Strung along
Part of the reason Taylor doesn’t feel isolated is the island’s community. «It’s only a phone call to get people to come round and have dinner or play music,» he said.
One night during Mitchell’s stay, Taylor organised a sing-along at the house, playing traditional Scottish folk music. «They were all very musical,» Mitchell said of his companions. «They all played string-based instruments: the mandolin or guitar.»
This kind of island camaraderie can be hidden to tourists – unless, like Mitchell, they stay for more than a day or two. As an outsider, Mitchell said one challenge was making locals comfortable enough with him that he could get real glimpses into their lives. «Everyone was a bit – I wouldn’t say stand-offish, but they do like keeping themselves to themselves,» he said. «But if you’re there for four days, people see you knocking about and eventually start talking to you.» (Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty)