Source : Perth Now news
Whisky has been credited for increasing the population of remote islands in Scotland.
A wave of new jobs creating the liquor is thought to be the primary reason behind a population boom in the Highlands, with thriving tourism and remote working also contributing factors.
The peaceful lifestyle on the islands has convinced many temporary workers to stay permanently and the population has increased by 13 per cent compared to 20 years ago.
New distilleries on Islay and outposts on the remote islands of Raasay and Benbecula have created hundreds of jobs providing year-round employment rather than just seasonal work.
The Isle of Skye is at the heart of the population boom – with a 40 per cent rise since 2011 – as the area’s Mossburn Distillers have converted a derelict farmhouse into their distillery and visitor centre.
Iona Fraser, who works there and has bought a home on the isle, told the Daily Star newspaper: “The job has also given me pride in actually having a career, rather than just kind of milling about with any job that came your way.”
