If, post holidays, you have a yearning to throw it all in and head off to live on island, well, we wouldn’t blame you one bit. Here are just a few reasons why island life is the best life - and a few things to bear in mind before you board the ferry.
1. You’re never far from a sea view. It might sound obvious but one of the best parts of island life is making the coast part of your everyday routine. Have a run on the beach each morning, walk the dog along the shoreline in the evenings, or make an event of your lunchtime sarnie by enjoying it while listening to the waves. You never get bored of it.
2. You’ll notice the seasons more. The weather tends to be a little bit ‘extra’ on islands. When the wind gets up you really feel it and a sunny day feels that little bit brighter.
3. You appreciate the small things on an island. When you understand that nearly everything you buy has made its last journey by boat to your shores, it gives you a greater appreciation for the simple things. Your teabag for your cuppa may have come all the way from Yorkshire but then it made the brave journey across the waves just for you. It’s enough to make you quite emotional.
4. You use local products and services more because everyone likes to support other islanders. Discovering a cheese or gin or chocolate made so close to home is VERY exciting.
5. You can feel a bit smug about actually understanding the Shipping Forecast on Radio 4. Or at least can point out the names on a map.
6. You will soon move on to ‘Island Time’. Forget BST and GMT; island time is simply S-L-O-W-E-R and it’s a wonderful way to live.
7. In times of crisis, you feel just a little bit safer and sheltered, cocooned in your community.
8. Long commutes are a thing of the past. And the nearest you’ll get to a traffic jam is the queue for the ferry when you visit the mainland.
9. You’ll get to know your neighbours quickly. Yes, everyone DOES know everyone else’s business, but that usually means everyone is happy to help when needed, too.
10. In summer, you can bask in the glory of being a Proper Islander rather than Just A Tourist, and in winter you can glorify in knowing that really this is the BEST time of year. The island is quieter, the tourists have gone home and now the fun can really begin.
And a few things to think about before you take the plunge…
1. You’re always just a bit behind. You might not get to see the latest art exhibitions or films for months after anyone else or have to go to the mainland for them. But the local exhibitions and Friday Film Nights in the village hall go a long way to making up for that.
2. You can feel isolated at times. You can’t ‘just pop over’ to a friend or relative if they’re on the mainland. You’re at the mercy of ferry timetables, wind speed etc. On the other hand… you can’t be surprised by unexpected visitors either.
3. Shopping is very much limited. Your days of wandering the shops trying on shoes will be gone. But the internet does at least mean you won’t miss out completely. You just might have to wait for your parcels to arrive by boat. And arguably the wait makes the moment of ripping the box open all the sweeter.
4. Infrastructure is a bit more… shall we say ‘rustic’? Be prepared for more power outs and black outs than you are used to. But it’s always a good excuse to light a fire and get the candles out.
If you like the thought of becoming an islander yourself, don’t miss our ‘My Neighbourhood’ feature in our September issue, in which we visit the Isle of Wight, as pictured above by Holly Joliffe.
