Relocating to Scotland - remote and rural

[PeachesPops]

I'm considering relocating to Scotland. I've been asked to consider applying for a position in remote and rural areas. So possibly Shetland, Orkney, Skye, Oban but also possibly in the Borders area like Jedburgh or Galashiels.

We already live fairly rural (but not really) in Northern England and love the area we live as it's next door to a sheep farm. My children are happiest when outside in nature. One child has ASD and hates anywhere built up (towns/cities) their special interests include zoology and ornithology. Another child has ADHD and possibly ASD and just prefers to be outdoors. We went camping in the west highlands last summer and the children have never been so relaxed.

Obviously I'm sure Oban in summer is nothing like Oban or Shetland in winter!! So can anyone tell me realistically what it would be like living in remote/rural Scotland?

The two main issues holding me back are family support and my husbands work. Other than that I'd definitely saying yes! But we are still seriously considering it.

The position would also be for 52 weeks so we are also looking into the possibility of just taking a year out to experience a new way of living.

Do it for a year. Shetland or Orkney would be lovely (but pretty cold and remote) for a year but I couldn't live there forever. Oban would be a better bet. Yes it'll be colder than you might be used to but more in the way of amenities. The Borders might be better if you want to stay within a reasonable distance of family.

Just be aware that secondary schooling for very rural or remote children isn't always easy to get to and may involve boarding Mon-Fri.

Oban in summer is nightmarish with the tourist population. The roads to Oban are also hellish!

I don’t mean to sound patronising but check distances with a route planner, not just a map. Most of the borders you can happily have a day trip into the city, Oban you could be there and back for a hospital appt (for example) but Orkney and Shetland particularly your talking about an overnight stay. Skye seems much closer than it is because you can’t go in a straight line (what with the mountains and the lochs).

Sorry if I’ve insulted you but I realised when helping family plan a trip that travelling has to be accounted for.

I’m not knocking it though. I have friends with kids in Oban and on Shetland and an ex from Skye. They spend 50% of their life outside and hate coming back into cities.

Not insulted at all. That's why I ask. And yes I agree about looking at route planners, the last time I drove to Oban it was a very slow road. Beautiful but slow.

I really think it would be an amazing opportunity. But equally I am aware that although it's called 'remote and rural' they actually mean 'difficult to fill' posts and there must be a reason for that.

Schooling may or may not be issue, I need to look more into that.

I live remote (on the mainland) but travel fairly regulary to Orkney as John ogroats isn't too bad a journey from where I am, so makes a decent weekend trip and go to Shetland at least once a year to stay with a friend.
Happy to answer any questions you have!
Re the weather, it can be miserable, you can have a lovely day and 5 mins later its absolutely pouring down, but the weather I find the worst is just the relentless wind. But its just something you get used to really as you have to!

I think the Isle of Arran would be wonderful. It looks beautiful and appears to have lots of good community things going on

Nothing will prepare you for the wind of the islands. They don't get cold - but they can get bleak. The trade off is in the summer with the endless nights.