<
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/turning-the-lights-back-on-in-scotlands-empty-homes/>
"An abandoned fisherman’s cottage on a remote Scottish island that had no
running water, electricity or windows — and sheep living in it. That was all
ex-soldier and businessman Robert Tai could afford after a long and difficult
divorce left him close to broke.
He had become enchanted by the historic stone buildings that stand empty all
across the windswept, rainy Isle of Lewis back when he was visiting yearly with
his then-wife in the 2000s, so it seemed a natural place to seek refuge after
their marriage broke down.
Tai was intent on purchasing and renovating a dilapidated property he’d
initially spotted in 2004. In 2021, he managed to track down and negotiate a
sale with the owners, who had been planning to demolish the four-bedroom
building and replace it with a new structure. So began the next chapter of his
life.
“I really wanted to set myself up again, and this was the only way I could get
back on my feet,” says Tai.
Through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) — a collaboration between
the Scottish Government and UK housing and homelessness charity Shelter — Tai
was able to qualify for a tax reimbursement on the materials he purchased to
restore the cottage to a livable state. He claimed back £12,000 (about $15,900
US) of the £75,000 he’d spent completely overhauling the property.
Tai had never done professional building work before, but he reinstated
electricity and water, replaced the beams, ripped out carpets encrusted with
sheep droppings, removed a damaged chimney, repaired the roof, knocked down
walls to expand the kitchen and bathroom, and updated the decor.
Professionals helped install new windows, and Tai took advice from a local
builder friend. On the 17 acres of surrounding farmland, where Tai has replaced
fences and gates, he has planted 7,000 trees and plans to plant another 3,000.
He has also built a polytunnel for growing vegetables.
“I started this project aged 63 and this was my first property renovation. I’m
now 66 and think this is a good example of what can be achieved,” says Tai."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
