We’re happy and we know it, say islanders

Did this survey read our minds or just state the obvious? I’m not one of you happy folk, by the way, I’m one of the miserable ones in Gwent. My hubby and I are trying to relocate to Shetland with our 3 sons ( ADR vacancy, anyone?) because we already know that you lucky ones have a better lifestyle and a more balanced outlook on life, this research just confirms it. I hope it’s publication doesn’t result in a wave of migration – do you think we can keep it hush hush please?

There is an issue of urbanisation to take into consideration. Urbanisation occured in Scotland and the rest of the Uk in the 19th cent in response to industrialisation. Industrialisation required that people were concentrated close to their place of work and as such were far removed from the land from where they had come. Urbanisation brings with it a process of deculturisation. Cultures develop over many centuries and as people suddenly become part of a new structure, both physically (tennement block) and in time (divisions of the day or ‘factory time’), many aspects of their culture are lost. The most sriking example is that thousands moving into cities at a stroke lost their culinary culture as they had no means of cooking and relied on the pie shop for a family meal. They worked for money which had to be converted into necessities and previous means of provision were unatainable as people had no land. In fact they were stacked in coups like foul and ceased to behave in ways considered natural as they themseves becames cogs in the machines they served. Many of these communities were formed from land working people for but short periods, until the profit margins tightened such that the capitalists could move on to their next venture and the workers were left stripped of their ways of life which included coping mechanisms to deal with hardship, relationships and grief. This legacy of disfuncionality is the foundation of today’s societal problems and unless addressed (I haven’t seen any evidence of it being addressed) we will never bring our population to a true state of ‘liberation’.

Well at least I will have some familiar landmarks then Ian, as we have a fair few of them visible on the horizons of our Welsh mountains too! And to David – yes the evolution of “western” society has taken it down a not altogether pleasing path, but the pen that writes moves on, don’t you agree? The Shetland lifestyle, community and culture is richer (in my opinion, and that of the survey) due largely to it’s geographical isolation and the natural protection that affords. I feel that Shetlanders are leading by example. Surely that is the most powerful way to address the social issues of mainland UK that “modern progress” has brought about?
I watch with envy as comments are posted with great passion and belief on topics of every nature relating to your wonderful Shetland home. If you can find such enthusiasm from a local resident here, return them to the psychiatric hospital please!
Is the near full employment a myth, by the way? We’re having no luck finding a job so we can relocate – are we looking in the right places?

Another influx of Sooth Moothers seems more likely now that the news is out, the BBC in England said “Orkney” were the most contented, so hopefully they will all go there instead, that way some of us ex-locals can come back and still find some space without a windmill at the bottom of the garden.

Now where did I put that Croft?

ADR work is driving dangerous goods, such as fuel tankers. If hubby can get work then I will proudly wear a Sooth Moother title, and I hope my family can enhance and contribute to the local community, rather than threaten Shetland traditions. If you need rugby playing youth, we’re the family for you!