A BRITISH couple have stated they prevented the coronavirus pandemic by shifting to a tiny island simply days earlier than the UK went into lockdown.
Luke and Sarah Flanagan moved to Owey Island off the west coast of County Donegal in Eire on March 14 final yr – about one week earlier than coronavirus restrictions have been launched.
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Luke and Sarah Flanagan moved to Owey Island in March final yrCredit score: SWNS:South West Information Service
The small island is situated off the west coast of County Donegal in EireCredit score: SWNS:South West Information Service
The pair wished to take pleasure in a slower tempo of life – and had no concept of what they have been going to keep away from by shifting to the island.
After shifting to Owey Island, Luke, 34, and Sarah, 36, managed to stay remoted and utterly keep away from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The couple, initially from Leeds, West Yorkshire, have been dwelling within the Scottish Highlands after they noticed an advert on-line providing the chance to change into tenants of a small cottage – and determined to maneuver there.
Aside from some summer time residents, Owey Island – which has no electrical energy, no fuel and no working water – is abandoned for many of the yr.
Luke thinks the house owner wished to show it’s potential to spend a whole winter season on Owey, hoping others will do the identical sooner or later.
On the island, Sarah and Luke catch fish, have hens for eggs and develop their very own greens.
COMPLETELY ISOLATED
Over summer time, they used a dinghy to achieve the closest mainland – which is about three quarters of a mile from Owey Island – and top off on meals for winter.
The pair say their expertise on the island has been “unbelievable” and so they have “liked it”.
Sarah, a social employee, stated: “I communicate to my mum in Leeds and we will’t imagine what’s happening, it’s like we’re dwelling in several worlds.
“We acquired to the island on round March 14, so actually per week earlier than lockdown, and to date we have now missed all the Covid insanity.
“We’re dwelling in slightly cottage with a coal fireplace utilizing coal we stocked up on over the summer time, we use a tank to gather rainwater, we prepare dinner utilizing massive fuel bottles which we additionally stocked up on in the summertime months and we have now photo voltaic panels which we connect to our automotive battery to cost all through the day earlier than we cost our telephones.”
In summer time, they went to the closest mainland to top off on mealsCredit score: SWNS:South West Information Service
Sarah and Luke purchased a dinghy that they use when the climate is calmCredit score: SWNS:South West Information Service
Sarah, 36, together with her canines on the islandCredit score: SWNS:South West Information Service
The couple have stated they wash themselves and their garments with rainwater they gather.
Their two rescue canines reside with Luke and Sarah on the island.
Sarah stated they’ve good 4G web connection even when there is no such thing as a wifi on Owey Island.
Luke, who works as a joiner, stated: “It’s been actually bizarre and unusual listening to about the whole lot that’s taking place whereas being remoted on this little island.
“As you’ll be able to think about, we haven’t needed to fear about social distancing.
“The expertise as a complete has been unbelievable.
“The tempo of life is so gradual but it surely’s beautiful, we spend our days out strolling with the canines, rising our personal meals and studying new abilities.
“It’s not for everybody however we have now liked it.”
The closest mainland is about three quarters of a mile awayCredit score: SWNS:South West Information Service
Owey Island solely has some residents over summer timeCredit score: SWNS:South West Information Service
The couple stated their expertise on the island has been ‘unbelievable’Credit score: SWNS:South West Information Service
