Tuathach, Rachel MacLean comes into the Uist Beò hot seat this week and tells her her story about crofting and finding her home in North Uist.

When Rachel left school in 2020, she didn’t have a clear plan. Covid had just swept across the world, exams were cancelled, schools were shut, and like many young people across the Hebrides – and the world – she was left wondering what to do next. What she did know, though, was that her interests were firmly rooted in Uist; at her family croft, her community, and the Gaelic language that shaped her early years. And as she says herself: ‘Everything Just Fell Into Place’

Now, at just 22, Rachel has built a life in a new-build house in Lochmaddy through a ‘rent to buy’ scheme aimed at supporting young islanders. She works full-time in the Gaelic nursery at Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath and in her spare time, you’ll find her back on the croft in Carinish, helping her family with the sheep.

‘I always say everything happens for a reason. At the time, not going to uni felt like a big decision. But looking back now, it was definitely the right one.’

Rachel’s love of crofting started early, so early in fact that she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t involved.

‘I grew up on the croft. I was probably about five when I started going out with Mum and Dad. It’s always been all hands on deck, definitely a family effort.’

Like many young people in Uist, crofting was simply part of life. Lambing, feeding, sorting, repairing, the cycle never ends and every season brings a different headache. The croft holds about 100 sheep now, and as much as crofting usually sits alongside other employment, the work remains central to Rachel’s life.

‘When people ask what my dream job is, I always say working on a farm or a croft. But I knew it wasn’t realistic to do that full-time here. That’s why I’m so happy I’ve found a balance. I’m in the nursery through the term time, crofting in the holidays.’

It’s not every 18 year old that asks for sheep for their birthday, but that’s what was on Rachel’s wish list. Her birthday present was her own flock of Suffolk sheep. 

‘I was so proud of them. But when I moved to Lochmaddy, I had to sell them. It was hard being away from the croft, and they’re a lot of work when you’re not right next door. That’s one thing I miss most — living beside it. But hopefully I’ll get my own sheep again one day.’

Apart from the crofting, Rachel’s day job is at the Nursery at Sgoil Uibhist a Tuath. Working in the nursery wasn’t always the plan, from Sgoil Lìonacleit, she was accepted into university three times — for maths, Gaelic teaching, even agriculture — but nothing felt quite right for her and she didn’t end up studying away.

‘I left school in 2020, during Covid. It was such a confusing time. I applied to uni, but I just knew it wasn’t for me. I decided I didn’t want to follow the crowd or go just because everyone else was. I wanted to stay at home, and see what else was out there.’

That decision led her to a job in admin for about three years, before a new opportunity came up in the Gaelic nursery. This nursery has also supported her by putting her through training.

‘It felt like the perfect fit. I started at the nursery in the summer of 2023, and I’ve never looked back. I’m in the three-to-five Gaelic class. The staff are brilliant, the atmosphere’s lovely, and every day is different. It’s honestly one of the most rewarding jobs I think you can do.’

‘Seeing their milestones, watching them grow, it’s amazing. You’re such a big part of their lives. And they’re so funny and full of energy. I never realised how much I’d love it.

I’m now a qualified nursery key worker and I have done my SVQ Level 7 in children & young people which can help me progress in my career.’

Rachel is part of a small group of her school year who have stayed in Uist. Most of her classmates have left for university, and few have returned. But we hope that all of our islanders are doing well, and that some will one day find their way to come back home and keep our communities going. The push for encouraging apprenticeships rather than tertiary education will hopefully have a positive effect on our declining population.

‘I’d say only a handful of us stayed and not many move back after uni either. But I’m all for young ones staying here. The islands need that. There’s so much potential if we’re supported properly.’

One of the biggest barriers for young people, she says, is housing. Although it’s a national difficulty, it’s earlier to see this when you’re closer to home. The opportunity to join the right-to-buy scheme in Lochmaddy was instrumental to Rachel finding somewhere to live.

‘There were only four houses in that scheme and I feel really lucky to have got one. You rent for five years, then you can buy it with a discount. It gave me security, independence, and a way to save. I never thought I’d have my own house at 21. It’s mad to think about it.’

Her home is part of a small development of 12 houses, surrounded by others in a similar situation either young families, first-time renters who then become future homeowners.

‘It’s such a nice community here. Everyone around is lovely.’

There’s a persistent stereotype that life for young people in Uist is dull or isolating. Rachel disagrees, although she acknowledges it’s not always easy.

‘Some people say there’s nothing to do, but it’s what you make of it. I think the social life is actually really good, especially post-Covid. There are nights out, ceilidhs, events and you just have to make the effort.’

Like the rest of us, she does enjoy her trips away to the city but then this confirms what she already knows. ‘I could never live on the mainland. I love my time away, but after a few days, I just want to come home. I’m definitely a homegirl.’

As for the future, Rachel is keeping her options open. Teaching lingers as a possibility, but for now, she’s happy, working a job she loves, living in a house she never imagined she’d have, and still finding time to get her hands dirty on the croft.

‘I think there’s this idea that if you don’t go to uni, you’re falling behind. But honestly? Staying home was the best decision I ever made. Everything has fallen into place.’

She hopes more houses like hers will be built soon — especially for other young people who want to stay but struggle with affordability.

‘They’re even talking about turning other old buildings into flats, so it’s great to see real investment in helping people stay here.’

With her roots deep in the Uist soil, and her community, Rachel’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. Sometimes it takes a few detours, a bit of self-belief, and a lot of heart.

And for Rachel, that heart is firmly here — on the island, in the nursery, and out on the croft.