Jan 14, 2022, 4:41 AM. As well as envy-inducing scenery, the archipelago also has impressive wildlife. Whether its the changing seasons, the impending election, or just itchy feet and a need to see the world, there are many reasons to harbor a dream of up and moving far away. The #1 new-media brand for smart, creative and stylish women everywhere. A very popular island for tourists due to its main town of Tobermory, a wee village known for its colourful houses andstarring in the BBC TV show, Balamory. The infrastructure in Orkney is fantastic, with great roads, schools, shops and pretty much everything you could ask for on the mainland, it was even voted the best place to live in Scotland for 8 years in a row. Ullapool on the mainland offers one of the main transport links to Lewis and Harris by ferry, terminating at the main town - Stornoway. Head for New Zealands South Island, where $165,000 will get you a plot of land in the pretty town of Kaitangata. Inishturk, Ireland The prospect of a certain narcissistic businessman entering the White house has doubtless informed more than a few Americans searches for new homes. All photography by Chris Thornton, John Luckwell and Alan Butterfield. Pitcairn, South Pacific You might be surprised to hear that the tiny South Pacific island with its beaches, palm trees, and year-round sun is having trouble attracting people to live there. Many of these inquiries came from individuals who are not interested in teaching, but who just want to move to Hawaii under the false impression that the Department will pay for people to move here to live and work.". Part of HuffPost Travel. The Scottish Governments Islands Bond initiative sets out a proposal to give 100 grants to people moving to the Highlands and Islands. It also has a little star quality: Florence + The Machine shot the video for Queen Of Peace there in 2015. The island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland. The Goatfell mountain range offers fantastic hiking opportunities with a mixture of forest and craggy peaks. On Orkney mainland, youll find beaches, dramatic cliffs and endless sea views, plus the town of Kirkwall and age-old Unesco-listed Neolithic sites. Tiny Bute surprises with its tropical palm trees and Victorian-style promenade, surrounded by rolling hills and sandy beaches. Arran is in the unique position of being an island between two areas of the mainland and has good access links via ferry from Ardrossan to Brodick and also Lochranza to the Kintyre Peninsula. There is no mainland access to Mull. Thankfully a 55-minute flight is also available from Aberdeen. Eilis Applicants will also need to be prepared to cope with the isolation and the often cold and wet island climate. On Scalpay, in the Inner Hebrides, less than 30 people call the tiny island home and these are not isolated examples. The bond scheme is a key part of the Scottish governments work towards its National Islands Plan. Among the nine island communities listed as part of the consultation phase are Argyll, Arran, Lewis and Harris, Orkney, Shetland, Skye, Uist and Barra. For one thing, while there is electricity on the island, it comes from a small hydroelectric dam that doesnt have a high output. Choose an area to see article indexes from other parts of Scotland. Some people seem to be tastier than others to the midges, if you are one of these unfortunate people, netting would need to be worn to give some respite. Talk about social distancing: A lonely island off the coast of Scotland is inviting new residents to help grow its population and pitch in to the community. Medical infrastructure. Those who have made the switch say they value the change of pace and close-knit community spirit. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. We want to make this town vibrant again, we are waiting with open arms.. A 2020 study from the Office for National Statistics found that rural and island communities were the worst affected by depopulation in Scotland. The Isle of Rum, a tiny rocky island which neighbours Eigg and the Isle of Skye, is just eight miles from end to end and home to around 40 people. Home to the prettiest beaches in the country, when the sun is shining here youd be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere more tropical thanks to the islands pristine shorelines and azure blue waters. Simply enter your email and we'll send it your way! Hawaiian Islands, USA Rather stay closer to home and avoid work-visa hassle? Employment opportunities: Tourism, renewable power, hydrogen manufacturing. There are many woodland trails and stunning coastal vistas to explore. Talk about social distancing: A lonely island off the coast of Scotland is inviting new residents to help grow its population and pitch in to the community. Bonds of up to 50,000 ($69,670) could be offered to young people and families as part of the plans. Those deemed as potentially suitable candidates will then be invited to tour the island and meet the community trust, at a time nearer to Easter. The islands official Twitter account posted an invitation several months ago, although the process is ongoing: Would you like to live on a Scottish Island? Unsplash / Lia Tzanidak. Transport around the area is good, with reasonable quality single-track roads crisscrossing the landscape. Formed from the rim of an ancient volcano, it's home to the westernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Lewis encompasses the northern two-thirds of the island, and Harris the remaining southern third. But with a dwindling population of less than 50, Pitcairn is so keen to attract new residents, it will give you your own plot of land if you move there. Most of the time, that dream passes us by. Nearby Barra is the most southerly of the inhabited islands in the Outer Hebrides and is known for its unusual airport, with flights landing on the beach, but only able to do so when the tide is low. the Scottish government is offering people 50,000 ($62,500) to move to an island of their choosing. The Summer Isles Post Office issues two stamps for mail leaving the island a Tanera Mr stamp for it to leave the isle to the mainland, and a Royal Mail one for the rest of journey. The Isle of Rum, which mostly. Great article. Alieu Fana Mbye The islands only primary school has a register of just four children. You could teach in Hawaii, work in New Zealands dairy industry, help out at a Canadian store, or simply live out your The Wicker Man fantasies in Scotland. Pitcairn, South Pacific (continued) You would have to be fairly self-sufficient, however, as there are no jobs on offer, and you would also need to prove you possess some skills that would benefit the island. Given the isolation on some islands, help may take time to reach you, just something to bear in mind when living in some of the very remote islands. Faced with rapidly declining populations, islands around the world, from the South Pacific to North Atlantic, are actively recruiting people to come and settle. But hang on, because for those willing, this little Scottish isle is more than ready to accept a few new runaway resident dreamers. The west of Scotland bears the brunt of any storms emerging from the Atlantic Ocean. The island economy is driven mostly by tourism, but also Whisky distilleries and renewable energy generation also provide jobs for the locals. Lewis and Harris is home to some of the best beaches in Scotland and the UK. Cross the Churchill Barriers to the islands of Burray and South Ronaldsay once only accessible by boat, but now linked by causeways for a nature-centric excursion. Easdale, Scotland (continued) Off the west coast of Scotland, Easdale is the smallest permanently inhabited island of the Inner Hebrides. Inishturk, Ireland (continued) "I've heard there are quite a few people in America looking to move to Ireland and other countries if Donald Trump becomes president," the islands development officer, Mary Heanue, told Irish Central. Employment opportunities: Fishing, renewable energy and fossil fuels, farming, textiles, tourism. Having seen its community decline since the collapse of its slate-mining industry in the late 19th century, the island is appealing for young people looking to make a new start. Islay was one of the islands to receive a 5 pence reduction in fuel costs, ferry costs have also been subsidised with car fares being reduced by 55%. The Bond aims to tackle depopulation on Scottish islands.More information https://t.co/WyQ22pbr0GTake part in the consultation https://t.co/SNUSP88DEs pic.twitter.com/qF9Wp3ZEEP, Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: Each of our islands are unique and this consultation will help us understand some of the population challenges across our islands and make sure that we can properly address them.". Keep an eye on Hawaii, which has been facing a teacher shortage for years and so regularly launches recruitment drives to attract qualified teachers from the mainland. Employment opportunities: Most jobs seem to revolve around tourism and public services. The islands real estate listing also highlights its coastline of approximately seven miles encompassing numerous cliffs, coves, and beaches; innumerable perfect picnic spots interspersed with fresh water lochans; and wonderful waters in which to swim, sail and fish.. In Colonsay, part of the Argyll island region, the current population is less than 130, with no more than 30 people under the age of 50 living there. It has three guest bedrooms, an orchard, woodland and a lawn. value the change of pace and close-knit community spirit. Listen to The Refresh, Insider's real-time news show. Hospitals, doctors etc. Employment opportunities: Mainly tourism, Isle of Raasay distillery, crofting and fishing. Scotlands most northerly isles lie closer to Norway than to the countrys mainland and the 100-plus islands boast a unique cultural heritage, heavily influenced by a Scandinavian past. You have to go the whole hog, transport by ferry, that feeling of remoteness and solitude, I mean who wants to see another human being when you go for a walk on the beach!? One of the largest Scottish islands on the west coast, Skye is perhaps the most famous for its stunning scenery which wouldn't seem out of place in a Lord of the Rings film. The scheme would also allow young families to be given up to 50,000 ($67,610 / 59,991) to settle on islands at risk of depopulation. The island, which is about nine miles off the coast of County Mayo, has seen its population plummet to just 58 people. The Shetlandislands area beautiful place, rich in history with its own neolithic monuments to marvel at and explore. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Thats the hugely discounted price being asked for Tanera Mr, one of Scotlands 17 Summer Isles, located off the northwest coast and thought to have been the inspiration behind cult movie The Wicker Man. The only problem is I want to live on all the islands mentioned . Competition may be fierce! Tanera Mr, Scotland (continued) With still no takers, the owners are now offering the option of dividing the 1.25-square-mile island into three lots, with the smallest going for just 430,000. Being so far north, Shetland is also THE best place to view theNorthern Lights / Aurora Borealisin Scotland. Scotlands most accessible island region is easily reached via a short ferry hop from the mainland. Internet is available, though, and island representative Jacqui Christian says: It is a special place, and it is beautiful seeing the stars without light pollution. But if you were to apply to be part of the scheme, which of Scotlands islands would you want to live on? Off the west coast of Scotland, in the Outer Hebrides, far-flung Lewis and Harris is well worth the effort it takes to get there. The regions oldest golf course, Askernish, is also found here and offers some of the best and most remote golf course views in the world. With a keen interest in his home country, Chris founded this website to show off the best of Scotland to the rest of the world. Scotland has over 900 islands, not all of them inhabited, are they nice places to live? 24th of August 2022 @ 13:45:41, Wonderful article, really help me towards my Scottish Isle knowledge to live there, Superb article Additionally, they will also help people start new businesses to help them create long term communities on the islands. But dont download the application packet just yet, especially if you love your creature comforts.