If getting away from it all is top of your wish list, you can't get much further away than the Scottish Highlands. The Highlands cover a vast area of more than half of Scotland, and the population stands at around 450,000, making it one of the least populated places in Europe, with only 25 people per square mile. In the past, this area saw more people leave than arrive, which kept population growth stagnant. However, in recent years, investment by the Highlands and Islands Enterprise has sparked a growth in opportunities for people with a sense of adventure who want to live and work in the area.
The Highland Areas
The Highlands is divided into four distinct areas, with Inverness at its heart. Each region has its own distinct charm, character and personality, and they each have different attractions and amenities that may appeal to you and your lifestyle. The West Highlands has a dramatic coastline, rugged, picturesque mountain ranges and includes popular tourist destinations such as the Isle of Skye, Glencoe and Fort William.
The Moray Speyside area is the place to go if whiskey is your tipple as this is where the world-famous distillery is located. It also has miles of beautiful beaches and historic castles for you to explore.
The Northern Highlands take the remoteness to another level with the stunning Torridon mountain range and the beautiful Caithness coastline.
The final piece of the Highlands puzzle is the Cairngorms National Park. Home to the Cairngorms mountain range, this national park is the largest in the UK and contains spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife. The average house prices in the Scottish Highlands are currently around £210,000 which is considerably less than the UK average house prices of around £280,000.
The Pros of Living in the Scottish Highlands
Many people report that the sense of community in the Scottish Highlands is second to none. As the area is made up of many small towns and villages, you can really get involved with local life, especially if you have a family. There are lots of family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year, and events such as the Highland Games will give you a taste of traditional Scottish life. Highland residents also report that they feel safe living in the area as it has much lower crime levels than other areas of the UK. If you're looking for a close-knit community where people look out for each other, the Highlands could fit the bill.
The Highlands is also blessed with a wealth of good schools and cultural activities. Popular primary schools include Knockbrek Primary School in Tain and Central Primary School in Inverness. Inverness also has two high schools and is also home to the University of the Highlands and Islands. Your children will also have the chance to learn the ancient Scottish language of Gaelic from an early age.
If you're considering moving to a remote location, career opportunities can be a concern. The Scottish Highlands, however, does have a strong industry presence in agriculture, fishing and forestry. There has also been dramatic growth in the sustainability industries, with Scotland becoming a world leader in the production of renewable energy. Tourism is another major employer, with world-famous attractions such as Fort William and Loch Ness bringing in around £600 million a year to Scotland's economy. If you have a skill or a trade, you may also find it easy to gain employment in the Highlands. As the area is so spread out, tradespeople are often few and far between, so you could find yourself in demand!
Finally, one of the biggest pros of Highland living is the beautiful landscapes and the chance to feel at one with the great outdoors. It has long been reported that being in touch with nature is beneficial for your mental health, and with beaches, mountains and lakes in easy reach, you will have plenty of time to feel recharged and relaxed. The Scottish Highlands also have an abundance of wildlife for you to spot. You may find birds, deer, rabbits and even otters living close by, and wildlife spotting is a great way to spend a few peaceful hours under the vast Scottish skies.
The Cons of Living in the Scottish Highlands
As with anywhere in the UK, affordable housing is also an issue in the Scottish highlands. Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of remote working, the house sold prices have risen and the area is not as affordable as it once was. Also, there is an issue of people buying up homes to use as holiday lets or Air BnB, so they are no longer available for local people or those who want to make a life in the Highlands. However, the Scottish government has pledged to look into more affordable housing in the Highlands and to stop properties being used just as holiday lets. This may bring the house sold prices down and give younger and local people more opportunities to buy.
The Great British weather is a topic we all know and love, but if you live in the Scottish Highlands, the weather becomes a major part of your life. If the weather forecast says it's raining in England, you can usually head out and dodge the showers, but just grabbing an umbrella won't really cut it in a Scottish storm. That said, the Scottish weather is probably best described as mixed with torrential rain one moment and sunshine the next. With this mix of conditions, Highlands residents are always ready to make the most of any sunshine.
As the Highlands are so remote, the cost of deliveries, goods and services can often be more than the rest of the UK. Next-day delivery is unheard of, and you will probably need a car to get around, so the cost of fuel is always a talking point. As the weather is often colder, electricity and gas charges will also be higher, so all these elements need to be taken into account when considering a move to the Highlands.
As the Scottish Highlands covers a vast area, it is essential that you visit any areas where you might like to live before committing to a big move. But if you love the great outdoors, community spirit and a mix of weather conditions, the Scottish Highlands could be the next big adventure for you.
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