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

I love my rural Scotland home. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else now.
However, living in the Scottish Highlands does have its challenges. Its not for everyone, but its given me the slow, simple live close to nature that I crave.
Please do like and subscribe if you enjoyed this video. It really helps support my channel.
Thanks so much for watching xx
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[@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 ☺💚

[@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 😂

[@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

[@aihtiram]

As this is a video about the Scottish woodland I just wanted to mention Finn Creaney, He posted videos about outdoor lifestyle and had a channel called ‘the wildcat way’. he went missing whilst hiking around Loch Naver in March last year and hasn’t been seen or heard from since. Sorry if this comment is unrelated to the video but wanted to take the opportunity to spread awareness of his disappearance in the hope the he could be found.

[@LisaKerryTravelAdventures]

Sorry to hear this.

[@sam_ofdahills1491]

I am from the highland school where he worked to support special needs kids. He was very loved, as he was kind and funny. A truly special person and a breath of fresh air. We all miss him and hope he is found.

[@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.

[@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 💚

[@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 😢

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 🤗❤

[@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! 💚

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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

[@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 😅

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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 💚

[@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 ☺

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!✌️💗

[@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.

[@sheiswriting-e4m]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Katesharpandvoice]

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

[@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 ☺

[@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 :)

[@buffplums]

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

[@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.

[@WildernessHighlands]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@riverdog1643]

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

[@cardinalsfanforever4484]

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

[@marycarter6716]

I am so happy I found your channel.

[@suzannerobertson416]

another great video,thank you so mucch

[@suzannerobertson416]

I am in Fenland, England very flat

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you!

[@meriamaltaf1287]

I subscribed coz your dog won my heart

[@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! :)

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Thank you for sharing your world with us.

[@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!

[@stephenkeegan5625]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 ☺💚

[@imrankhanvlog6595]

Beautiful village

[@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.

[@clarkmadrosen1780]

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

[@thomaswalker8790]

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

[@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. 💚

[@MyHeathenPath.]

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

[@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 ☺

[@seanjamescameron]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@LisaKerryTravelAdventures]

Love your dog.

[@larryparis925]

This was wonderful. Thank you, from San Diego, Calif., USA.

[@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.

[@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

[@Blublod]

That much peace and quiet would drive me insane 😬

[@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

[@heathersdogschool]

It’s so beautiful there! It reminds me of Alaska and the Adirondack Mountains of New York here in the U.S. Much of my ancestry is traced back to Scotland so this fascinates me so much! I know live on 24 acres in a mostly rural area, but I’d love to live more remote. Looks like you live in a tiny house! I lived in a tiny house on wheels for awhile. Loved it so much.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you! Yes we do live in a Tiny Home. I have tour videos on my channel if you'd like to see more 😊💚

[@jon3nt]

@@hippyhighlandliving Do you have a link for the intro music? It’s so beautiful

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@RokhmaniRokhmani]

nice and remarkable video, Hippy. thank you

[@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 ❤

[@johhny1759]

I got to admit getting out into nature and just being aware of what goes on really gets me out of my unhappily commonly stressed out self 😅 I do meditation walking in the park, giving up that sense of control that modern jobs and let’s face it much of life train you to do. Taking it easy just calms me down and reminds me human beings can be peaceful. It’s great for my mental health too. I’m going to start doing it more I can see getting away from all of the hustle and bustle is good for the soul.

[@johhny1759]

Just to clarify above I think a balance of control and non control is key. Yin and Yang if your into that sort of thing.

[@branben3805]

i love the intro part, never seen any of your videos, very stunning. currently I am in Los Angeles, California. long ways away, always had dreams of moving somewhere like scotland... best wishes to you and your loved ones

[@suzie5772]

P.s I live in Derbyshire, small town.

[@barbmcbride2653]

Beautiful place, cold and wet!

[@emmaflack6986]

I live in a tiny village on the North west coast of Scotland..we moved from the south west of England in 2017...I love the remoteness...such beautiful scenery so I took up photography ❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Sounds lovely 😊💚

[@zainulabdin1720]

Fort William ❤

[@hannahgraceoutdoors]

New subscriber here, hi!! We recently moved from Oxford to the sticks (North of inverness) and absolutely loving life. Will be filming a video today about it, I love your videos and am very pleased I found your channel :)

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw amazing! So happy to have you here :)

[@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!

[@gladyseguia6828]

I've lived in the city my whole life, being from Manila, Philippines. Now I live and work in Malta, which is quite populated as well. I'd like to be able to live in the countryside if given a chance. Love your videos! You are inspiring!

[@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 😊

[@pamm8075]

Gorgeous place you live and love your lifestyle ❤️. I live in Prince Edward Island Canada and its a small island. Lots has changed in the past few yrs. Would love to visit Scotland someday 😍. Thanks

[@Maraaha55]

As a person who grew up in the far north, on the east coast of Sutherland (the more populated side), I do take a few issues with this video. mainly with the 'illustration of where/how you live. You chose to spend the bulk showing some pleasant views of your favourite walk which you state is half an hour away from your home. In the same section you state that public transport is 'pretty shocking'. It's not shocking, it's virtually non-existent. You drive, you bike (including those hills), or you walk. Never say something is 'half an hour away' without clarifying if this is driving or walking. Harder life without the convenience of urban areas : you hardly give any description of what those inconveniences are. If you have always lived in populated areas you don't even know what you've got, or what to do if you DON't have easy access to a GP, dentist or hospital. It's not just about getting to the shop, or whether the shop will be open, to the cinema or pub, but whether there is one - do you have to drive there - don't try to drink then. Thankfully the Highlands are a tourist area so there are many hotels - but very few pubs - so you pay hotel prices and are thankful for it. There are hugely higher prices in the highlands and other rural areas. Fuel in Highland is routinely at least 1.3 higher than in the midlands for example - and that results in higher costs for everything. Including an effective tax on deliveries - of anything. Living in a rural space is not "a choice not everyone will make" : it's a choice few can afford to make. Housing is not only unavailable: it is also much more expensive, even if you find a house to rent - or buy. Highlands landlords simply refuse to release for social housing land otherwise not in use. They even refuse to sell it for private housing. On one hand this may be preserving the nature of the landscape, but it is furiously restricting the lives and opportunities for the people. And is effectively strangling the economy of the area. Between these two options there will always be a battle, but again and again we see ordinary people being tossed aside in favour of 'land'. Ironic. Nothing new there. I note you have access to Tesco - whether to visit or deliver. It seems that while you live at some elevated height, you are not all that remote. As a long term professional wildlife conservationist I am sure you have had to make sacrifices for your chosen work: not easy to get, and not all that well paid. But none the less very privileged. However, compare it to anyone working the land, caring for animals and crops, outdoors every day from before dawn to after sunset not only in picturesque snow, but in months of rain. Increasingly few people in the highlands are able to do this now, because it is almost impossible to make a living, unless you have some money behind you or other paid jobs as well - and even if you do, you still have those hours on the farm. In many ways a life in the Highlands is perhaps free and more liberating than for urban dwellers. You have the right to roam: but may find keepers and landowners seeking to restrict that. Where land has been develpoed for private businesses, such as hotel grounds or wildlife rehab, it will be fenced and you will NOT have a right to explore, because they (rightly) want to protect the animals but mainly they sell that access to visitors. Without a car, you can roam only a fairly limited section of your surroundings. You need to be fit and healthy to do that, and if you have an accident and need help, with the best will in the world it you may wait for hours for help - if you are lucky enough to be where you have a phone signal to contact someone. You do not have easy access to leisure or employment facilities, so your freedom to use them is restricted by by distance, cost and time. Everything costs more, and is harder and more expensive to get to. Even though your children will live a (mostly) safe and unrestrained life - especially if they like the outdoors, in other ways their life and future will be harder than many of their peers living in more populated places. And remember, once your children are of school leaving age, they are likely to be forced to leave for further education and or employment. This restricts your (and their) family life, and your engagement with any grandchildren. Your introduction should have shown much more graphically the nature of those difficulties you skim over even in your little discussion of them. Don't misunderstand me: I had a privileged youth, growing up in an area of outstanding beauty, which is unequalled anywhere in the world, certainly unmatched in Britain. but consistently under resourced and undervalued by the government and property owners. My childhood and youth were blessed by parents and small local groups who used immense creativity and resourcefulness to provide experiences for us that outshone many of the restrictions we faced and I am forever thankful for that. But my upbringing was hard and challenging and at times nightmarish in a way that negatively affected my mental health for years. It's not that I didn't appreciate the beauty where I lived. I could sit outside at midnight and stare at a massive moon and the brilliance of the milky way; walk along the shore at 10pm in a force 8 gale and be stunned by the brilliant power of waves crashing against the beach - which made no need for any other light - and felt somehow cleansed; sit between sand dunes at dawn and paint the rising sun over the North Sea; climb the south face of the Ben and then at the top hold my breath at the dazzle of sunlight on the sea, turn west, and look at the rolling blackness of peat hills punctured by lochs, and know how history had robbed so many crofters of their homeland and livelihood; escape from church and walk on a cliff edge among gorse, overwhelmed by the scent of their coconut; walk past our local castle into the woods to sketch an ancient and dead debarked tree which remained somehow upright like a ghost among the leaves. Almost never would I meet a person or have a conversation on a human level. Sometimes it wasn't needed. Sometimes it was a void that ached.

[@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.