It's 10 years to the day since I moved home to Tiree. I had about £35 in my account and a car load of belongings. A decade on I'm crofting, running two businesses, and most valuable - I've found a purpose. I'm insanely fortunate. Here are some things I have learned on the way. 🧵 There is immense privilege in having somewhere safe to run to. To have an entire house and croft - bonkers. I hope I never take it for granted.

It's #WorldMentalHealthDay. I have lived with depression since my teens, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder almost 12 years ago now. Recovery is about living well in the presence or absence of symptoms, and it is possible. It's not easy, but it is possible. 🧵 I'm well medicated. That took a long time. But, I will take meds for the rest of my life. I don't know how to sleep without drugs now because I'm sedated at night. I wake up with a chemical hangover every day.

I'm getting increasingly concerned about this new "the islands are unwelcoming", "the islands are hostile" narrative in relation to easing lock down. And I have to say, how dare you? [thread] There is a tension present all the time between beautiful vulnerable "empty" places being seen as destinations first and communities second. That tension has come ever more to the fore with Covid.

Being called racist, unwelcoming, sad, horrible and "epitomising everything wrong with these islands" earlier this week really ground my gears. Actually, as Gaels, we are a long oppressed minority, who have a right to some cultural respect. [thread] Disclaimer: I include myself under the umbrella of "Gael" under advisement, having been born and brought in Edinburgh. However, Gàidhlig is my first language, and crofting, the sea and islands run in my blood courtesy of my Tirisdeach father. I am hefted to that culture.

So you've moved to the Scottish Islands and are contemplating your first Instagram post congratulating yourselves on living the good life. Here's a handy guide to living in the islands. Those sunny summer days that convinced you to move were just that, summer. Summer doesn't last long. The rest of us manage just fine in the winter. Put on some weight, get a good waterproof and wheesht.