Relocating to Harris

Each year, the Isle of Harris sees an influx of holidaymakers. Many return home after walking the hills and picnicking on the white sands, wondering “what if?” Could they really start a new island life?

For the lucky few, living in this remote community has become a reality. Apart from the amazing landscape –one of the biggest draws to the island, what can Harris offer?

  • Security: the island location means lower crime rates and much less traffic
  • Schooling: smaller class-sizes mean better tuition, integral sports-centre, pool and library in Tarbert
  • Healthcare: excellent community-based medical services
  • Climate: It may be damp and windy, but rarely do we see prolonged freezing conditions. The Gulf Stream provides a relatively mild climate
  • Space: No crammed housing estates, no motorways, rarely do you queue for anything (except on a Thursday when the Stornoway Gazette arrives at the newsagent)

If you can survive without entertainment complexes and retail parks, then Harris is a great place to live and to bring up children. Some things are a little different here though:

  • the roads are quiet
  • the nights are black -jet black
  • the cinema has wheels
  • the postman comes in
  • the lifestyle is altogether less stressed

Common Concerns:

Employment: Perhaps the biggest issue for those of working age here. There are few local employment opportunities. There is however always demand for good, reliable tradesmen. There are always openings in-season for tourism-related work. You have to be adaptable. The ever increasing number of visitors each year and the inspirational landscape is attracting more and more craft workers and artists to the island.

Shopping: We do have shops! Maybe sometimes in the winter you have to expect delays in fresh fruit and veg or milk and bread reaching the shelves, until the ferry docks. In Tarbert we have Butcher, Baker, Hardware Store, General Store, Petrol station, Post Office, Newsagent and Grocer as well as the expected giftshops. We also have an excellent courier network, which when linked with the internet means you can get almost anything delivered from anywhere.

Broadband: BT provide ADSL broadband in the more populated areas like Tarbert and Stornoway. Elsewhere, the Connected Communities network beams radio links to many of the more remote townships. Always ask about coverage when you are looking at properties.

Sunday Closing: Anyone who’s visited Harris over a weekend will know that most businesses are closed on Sundays. Some of the hotels offer food, but you cannot buy a newspaper or diesel for the car. You quickly adapt and learn to appreciate this break in the week.

Housing: There are always houses for sale in North Harris, and at prices significantly lower than those on the mainland. Plots to build houses are regularly advertised. The Trust always has a number of plots for sale, and keeps track of crofts that become available. Harris has a lot of holiday homes, many of which can be rented out of season. This is perhaps the best way to get to know the place, before you set down roots.

 Local Estate Agents:

Being “cut off”: A big worry for some, but an attraction for others. The ferry trip to the island adds on more than just another 22 miles to the journey. It’s the ferry trip over the Minch that has safeguarded the culture here over the years and regulates the summer visitors. We may not have trains, but there is a very reliable service that links Stornoway by air to Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. Buses are timed with the ferries to get passengers to and from Inverness and Glasgow.

Hopefully we’ve allayed some of your fears, and shown you some of the benefits of living in North Harris. Come and visit the island, and make your mind up for yourself!

The Trust is always keen to here from couples and families looking to relocate to the island. With Directors throughout the estate with a wide variety of backgrounds, we’re sure to be able to answer any of your questions. Give us a call.

Note: Harris Voluntary Services (01859 502171)  publish DeThaDol? the fortnightly community newsletter. This is a good source of local information and is available via subscription. Copies are posted all over Europe. They also publish a Harris Telephone Directory which lists all local services and tradesmen. Both publications are essential reference for people relocating to Harris.