This week marks 3 years since I started my move from the city of Glasgow where I grew up to the Lochalsh area of the Scottish Highlands. It's been a big learning process but I couldn't imagine living in the city now. I've shared a few blogposts over the years about this transition (you can find the links to these at the end of this blogpost) but I thought it might be helpful to share some things I have learned since moving to the Scottish Highlands.
You have to be Organised
One of the biggest learning curves I've had to learn since moving to the Scottish Highlands is how organised you have to become. We live about 15 miles from our nearest supermarket and, if I wanted to go to a variety of shops, I'd have to drive almost 70 miles to either Fort William or Inverness. This has meant that food shopping has become quite planned part of our journeys. Whenever we are in one of these two places, we make sure we stock up on fresh ingredients and store cupboard essentials we might not be able to get in our local shops.
There are also other things to consider when it comes to be organised in the Highlands. If you are planning a trip somewhere other than home, you have to take into consideration potential road closures or traffic. If a major road in the Highlands closes due to an accident or bad weather conditions, often a detour can add hours on to your journey. This has meant that I've joined a number of road watch groups on Facebook, as well as checking the Traffic Scotland website before setting off on the road. Bad weather conditions have also meant that sometimes we have had to turn around and head home because conditions have been too dangerous. By being organised, you can save the disappointments that may come with living in such a beautiful yet isolated place.
You need to find an Indoor Hobby
Although we are blessed to have some of the most incredible outdoor spaces in the Scottish Highlands, in the winter months the weather can often limit the amount of time you can spend outside. One of the best things I found to help me through the winter months is finding an indoor hobby.
For me finding something to keep me entertained during the long winter evenings has been a real life-saver. Without having something to inspire you and challenge you, often life in the Highlands during the winter months can feel hard and lonely. Having an indoor hobby allows gives me a chance to be creative and learn new skills, something I probably wouldn't have had the chance to do before moving to the Scottish Highlands.
Always Head off the Main Road
One of my biggest recommendations to anyone I meet on holiday in the Scottish Highlands is head off the main road and head down some of the side roads. When you drive the smaller side roads, you discover little villages and hamlets you'd never have found otherwise. Often people living in these places are selling incredible homemade crafts and bakes from their homes by way of honesty boxes and home studios. Throughout the years we've discovered many wonderful spots throughout the Highlands simply by turning off the navigation and driving to new spots. I'd highly recommend it-you never know what you'll discover!
Want to find out more about my journey of moving to the Scottish Highlands? You can find them here:
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