A Better Life on Unst
By Chas Hollis
After losing the love of my life to cancer in 2004 I was looking for a home of peace and tranquillity. I have loved walking and climbing all my life. I have spent many weeks in Alaska, Canada, South America, All Areas of Scotland the lakes and Wales. When I took my first holiday in Unst in 2010 I knew it was my new home.
After selling my Home in Oxfordshire now overcrowded and lacking life's necessities my Golden Retreivers and I took the long journey North. We arrived at Aberdeen for the night crossing to Lerwick. We arrived in Shetland on a cold early morning at 7am. Taking the road to the North Isles we were soon out on the open empty roads of Shetland. By the time we reached out first Island Ferry at Toft the sun was out with a blue sky and a temp of 2 degs.
Reaching our second ferry on the Island of Yell we could see our new Island home of Unst on the horizon in bright sunshine. The crossing was bumpy in a fresh wind but I was excited as I knew my new life would be a challenge. Driving over the Unst hills I could see the RAF Radar Station on the far hill top at Saxa Vord. Dropping down into the main population of Baltasound I stopped and bought milk, bread and fresh produce. Driving north from the shop I left the only twin track road and drove on the single tract road to Saxa Vord, and my new home.
I had bought a 3 bedroom home in a group of summer holiday cottages which were used for around four months each year. Over the years I have met some lovely visitors. During the COVID lockdowns the holiday cottage were closed. A Spaceport operating on Unst northern most point will be in operation from the end of the year. The cottages may well become permanent homes for staff at the spaceport. After almost eleven years, aged 77, a new chapter is about to start. I will have a great view!
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