Advertisement

A remote Scottish island is looking for residents to live off-grid

SCOTLAND, August 2019: The Guirdil bothy at the western coastline of the Isle of Rum, a small island at the West Coast of Scotland (Scottish Highlands).
The western coastline of the Isle of Rum (Getty).

Post-lockdown, British people are falling into two camps: those who are craving social interaction and those who have embraced alone time and feel anxious about the prospect of normality returning.

If you fall into the latter category, you might be interested to know about an opportunity to make that remote lifestyle your ‘new normal’.

The Isle of Rum, a remote Scottish outpost neighbouring the Isle of Skye, is actively seeking people who are looking for a slice of the quieter life.

Read more: The UK’s top beach, city and country destinations

Currently home to 40 residents, the island wants to add to their community by seeking out like-minded people to join them.

With only six children currently living on the island, it needs to attract more families to fill up schools and provide a future for the island.

         Waterfall on South Coast of Rum cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tony Page - geograph.org.uk/p/41742
Waterfall on South Coast of Rum cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tony Page - geograph.org.uk/p/41742

The rocky island is just eight miles end to end and is located in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.

The Isle of Rum Community Trust says it wants new residents to move into four new eco-homes, which are currently under construction.

The two-bedroom properties will be located on the outskirts of Kinloch village and anyone who fancies a change of pace is being encouraged to register their interest on the island’s website. Anyone with a special set of skills or trades who could help diversify the island and its economy will seemingly get extra points.

Read more: Bacon butties named Britain’s favourite sandwich

The Isle of Rum has had a difficult job trying to encourage people to re-locate to the far-flung location, but the community is hoping that the extra houses and new job opportunities might make the prospect more appealing.

Job opportunities in “childcare, food production, house maintenance, fish farming or marine and mountain tourism” are already available, according to the website. The island is also set up for people with young families.

Sailing around Rum Island, Inner Hebrides Scotland (Getty).
Sailing around Rum Island, Inner Hebrides Scotland (Getty).

If you’re into animal watching, you’ll appreciate this location even more.

Up until 1957, The Isle of Rum was called The Forbidden Island but it was then sold to a wildlife conservation team, which allowed wild animals to thrive under its care.

White tailed eagles also inhabit the island. (Getty Images)
White tailed eagles also inhabit the island. (Getty Images)

It boasts deer, wild goats, ponies, golden and white-tailed eagles, as well as a colony of Manx shearwaters on its eight-mile stretch.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Lifestyle