Living On The Isle Of Lewis

Several years ago we came to the Isle of Lewis on holiday with my parents.  All of us fell in love with its beauty, the friendliness of the people and the much slower pace of life.  For years we dreamt of one day living here so that we too could embrace the wonderful land and seascapes and be inspired by its beauty.

We had lived in a substantial 4 bedroomed house with all the large bills that comes with it and still paying a mortgage.  When Gerard's health started to deteriorate we decided that we should fulfill our dreams of moving to our Island paradise.  We downsized considerably, halving our outgoings and living mortgage free.  We live a simple life living on Military pensions and reaping the rewards from all our hard work.

Island living is not for everyone, there are very few shops so online shopping is a must.  This also has its challenges due to postage costs, but trial and error and neighbours have helped.  Ferries can be cancelled at short notice due to weather conditions which can be a struggle depending which side of the water you are.

Living by the sea gives you lots of beautiful views and inspiration but never forget the dangers.  It can be damaging with floods always a possibility.  The salt air whilst refreshing can also be damaging causing lots of rust.  Loss of life always a possibility in these very close knit communities, there are memorials all over the Island as constant reminders of the ferocious seas.

We live in the North of the Island so renowned for the wind, there is always an advantage...it keeps the midges at bay!  The only real downside of living here is that we miss our family terribly not seeing them as much as we would like.  There is no going back we love it here and have found our forever home. 

There has been an increase in traffic of late...

The peat stacks already for the colder weather, I love the smell of peat as it permeates around the village.  The tell tale wisps of smoke coming from the chimney stacks.

I hoped that help for all those have asked "what made you move there?"  you need to see the beauty for yourselves and then you will know the answer.  This Island call out to you and draws you in, if you see its beauty like we did then it becomes home.

Hope that helps all those that have asked.  As always I thank you for your uplifting comments and support.  Thankfully there was no damage from the last storm.  My parents have still not moved over, they are now thinking it may be a little late for them, but they are well cared for and loved.  The family visit as often as they can and my niece goes over weekly to take my Mum shopping and organises anything that needs doing.

See you soon.