From Peat Smoke to Prince Street: Trading Islay Life for Edinburgh City

Islay, the home to many people’s hearts (including my own), so why on earth would someone leave when they are so settled? Here are my reasons.

First of all, I am going to start by telling you something my mum has always told me: “Tilly, if you don’t get off this island and see what the real world is like, then I will drag you off myself!” In true motherly fashion, she was right. Islay is my home, a place I will most definitely be coming back to; however, the last thing it represents is the real world. A place where you leave your car running outside a shop or wave to everyone you pass is not a true reflection of the real world.

I am not saying Edinburgh isn’t friendly, but I am saying that the people of Edinburgh are far more reserved than those of Islay. I spent 18 years pretty much surrounded by the same people; you know absolutely everything about everyone, whereas here, nobody knows anyone. I do feel as though I have gone from being a giant to an ant pretty quickly.

Islay is an incredible place. Honestly, I think it is one of the most friendly and welcoming places on the planet. My issue is that I can’t say that if I’ve only left the county five times. So, moving from a rock with less than four thousand people on it to a city of about half a million (and two international airports) is probably the best step I could take for trying to find out if it’s the truth.

The switch from rolling fields, incredible wildlife, and untamable weather to the same unpredictable weather with constant sirens and breathtaking architecture has been a massive adjustment. Imposter syndrome is very common among Edinburgh University students in general; it is mentioned in many of my lectures. However, take that feeling and multiply it by eleven, and you might have an idea of how I am feeling! Going from one vastly different lifestyle to this is something I don’t think I have fully processed yet.

Don’t get me wrong, I am loving 4 a.m. delivery food after one too many glasses of wine, but having to remind myself that I am not in the middle of nowhere, where I am completely safe, is a massive wake-up call for me!

I am incredibly grateful to be in the position I am in. I have dreamed about attending this university since I was about ten years old. The gorgeous buildings, the lectures I attend—everything about it is just incredible! I wouldn’t change it for the world.

So, in conclusion, for all of you who have asked me why I would ever want to leave Islay, a safe, beautiful place: well, one reason is because my mum told me to, but really, Islay could never offer me the kinds of opportunities Edinburgh can. I have been told my entire life that I am too big for Islay, that I shouldn’t stay there forever because there is a big, wide world out there that I need to explore.

So here I am—welcoming the complete chaos ahead of me with open arms. I hope you will continue to join me on the ride!

All my love,
T x