​Since it’s the beginning of a new year, and hopefully a big year for me personally, I thought I’d share my plans and goals for 2019 with you and let you in on what adventures I have been dreaming about and can finally begin to put into action.

Tiny living has always been my dream. Since I was in my twenties it was always the goal that I’d be tiny living by the time I was 40 and that time is now only a couple of years away. Taylor is now 16, nearly finished her Highers and is in the process of deciding what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Luckily she likes (and is really talented in) art and photography so when she comes with me it'll only help her build her portfolio. I'll admit though that tiny living is not Taylor's idea of her dream life. She loves to travel as much as I do but this is her dream....
She is pretty excited to come with me for a while at least. 

I’ve been looking at lots of options. I’ve visited wigwams, shepherd huts, considered fancy sheds and even an octagonal wooden hut and while these are a brilliant options for me in a few years down the line when I get bored doing what I’m doing, they aren’t right for me now because I want to travel.

So what have I decided on?

For an island so small there is a surprising amount of things to do in Arran.  When I say small,  I mean small compared to the mainland,  it’s a lot bigger than many of its neighbouring islands but still has the relaxed and slow paced vibe going on that I love.  With a population of only 5000 it’s a close knit community,  locals are friendly and no one is in a hurry - ever.  Every time I think of Arran it puts a smile on my face. 

The Isle of Arran is my favourite island so far.  It feels less remote than islands further up north although it isn’t any busier.  I’m guessing it feels like that because of the Highland boundary line which passes through its centre.  The south of the island is green and plush with forest and flowers and cute little settlements whereas the north is very much like the Highlands of Scotland,  dramatic,  wild and breathtakingly beautiful. 

I’ve rounded up a list of things to do in Arran, from mountains and castles to forests and beaches.  I encourage you though to use it as a rough guide and instead land on the island,  take a deep breath and feel the stress melt away as you reset your body clock to “island time”.   Go without a firm plan and see where the road takes you....