Living in the stunning yet remote hills of Caithness, is not for the faint-hearted. My husband and I have embraced the challenges and joys of this off-grid lifestyle, where the natural world dictates our daily rhythms and routines. From running a business to simply keeping our home warm in winter, life here is a unique blend of beauty, isolation, and self-sufficiency.
Living Off-Grid: The Reality of Remote Life
At Made In The Hills HQ, we live completely off-grid, relying on solar power for electricity and drawing our water supply from the river. While this sounds idyllic—and often it is—it also requires much planning and resilience. Our solar power system is incredibly efficient most of the year, providing us with enough energy to power our home and my candle-making workshop. However, during the shorter, darker days of winter, we have to be mindful of our energy use. We conserve power by limiting our use of electrical devices and relying on a wood-burning stove to keep us warm. (and my candles for light of course☺️)
Our water comes directly from the nearby river, which is both a blessing and a challenge. The water is fresh and clean, but in winter, it can freeze, leaving us to manage without running water until it thaws which we have seen take weeks some winters, This means we often have to stock up on water in preparation for the coldest months, storing it in containers around the house.
The Logistics of Deliveries: Getting Supplies here!
One of the biggest challenges of living in such a remote area is the logistics of getting supplies and deliveries. The nearest town is miles away, and with no direct road to our home, deliveries can be a real adventure. Couriers won't deliver here so we rely on our only delivery service which is Royal Mail, if the parcel is courier delivery we have to have it delivered to a very kind neighbour over 10 miles away down the track. Most delivery drivers are understandably hesitant to navigate the rough tracks leading to our house, especially in bad weather.
Winter adds an extra layer of difficulty. When the snow falls heavily—and it often does—it can cut us off for weeks. In these times, we rely on our carefully stocked pantry, making sure we have enough food, fuel, and essentials to last through the worst of the weather, we have been caught out a couple of times and had to rely on a trusty friend arriving in his snow-plough bringing essentials. It’s not uncommon for us to make a supply run to the town just before a snowstorm is forecast, loading up on everything we might need.
Running a Business from the Highlands
Running a business from such a remote location presents its own set of challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. My Highland-inspired candles and wax melts are crafted right here in my workshop, enabling me to draw inspiration from the very landscape that surrounds us. The scents of heather, pine, and peat fires are a reflection of the Highlands themselves, capturing the essence of this wild and beautiful place.
Shipping orders can be a challenge, especially in winter. (apologies in advance😕)There have been times when heavy snow has delayed posting orders simply because we are cut off and Royal Mail can't get here, But our customers are wonderfully understanding. Many of them appreciate the extra effort it takes to bring a little piece of the Highlands to their homes, knowing that each candle and wax melt has been made in such a unique and remote location.
The Beauty of Isolation
Despite the challenges, the beauty and peace of living in such a remote place are unparalleled. The solitude here is profound, offering a deep connection with nature that’s hard to find elsewhere. The landscape is breathtaking, with rolling hills, vast moorlands, and the ever-changing skies. At night, the stars are dazzling, untainted by light pollution, and if we’re lucky, the Northern Lights make an occasional appearance.
Living here has taught us to be resourceful, patient, and to appreciate the simple things in life. It’s not always easy, but the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from knowing we’ve carved out a life in this remote corner of Scotland, where the only sounds are the wind, (LOTS OF WIND) the river, and the call of wildlife.
Life in the Hills may be remote, but it’s home—a place where the challenges only make the beauty that much more profound.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog! I hope you enjoyed this little peek into our world up here in Caithness. Life in the Highlands is definitely an adventure, and I’m glad I could share a bit of it with you. Your support means the world to me—whether you're here for the candles, the stories, or just out of curiosity. I can’t wait to share more with you soon! 🕯️✨
This was a lovely read, I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for sharing.