The Highlands

[asterix]

My parents lived near Inverness. It's a lovely part of the world, but I'd not want to live there full-time. When I knew it well there were all sorts of oddballs around, some with private incomes and nothing to do, offshoots of wealthy families drinking themselves stupid. With family there it'd probably be different but on your own I think could be a difficult experience.

 

[Littgull]

Some mixed advice here but mainly focussing on the downsides. Understandable as things like social life, health care, choice of merchandise available are very important to the overall quality of life.

Another option might be to rent for a few weeks/months (subject to availability of property and finance of course). This will give you a taster. If you like what you experience make the move permanent. If not to your liking...nothing much lost.

Alternatively, if that option is too costly, consider living in a caravan or motorhome for say, 3 months at the time of year that is most challenging.

Anyway, whatever you choose, Good Luck!

 

[Mr Pig]

there is apparently a high rate of suicides from people moving to the highlands from the south of England.

Apparent suicides...

 

[blazed]

I think the water is less clean the further north you go and its chemicals from the water which slowly turn the people insane which is why there are so many suicides. Thats my theory.

 

[dellzeqq]

I think the key is culture, in a broad sense. If every conversation you have is about the weather or the price of wool you'll go mad. You've got to find somewhere with a bit of life about it. Look for bookshops or theatre companies, or arts festivals, or cycling clubs.

 

[PaulB]

Apparent suicides...

Let's hear your theory, Inspector Morse.

 

[Stig-OT-Dump]

I heard of a bloke who's job moved from "the city" to Canary Wharf. As he lived "out west" (all these comments in inverted commas are terms I don't understand, but will probably mean something to others) this substantially increased his commute. So he moved to Dundee.

He lives near the airport and there is a daily flight to London City Airport. He had a word with the airline and negotiated a weekly ticket. His upsides were that he got a larger house, a shorter commute and his mortgage + commuting costs were cheaper than staying where he was. He also got a breakfast every morning, a free morning and evening paper and a snack / tea time drink on the way home.

He still has the benefits of city living, but is a hop and a skip from the highlands, is on the coast and it's not as wet as Glasgow over there.

Perhaps there is a similar arrangement that would suit your circumstances Jogger.

 

[Mr Pig]

Let's hear your theory, Inspector Morse.

Well I'm just saying, they 'look' like suicides. Are disgruntled locals bumping them off? Who can say.

 

[PaulB]

Well I'm just saying, they 'look' like suicides. Are disgruntled locals bumping them off? Who can say.

I know. If they ever run out of the seemingly inexhaustible supply of victims in the village of Midsummer, they would find no end of material amongst the English in-comers in the Highlands. And if it's a dull episode, it'll always be worth watching for the scenery.

Hey, I'm writing to the BBC!

 

[Coco]

His upsides were that he got a larger house, a shorter commute and his mortgage + commuting costs were cheaper than staying where he was. He also got a breakfast every morning, a free morning and evening paper and a snack / tea time drink on the way home.

He still has the benefits of city living, but is a hop and a skip from the highlands, is on the coast and it's not as wet as Glasgow over there.

Aye, but he still has to live in Dundee. Helluva downside

 

[snorri]

Aye, but he still has to live in Dundee. Helluva downside B)

They say the pies are good there.

 

[The Jogger]

Sorry, you can't. The Highlands are already full of English people who've realised how crap England is! No room left.

i'm from ireland originally , try again

 

[The Jogger]

Do you do the 130mile commute on the bike?!

lol no only a wee bit of it.

 

[Mr Pig]

I'm from Ireland originally

Good grief, make up your mind!