian and am currently, probably permanently, living in a small country town at 1100 metres elevation, one of the coldest places in the country which suits me well. I grew up in the country but have lived in the centre of large cities, Sydney, Rome, Istanbul. I’m ok wherever I am as long as I have privacy, quiet, and can look out on trees, but am uncomfortable near the ocean, for some reason.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing ☺

[@andykeeble1]

Having lived a majority of my life in a semi urban location my wife and I took the plunge and moved to a small community on Skye four years ago. It was the best thing we ever did, we feel rooted here and cannot see ourselves ever moving. There are compromises to living in a more secluded location but the pluses outweigh those 100 fold. What I have found is people are very resilient here and cope with whatever life or nature throws at them. Its a really eye opening way to live.

[@markdillon5494]

We as Scots always complain about the rain. But its that rain that gives us the beautiful country we live in. Without it we'd have a dry barren land. The ying and yang of life.

[@Steve-Duh-Rino]

I’m on Hilton Head Island, SC. The town prides itself on its green approach to tourism. Lots of trees here but most of the green spaces here are manicured, not wild. Like everywhere else in the USA cars predominate.

[@LoveIsBeautiful1910]

Hello, Ive just found your channel and I am so happy I did. I'm a 71 yr old American. I have for 50 yrs loved learning about Scotland, after a cousin did our family history. I wish I had made more of an effort to come there to see it . I still might make it over, my people lived in the Campsie Scotland area. I even have had thoughts lately of moving there but not sure if my old age monthly check would be enough to find a very rural tiny home to rent..anyway I am looking forward to seeing your videos of a place I adore.

[@lynnemarie7885]

I am a former urban dweller, now living in a rural area. I am a few footsteps from nature in every direction. My little village has 250 inhabitants but there are similar small villages dotted around the countryside. Ours is, however one of the few in our area fully surrounded by forest on all sides. It is lovely, inspiring, calming and nurturing to live so close to nature. But the downside is truly that you have to drive everywhere. It makes you feel very badly because of the unsustainable nature of so much driving if you don’t have an electric vehicle (we want to get one, as soon as we can afford) If you have children, this issue only increases, especially as they get older. We drive our kids to school with a total of 80 driving minutes at least a day (we live outside of the bus system) That is only the drive time, if children don’t have activities, tutoring or want to see friends etc. It is by far the biggest issue for us, with rural living. Other than that, being on a large hill in the forest means romantically being snowed in (if you aren’t missed at work/school) and all of the happy wood stove moments you could wish for. Summers are a joy, with the cool forest paths just footsteps away and the grazing horses and helpful neighbors. Never ever going back to city life!

[@Banquet...]

Thank you for this great video. I moved from South London to Norfolk 15 years ago and now feel the need to be further into the wilds. I’m considering the highlands. My concerns are how to find work, potential rain and winds and animal shooting locals that don’t like English vegetarians moving in near them - although I’m not bothered about integrating to be honest, the move is get closer to nature and further away from people! The idea of a simple life surrounded by nature and wilderness is very appealing 😮

[@jennyfernandez895]

@Banquet I'm in South London now and planning a move soonish as just quit my job. Want to be rural, but don't know how I'd feel about the animal shooting locals 😔

[@Banquet...]

@@jennyfernandez895 I’ve now quit my job too and hoping to begin moving process early next year. I feel like the Cairngorms might be a better place for a more diverse community as it seems great for welcoming people who love the outdoors (From what I’ve seen on KZbin anyway) Good luck with your move and if you get there before me let me know how you’re getting on 😀

[@lui5422]

@@Banquet... hello - just want to say don't worry about locals - the English population in the Highlands is considerable and there are many vegetarians :) Animal shooters tend to be rich people from elsewhere who have paid for the privilege on vast estates.

[@TexLogan-du2yi]

I like seeing how different people like to live. It's cool that there's a place for everyone. My thing is being on the outskirts of a populated area where I can take in the beauty of nature, and also get to an interesting restaurant, or do things that only more populated areas allow, then quickly head back to the peace and quiet.

[@thememorybank2623]

I grew up in rural South Africa (The Cederberg) and have been living about an hour north of Inverness in the Highlands for the last few years. It's great but it's not close to the wilderness I grew up in. It's very tame but that's expected of a place that's had a decent population of humans for thousands of years. That said, I love being able to collect mushrooms here, which is new to me as the old country is too dry for that. Just this afternoon I collected a basket of chanterells and a couple pennybuns! Good times!

[@bethisntgraceful]

I'm in Edinburgh, burnt out from an ill-fitting office job and dreaming of homestead life. Think next steps are a bit of a career break, working on farms and in conservation, to see if I have what it takes for the very real challenges you've spoke about. I hope I do! 😊

[@aranka4372]

Just found your channel and I absolutely love it. My husband and me moved to Scotland at the beginning of February, we live in a very small village in Speyside now, and we still often are amazed by the friendlier slower pace of life we enjoy now and we feel that it is so.. healing really. Yes we’ve encountered new challenges because we’re not close to shops and convenient things like that so we need to plan more but so far we’ve very much enjoyed being in a more remote area than before. Live is slower and we love it.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw I'm so glad you found me! Thank you for sharing :)

[@meganhamlyn1694]

We have 10 acres in rural New Brunswick, Canada. It’s 25 minutes to town and my work. We tend to park the car on Friday evenings and stay on our property until Monday morning! We love to garden and swim/skate at our river in our front yard. Our sons friends want to come out here to play because he has so much space. This is the life!

[@CharlotteUnser]

Just found your lovely site. Some many years ago I had the joy of visiting Scotland as I had and still have a lovely pen friend who resides in Fraserburgh. We spent two weeks traveling all around the highlands, the Northeast, the midlands, Edinburgh....loved the castle!. Beautiful Aberdeen...and Isle of Skye! Watching your beautiful videos brings back so many wonderful memories. I will look forward to viewing more.

[@tinycotswoldcottage]

Thank you for this It has helped me gather my thoughts on the topic. I tried a halfway house of moving to a village. As a single person this already means I'm dependent on others in times of sickness for example (collecting prescriptions etc). I'd love to live somewhere more isolated but realise that without a partner or family nearby this wouldn't be a realistic option. I just try and nurture nature in my garden instead.

[@buffplums]

Really nice to find your channel. Really enjoyed watching this episode. Beautiful doggy, so cute. Subscribed ❤ Have a lovely week xx

[@jackbrown2325]

Scotland doesnt have the highest hills , or the greenest fields , or the best wildflowers meadows , or the most sunshine ( for sure ) but put what it has together , in conjunction with the light and ambience .......its absolutely magnificent and i love it .

[@Canopus68]

I could handle everything except "Soye drink." My sister in law who is 80 years old was told that her problems with her bones were cause drinking Soye milk as it's called over here. She also followed a vegan diet that is causing her problem. My wife who is 10 years younger doesn't have any of these problems. Her grandparents immigrated from Greenock, Scotland to the US. They are Frasers, Duffs, and Giffins. I live in Scotland for over two years and loved it.

[@pintsizestories196]

We live in rural eastern Ontario in farm country. Getting snowed in happens every winter. We have a small tractor to blow the snow off our driveway but sometimes the town roads are still snowy. We also have to drive a lot but so do people in cities. We just get to drive in nicer scenery. I grew up a couple of hours north of Montreal where it gets very, very snowy. As kids we loved playing in the snow, but now I am happy to have less snow to shovel. We have a town of about 3,000 people nearby where you can get all your basic shopping and we even have a small hospital. I enjoy being in a rural location but I also like not being too far away from services. Your photos are really lovely and your dog looks super happpy.

[@JillGrant-e7f]

I loved this video! I could feel the peace and isolation as you were walking about the ountryside; bliss. I could live there for ever. I have been to Scotland - I was in the WRNS and stationed at RNAS Lossiemouth in the 1960s. I loved the beaches and surrounding moutains and rode horses on Forestry Commission land. Magic. I also went back for a holiday in 2017. I love everything about Scotland. But now I live in Western Australia, and have done for many years, but I never stop thinking about Scotland as its beauty is outstanding. I love your lifestyle - I find it very soothing. I have lived alone for twenty two years now and love every second of it, and go for many bike rides beside the Serpentine River here in Mandurah because I need to be in nature and see the wildlife. It is a different kind of beauty but it will never be Scotland. All the best to you Molly, I will be looking for your videos from now on.

[@stephenkeegan5625]

So jealous 🇮🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 one day I'll go to Highlands from Ireland.....great video and I have just subscribed to the channel. Relaxing video

[@cardinalsfanforever4484]

I'm fairly introverted, and I love camping and outdoors stuff. Places like this are heaven to me.

[@btown8210]

I visit my friends in Skye and fish, forage and live nature from time to time and I feel it’s a soul home for me. Some of us can have a few soul homes! I toy with living there all the time, but know full well that full time is going to be much tougher than a break. But it seems a much truer, slower life …. life as it should be.

[@jackscanlon9362]

I live in a (relatively) small town of about 20K, but its about a 30 min drive to a much larger (~175K) city. The idea of living rurally is very appealing to me, but I think I'm too addicted to playing video games and watching streaming to live with bad internet lol. I also do not want to have to commute super far for work or not have options for eating out/grocery/entertainment. Thanks for the video! :)

[@thomaswalker8790]

Guess you're one of those lucky few to get to experience it and enjoy. Great 👍👍👍

[@hannahb2865]

I was born and raised in a small town in the US. So somewhat urban, somewhat rural. The town is growing though and becoming much more urban. I hope to find a place that's more rural than where I am now. Not necessarily a whole new town, but at least more on the outskirts of the one I'm in.

[@MakingItOutOfTheWoods]

Thanks for the video. Highland girl here too. Just wondering if you made build plans of your tiny house? I love the layout and am truly interested. Thanks 😊

[@janinafisher101]

I live in a different country than you, but ironically where I live is called the Lanark Highlands! I live in a rural cabin, no running water, but I do have electricity - and an outhouse. So I know of what you speak! It is so wonderful to live close to nature. I do have neighbours - it's a tiny hamlet of about 14 people (2 small children) - but it's a 45 minute drive to the supermarket and amenities. But, like you, I love it! I've visited Scotland, stayed at the Findhorn Community near Inverness, and think it is a beautiful country. I look forward to seeing more of your videos! And yes, I would live on a Scottish island too!

[@donalda2240]

Canada can get pretty rural too.

[@BMcS9]

Thanks Molly for sharing your dog walk to Rayvoan and the little Lochan. I lived very close to there for a year over 25 years ago and loved the area. I now live very differently but still close to nature on the foothills of the Black Forest in Germany. I do return to Scotland due to family and missing the sea and there are many places I’d love to have so close by again. I’m looking forward to your other vlogs. Lovely. Thanks for being there and sharing. Brings a bit of home to me again :-)) Lieben Gruß Rhona

[@Be_Here_Now]

I have always lived in cities, but enjoy being in nature. I lived in Los Angeles most of my life, which is as big a city as it gets, but within half an hour drive, it's easy to get into the mountains and go for a beautiful hike, either in the high forest, or with views of the ocean. It's always possible to enjoy nature if you want to do so.

[@lisalow1686]

Hello Molly, I'm enjoying watching your videos at 6AM, before I head out to work in a care home. My job isn't my ideal one but I'm still enjoying it. My wages fund my hobbies, travel and entertainment and I only have a 10 minute drive to work. I live in West Lothian and visit our beautiful country parks regularly. I feel relaxed in a forest setting and also next to water, whether it is a river, canal or Loch. I've been pleased to find tips on affordable ethical fashion and minimalism on your videos and enjoy hearing about your tiny home lifestyle. Thank you!

[@marycarter6716]

I am so happy I found your channel.

[@sesnighthawk]

Some absolutely breath taking places featured in your beaotufk vlog Molly. New subscriber here. We are moving up to Scotland in the new year in our camper and plan to travel around and ideally find a lovely cottage to buy. We are interested in the slower pace and after doing Vanlife for over 3 years full time and then stopping to buy a house in the south of England (major mistake too many people) now more than ever realise we literally NEED to be surrounded and immersed in nature. I just wondered if you wouldn’t mind telling me the locations of the “pass” and “moor” you visited I have noted the forest but couldn’t quite catch the names, the reason being I’m a keen watercolourist and the locations look perfect for a spot of painting ❤ look forward to browsing your catalogue of videos. All the best Sarah & Lee

[@KristenONeillArt]

I live in Oregon, USA. A lot of it here can look like the Highlands, but it doesn't *feel* like the Highlands. Can't wait to visit again. Meanwhile, I am painting them while watching this video.

[@johnhgarrett]

Thank you for your lovely video. I live in the states and know so little about Scotland, yet I have a similar affinity for nature and mountain living. I live in a log home in the mountains of central Idaho. It’s hard work and isolating, yet I love it. Cheers to you!

[@demonhalo67]

Too wet and cold for me sorry. It is lovely up there but the winter is some of the hardest conditions in the world. I am happy in Wales, not as remote as up there or as beautiful but there are still lovely empty places up in Powys and mid Wales.

[@robertlee6479]

I live n rural Scotland for a few years and loved it , but 2 things prevent me from going there again. 1. The cost of land is too high and 2. The weather can be really bad in the winter.Apart from that I loved it. I now have a house and land in Portugal for 1/3 the cost of the one I sold in Scotland and the weather is far better. You actually get sun in the summer.

[@catwhisperer1524]

Hello Molly ... from Isle of Arran... I know your Mum! :) Wouldnt live anywhere else now! Island life is harder than mainland but the quiet and peace is worth it all

[@seanjamescameron]

Looks like my type of life but doubt I will ever do it due to lack of funds.

[@dafyddrhobert2414]

I've just come across this video and your channel. What you say about living in rural Scotland is also true of living in the Cambrian Mountains of mid-Wales. The only modern convenience in walking distance is a post box. Fuel and food are 18 miles away on the coast. There's no public transport, pub or school here, you travel for everything whatever your age. Snow can stop everything here too.

[@declanconway2903]

I love your videos I live in the country south east Ireland. My brother moved to Scotland last year and I am hoping to visit him next summer.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you! I hope you get to visit ☺

[@madmark1957]

I am a Highland Scot although I now live in the USA just outside a small town (which of course Americans call a city). I have travelled the world quite extensively and have lived in many different types of environment. This includes major cities, towns, villages and right out in the country where if you take a megaphone and scream into your nearest neighbour will definitely not hear it. Where I live now is, for me, a pretty much ideal environment as I am getting old (maybe that should be got) and I am in the country but just outside a town, so I still have easy access to all the amenities i need. So I suppose a small town is about ideal and most of my life in Scotland that was where I lived.

[@clarkmadrosen1780]

Beautiful. Cute dog. 😊😊. So peaceful. Enjoy.

[@maryhelen1011]

Thamk you for sharing Molly. I just found your channel anf I love it! It's so amazingly calm and relaxing. I know we get to see the easy parts but you really make it all look worth it. Def sharing your channel with my daighters! All the very best to you! Your pup is so cute. ❤😊❤ Binge watching all your videos!

[@sheiswriting-e4m]

Oh your dog is so sweet, how is it even possible ❤

[@buffplums]

I live in Newport in Shropshire, it’s a growing former market town with very few chain stores on the night street which is nice as it gives rise to lots of nice and unique local businesses. We have a lovely stretch of disused canal which is managed as a nature reserve and this is home to a variety of different animals and species. Shropshire is a beautiful county and I enjoy the hills of Church Stretton and thereabouts and the woodlands. X

[@RokhmaniRokhmani]

nice and remarkable video, Hippy. thank you

[@valwright9871]

Well to be fair I hope or imagine most would be sure to work out what their priorities are. Its all a journey and even if it did not work out it is part of our life plan. So have you ever watched the Cottage Fairy.? She lives in a wooded area. I chose to leave a city and I am in Cumbria a small town and whatever I face I feel it takes a certain kind of mindset to choose a new life and its challenges. I love nature and I so feel at one with it for we are.

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Thank you for sharing your world with us.

[@dottiebaker6623]

Hello from the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. I live a 15 minute drive from a town of around 1500 people at about 3300 feet above sea level. I love it here because I can only see 2 houses from my house, the closest maybe an 1/8 of a mile away. But I can be in town pretty quickly. So I can have people around if I want, but usually I stay at home because that's where I love to be. Many people in this area like this combination. Sounds like where you live doesn't it? Also, there are lots of people of Scottish descent here.

[@suzannerobertson416]

another great video,thank you so mucch

[@suzannerobertson416]

I am in Fenland, England very flat

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you!

[@Thunderpuddle]

I would love to live with my family up in the wilds, the peace, the weather, the landscapes, the outdoor living, etc. But my wife wouldn't be a fan, nor my kids. Plus, I have no idea of the work I would do, not a very practical man!! Dream stuff. Love watching people who have done this.

[@jennifermarigold]

Lovely video. We live in Barnoldswick which is on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Pendle and the Ribble Valley - a small town but in nice countryside, which is one option if you want to live close to nature but not so remote - we also have a reasonable bus service, which is great and work opportunities in nearby Skipton or Burnley.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you Jennifer. I went to Yorkshire this autumn and would love to explore this further. A beautiful place to live ☺

[@sarahjaneross2918]

Hello from Haworth ❤

[@deethom522]

I live probably about 40ish miles from and I love that even if you walk in nature every day, you can always find somewhere new to go. I’m definitely a country bumpkin. My husbands from Manchester so this type of living was a bit of a shock to the system for him 😂

[@reetpateet8656]

Sadly, If I didn’t need medical assistance, living in this environment appeals so much. I love people, but at the same time, too many and I get twitchy! I’m very much a visual person due to my artistic career, so these views are a pure joy! Will be touring Scotland in two years and can’t wait!

[@MyHeathenPath.]

Beautiful Video! Love your shots, good inspiration of what to include in my own videos on my channel!

[@WildernessHighlands]

Close to nature ❤ is where the heart feels like home 🏡

[@priya-zl8pu]

I'm always waiting for your so beautiful vlog from a far far away crowded city, S. Korea. Scotland's great nature, your smart dog and your story make me feel comfortable. Thank you.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment ☺💚

[@AutismTwinsUs]

We live in Plymouth which is good for me. We live on the edge of Dartmoor and can be on the moor near enough anywhere within 30 mins and Plymouth has any too busy ❤ think we’re forgotten down here haha

[@jessicagerretsen5500]

Only recently discovered your channel and it's such a wonderful find! I love your beautiful nature content and am also vegan and try to live and sustainable as possible in Haarlem (the Netherlands). We live 10 minutes bike ride from the national park (Kennemerduinen) and I love walking, hiking, biking, running and doing yoga there. 💚

[@riverdog1643]

Nothing wrong with living out in the middle of nowhere!! I love myself, but can't stand most people!!

[@MIssSarahKB]

I’ve spent many happy times wandering the trails around Ryvoan and way beyond, it’s always been a super experience. I’ve lived in the Highlands for the last 17 years, all of that time in rural locations, and spent 6 years in the Western Isles too. It has suited me, despite some of the challenges you mention. Now though, I’m on the cusp of moving to an urban location by choice. It’s time for a new experience! I don’t expect to be a stranger to the Highlands though, there are too many places that must be visited regularly just so I can check up on what’s happening in all my favourite, isolated, beautiful, and secret spots. 😊

[@ginnyshayne2702]

I live outside of a small town in the Pacific Northwest (USA). Love it here & so happy to have taken the leap of faith to move out of an urban area.

[@HighfieldFarm-w1z]

I learned to make cheese in Achmore nr. Plockton. I loved it. Wisconsin is wearing on me, considering moving to the west highlands.

[@itsallgood8428]

I love this video, i am urban but not too far from nature and i have a garden that i have taken an interest in since lockdown. I grow some veg and herbs also. I love nature and the trees, cold water dips and scuba diving. I also love the idea of keeping life simple. Thankyou for your video x