Really, really, happy, Sheal, that the offer acceptance has been confirmed, that is fantastic news!! What a beautiful location, you're the envy of us all!! Silu has given some really good practical advice borne from her own experience and wisdom. You're going to have a busy time for the next month or three and you must try to find time to let us all know how you're getting on.
Thank you to all my friends here for your welcome and kind responses. I realise there are some of you that wouldn't want to live in the wilds of the Highlands, but this has been a dream for me for a long, long while. I love everything about Scotland and have studied it's history for many years. @silu thanks for your thoughts/ideas for the future. It won't be the first time I've been snowed in so know what to expect from that. The sellers have lived on the same road for twenty years and apparently haven't had that experience to date. This coming winter, knowing my luck will be the first time. There is already a wood burning stove at the bungalow, we will need to build a wood store and fill it pretty smartly. I don't think we'll make it to Braemar so perhaps next year. Mr S. and I are booked for the Inverness Military Tattoo at Fort George on the 8th September, apparently a very good display. I said that the gardens are pretty much a blank canvass but there is one thing on offer to start with.....would anyone like some bracken? The soil I suspect is going to be loamy but need to take a closer look at that. There are a few Hosta's and every leaf is complete, not a hole in sight! I couldn't grow those in my previous garden due to slugs. The one big and vital thing that is missing - a GREENHOUSE! A must have before next Spring! Again, thank you all. Photo's and updates will follow as time progresses.
@Sheal can strongly recommend Rhino greenhouses, had mine for 3 seasons now and sound as a pound. Another GC member came to see mine and on inspection promptly ordered 1 for himself! I treated myself and got mine built for me. Happened to already know a Greenhouses Direct greenhouse builder who made a great job of building my 20ftx8ft. He also built the 1 for the other GC member who was also very pleased with his work. Danny (the builder) lives close to me but pretty sure he would travel to your part of the world. The greenhouses aren't all fancy/pretty altho you can buy finials and fancy ridge bits if you want. They do them in both green and silver. The head room is very very good, I'm 5ft 7ins and don't feel cramped in the slightest unlike other greenhouses I've had. The large panes of glass not the usual 2ftx2ft are held in place by rubber seals and plastic strips not metal clips which make the whole structure much stronger, maybe important for where you are going to be living! They are easier to clean too as less joins where algae cab collect. OK not the cheapest greenhouses but to my mind they are worth the money.
Thanks @silu, I've been keeping an eye on the Greenhouse Forum here on GC and Rhino definitely looks like the way to go. I'll have to see how the pocket stretches though as we have a houseful of furniture to buy first. Surprisingly although on high ground the area is quite sheltered and I don't think the greenhouse will suffer the bashing it had on the island during winter. Being bolted down definitely helped it stay upright.
I hope it all goes well for you @Sheal, buying and selling can be very traumatic (I know from previous experience) but we look forward to seeing your garden develop over time.
Very kind offer @Sheal ... but, I think I'll pass on that one (have you posted in the Offers thread? ) Aren't your warning bells ringing? If it isn't good enough for slugs, it isn't good enough for *me*
Thank you @strongylodon. You're not wrong about it being traumatic. I can't remember whether this is move number eight or nine for us but hopefully the last. No @"M" , I don't think I could cope with all the responses. Oh well, can't win 'em all!
Congratulations on your beautiful new home. I'm very jealous! Wishing you many happy years ahead. Inverness shire is really lovely, and I've had a few great holidays in that neck of the woods. A very good sign that the hosta is intact!
Thank you @Irmemac. I'm currently living on the Black Isle and moving from one lovely area to another - around Beauly.
I'm even more jealous! Only been to the Black Isle twice, but it was absolutely beautiful. Beauly too. What a lovely area, fantastic new home, and no midges over there, I presume. Sounds perfect!
It's just as beautiful over your side too Irmemac! I love the rugged landscape of the west coast but as you say no midges here which is a bonus. Party @"M" ? What party? Has @Zigs been organising something I don't know about, or maybe @Fat Controller?
