Living on a Remote Scottish Island: Summer 2023

Introduction

• Moved to a remote Scottish island in summer 2023
• Only two residents with two pet sheep and cats
• Embracing a frugal and simple lifestyle
• Various tasks: restore stone cottage, grow veggies, build up livestock, catch and smoke fish, buy a boat

Restoration Plans

• Stone Floors
  • Plan to use flagstones for the cottage floor
  • Large, heavy stones need to be moved from another location
  • Concern about the effort required
  • Thought about layout: larger stones in the center
  • Uncertainty about laying flagstones properly
  • Concrete bed possibly needs to be lifted

Daily Life and Challenges

• Member of Parliament and Comedy
  • Joke about forming a local government
  • Interaction highlights isolation and humor
• Animal Care
  • Sheep now staying outdoors but still bonding with owners
  • Specific routines for animal care and feeding

Practical Concerns

• Moving large flagstones to the site is challenging
• Renovation Fatigue
  • Sense of being overwhelmed by the amount of work

Concrete Floor Issues

• Discovery and Removal
  • Concrete under current flooring
  • Considering pros and cons of removing it
• Plan to lay flagstones properly with natural materials to the floor can breathe
• Drying the area properly after removing current floor

Tool Usage

• Employing various tools for lifting and transporting stones
• Issue with wheels and trolleys for moving flagstones uphill
• Using crowbars and trolleys, towing stones with quad bike

Miscellaneous

• Animal Interaction
  • Pets and livestock causing interruptions and making the work environment lively
• Gardening and Landscaping
  • Constant need for garden maintenance and cutting
  • Strummer used frequently

Conclusion

• Recognizing the satisfaction of completing parts of the project
• Sense of accomplishment amid ongoing challenges
• Future steps: move flagstones, continue renovations, manage livestock and garden