I've just been reading up on the storms of late in the western isles, and it suddenly occurred to me; how easy is it to get a handyman, or repair person, in to fix things when they go wrong? Roofs especially I can imagine to be problematic(?), especially after storms. But what happens if there is a big storm, and a lot of people require repairs at the same time?
The same for plumbers and electricians; are there many on the islands, and can they be easily called on to do emergency repairs?
Ah, thought you'd gone quiet of late then one of your questions pops up in my feed :-) Answering with the usual disclaimer (only from the context of living on Berneray 2004-2009).
ReplyDeletePreviously, we'd lived 20 miles from a big city, and previous to that, in a big city itself. And here's the thing - we found it much easier to get stuff repaired, fixed, and upgraded on Berneray than we did in those locations. It was rarely an issue.
When you think about it, it's not really surprising. Because of the gap to the mainland, there has to be a self-sufficiency in keeping stuff operating and running.
If you end up on Berneray (a friend there tells me there are currently seven properties on the island up for sale, so now is a good time to consider :-) ) then for repairs and maintenance, try Andy in the house next to the harbor. He did most of the things in (and on the roof of) our house. Always did good work at reasonable cost, and did it quickly, especially as the previous owners had done some odd things to the house.
The only significant problems we had were with the "local" broadband installation, but as you have deleted all three of my comments on those, I guess it's pointless repeating them here. (Please delete this paragraph, not the whole comment, if I'm not allowed to mention them)
Also; storms are not uncommon, so houses tend to be sturdier in the Western Isles. They have to be.
We had to find an electrirician on the mainland to come up to fix up all the wiring when we moved in to the old croft house. Roofers and builders no problem. just could not find a local to do the electrics, which were shot to pieces.
ReplyDeleteSorry forgot to say, last com,ment. We are in south uist. Since then we have found a local electrician in case we have further problems. Its good cos getting someone from the mainland with travel and extra time ends up costing thousands not hundreds
ReplyDeleteNo problems here. JUst ask your neighbours who they get in to do things. Unless you're doing something specialist don't need to look to the mainland for help. Keep it local, and keep the money circulating local, is best.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry. If there is a big storm and a lot of damage occurs, which does happen every now and then, insurance companies send out teams of builders from the mainland.
ReplyDeleteSee this:
http://domsalla.co.uk/news/74-storm-in-outer-hebrides
It is very wise to make sure your property is insured for storm damage.
Silversprite (a) I did say in my previous post that I'd be gone a while (b) your comments about connected, and Mr Morrison, were clearly libelous, hence they were deleted.
ReplyDeleteNo problems in Stornoway; plenty of tradesmen here. Ask a neighbour if you have difficulty finding one.
ReplyDelete