WANT TO MOVE THERE?

The Outer Hebrides can easily enchant you and visitors have been known to make impulsive life-changing decisions to relocate here. There is usually work for key workers – teachers, doctors – but for most people, self-sufficiency and creativity is the order of the day: running a croft, working in a shop, setting up a seasonal café, or all three. Well-run B&Bs universally thrive.

The islands are fertile ground for arts and crafts types and low property prices mean low overheads for start-ups. Local communities welcome incomers, especially those keen to buy into Gaelic culture and to respect traditional values.

A three-bedroom house in Stornoway costs around £160,000; a high-finish detached four-bed £330,000; £250,000 will buy you not only a house on any island but perhaps a café or other business, too.

The main caveat is weather: winter gales can blow for 10 days without relenting. Stay a couple of weeks in January as part of your reconnaissance.