For embattled Scots islands boost dwindling populations
20-somethings take the boat to build new lives I’m in my element here. Nothing but the Atlantic between us and Canada Nowhere’s better than the middle of nowhere
Artist Ellis O’connor, 27, who grew up in Dundee and is a graduate of the city’s Duncan of Jordanstone College, moved to North Uist in 2017 to be with her farmer boyfriend Keith Macdonald, 31, who returned to settle on the island five years ago.
The couple live on a 200-acre farm overlooking the tidal island of Orosaigh.
Ellis said: “We are the westernmost chain of the islands looking out to the Atlantic. We’re on the edge, with nothing between us and Canada.
“But I don’t feel cut off. I love going back to Dundee, but I feel much more in my element on Uist, with nature and the outdoors.
“There is a massive sense of community here. We have a Co-op that stocks everything we need, and we buy online and stock up on stuff on the mainland.”
Keith left the island to study in Edinburgh. After graduating, he travelled the world, working in horticulture and fish farming, but returned after discussions with his parents about the future of the family farm.
He said: “If I hadn’t travelled I wouldn’t have been able to appreciate what we have here.
“As the world is changing, people are looking for a stronger tie to the land.
“These days you can live in a sparsely populated, remote place and bring your office with you.
“I know of several young people who don’t have patience any more for big cities, pollution, and a rat-race environment.
“They are looking for a greater connection to nature and the elements.
“There are very encouraging signs for the future but I don’t think it’s time to start celebrating yet.
“There is work to be done.” Liam Crouse, 29, was born in Rhode Island, USA. He came to Scotland in 2008 to study Celtic studies and archaeology at Edinburgh University.
A Gaelic speaker, he works as a communications officer at Ceòlas – a cultural organisation – creating a Gaelic media service and developing immersion language courses.
His Swedish girlfriend Emma Axelsson, a graduate of Glasgow University, moved to South Uist to be with him. She works for a community organisation and runs a Scandi-style bakery from home.
For Liam, the transition to island life has been natural.
“People look at Uist as the middle of nowhere with nothing here, but in terms of my interests and passions, you cannot get better than this,” he said. “In a small community you can make a real difference.
“I want to see de-centralisation. With this added connectivity I think there are plenty of government jobs that can be redistributed around the country and connected.”
Emma, who grew up in Gothenburg, agrees. She wants to see services delivered locally and infrastructure improved to meet growing demand.
“I want the government to take notice, not only because us young people are asking, but because the whole community is asking.
“There are plenty jobs, more than there are people to fill them, but it is really hard to find a suitable home.”
Challenges aside, Emma wants to stay. She said: “Uist has taught me the value of living in small and close-knit communities.
“The support and genuine care and interest of people I have experienced has been refreshing when contrasted to the almost anonymous life of city living.”