Sometimes, we look at what’s going on in our country, wherever we’re from, and feel like, I have to move. But emigrating is hard. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a place that would welcome you with open arms?
There is. It’s a Scottish island.
The Scottish Island Of Rum
“How would you like to live on Rum?” asks the Isle of Rum website’s March 7th, 2020 post. It seems like a cute play on words. But they’re very serious. “The community land owning Trust, who own most of Kinloch village,” they write, “is looking for dynamic individuals or families who are keen to fit into the island way of life and help drive positive change for this young and growing community.” Scotland’s Rural and Island Housing Fund has contributed towards building four homes on the island. These homes, which the website assures have affordable rent, have also been built to be eco-friendly. The homes are located in Kinloch, the island’s only village which has only about 30 residents. “ We need more families to fill our school, as well as to be the next generation of islanders,” says Lesley Watt, who lives on the Scottish island. (1, 2)
The Island Opportunities
If remote island living seems like it might be a challenge, that’s a fair reaction. But don’t let fears of a lack of opportunity hold you back. According to the site, “the island has a wide range of job opportunities such as in childcare, food production, house maintenance, fish farming or marine and mountain tourism.”
On the other hand, if none of those jobs are up your alley, the Isle of Rum will work with you. “If however, you have a trade, a skill or other business you could bring to the island to help diversify and grow the local economy,” they say, “then that would be seen as of great benefit.”
And, don’t worry about your kids. “Young families are always a major contribution to isolated communities and so,” the posts says, “if you have young children they would find a wonderful island to play and learn in.” (1)
New Island Housing Applicant’s Letter
On March 16th, 2020, the Island of Rum Community Trust put out a letter due to the amount of interest shown by prospective residents of the Scottish island. Theoretically, the letter says, you could build your own home and move to the island--but there will be restrictions. The island’s board will “consider applications from anyone (including tenants for these new houses) for shared equity house building plots. You must, however, have a fully financed, business plan.” The IRCT says they “need entrepreneurs, people with the ability and drive to build their own home, set up new businesses, etc, too.” However, they also know they “have to be realistic and build on the experience of other Scottish community landowners.” Their goal is to succeed “in balancing attracting entrepreneurial energy and drive with maintaining some community control of a vital asset.” (3)
