[WannaBeFarmerJoe]

Hello All,

Been a long time stalker of the forums but now decided to register, currently only have 10 hens light sussex hens.

The urge has taken over and now I really want a farm of my own although only place I could afford would be in the Orkneys or Shetlands just wanted to know if anyone else farms or lives up there. (Im currently based in the midlands so it would be a huge move).

[Bionic]

Hi and welcome to the forum.     
I moved to Carmmarthenshire myself to get my smallholding but there are others on here way up north who I am sure will be along later.
Sally

[Sbom]

Hello  from the Staffordshire 

[FiB]

Hi    from Bala North Wales we moved from Brum 18 months ago.  Hovel and a bit of land here still not too dear (Different matter as soon as it has more than 2 medrooms and/or is suitable for horses) - we swaped (well we didnt actually swap it, but it was a round the same price) our 3 bed semi in Boldmer/Erdington for a 1.5 bedroom (sons bedroom is little more than a large cupboard!!!) tiny house with 12 acres here.  NOt regreted it for a minute, but I do miss my work, which is proving hard to re-establish here.

[darkbrowneggs]

Hi there - Welcome from Worcestershire      good luck with the plans - hope everything works out really well 

[Tudful Tamworths]

Hello and welcome! Good luck with your search.
Liz

[Rosemary]

Hello and welcome from  Carnoustie 

A few islanders on here - Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles

[WannaBeFarmerJoe]

Thanks for the warm welcome all 

Hello and welcome! Good luck with your search.
Liz

I bought your book for myself as an early xmas gift. 

[lachlanandmarcus]

You might find it just as cheap (and cheaper cost of living ongoing) in the north and east of the mainland - Moray and Aberdeenshire?
Getting supplies on and off an island can add to the costs - worth a thought, tho Im not trying to put you off if you are keenest on island living.

[SallyintNorth]

Welcome Joe 

Long ex-Midlander here, most of my adult life in the South, have now moved to the very North of England to be able to afford to farm. 

Holidayed on Orkney a couple of years ago.  Good ground, lovely people.  Hardly any trees, no foxes.  Everything is indoors, battened down, for the whole of the winter, due 70mph winds.  

Visit to Shetland is on the wish list.  May try to be there for Wool Week next year.  Iceland is also on the wish list...

Someone who actually lives on the islands will be along soon, I'm sure.

[WannaBeFarmerJoe]

You might find it just as cheap (and cheaper cost of living ongoing) in the north and east of the mainland - Moray and Aberdeenshire?
Getting supplies on and off an island can add to the costs - worth a thought, tho Im not trying to put you off if you are keenest on island living.

Have you got any links estate agents in that area? would be interested in looking at more options.

the 70 mph winds sound fun will have to get the kite out

[fiestyredhead331]

well we are in the very far north west of scotland (mainland) but getting feeding delivered is impossible unless you are ordering large amounts so there's a lot of running around to do, especially at this time of year and yes today its blowing a gale and has been for the last 3 days but I wouldn't live anywhere else 

[Pedwardine]

We're strongly considering the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides). Would love to hear from peeps in the know what the advantages/disadvantages are. There's a superb sounding place in Vidlin on Shetland that we lusted after before we considered it to be a tad too remote. It's called Brattahlid at Kirkabister. 135 acres with Rural Scene for around £250,000 I think. Beautiful views.

[MAK]

Welcome and I hope that your research and search for a new home goes well. we have family flying out of the East Midlands next week to stay with us near Limoges ( central France). We do have very cold short winters but the lucky midlanders will arrive to 18 degrees and sun.
The challenge of spending a winter north of Doncaster makes me shudder so good luck.

[clydesdaleclopper]

Welcome from the Aberdeenshire / Moray border   


The best place to search for properties in this area is on the Aberdeen solicitors Property centre website or the Moray equivalent.


Do check carefully the postcode of where you are moving to because if they deem you to be highlands and islands the postage on everything gets astronomical. Also the more remote you are the more expensive it is for petrol and heating oil. Also if you go for the islands you also have to factor in the extra costs of ferries to get to the mainland and often very long trips to get to an abattoir with your livestock.


Good luck in your search and welcome to the forum.