This Ex-Soldier and His Dog Are Self-Isolating on an Uninhabited Scottish Island

Photo: Chris Walks the UK/Facebook

The house is a former shepherd’s hut without running water, heat, or electricity, and he was generously offered the keys by the owner’s family once they learned about his situation. Lewis forages and fishes for food, collects driftwood, and survives on a regular shipment of fresh water and coal from the mainland.

“I’ve mainly been in isolation for the past two years,” he said, “due to the nature of the places we’ve been walking. When I heard there was going to be a lockdown, I was kindly given a boat to get over to Hildasay, which is an uninhabited island. I thought it would be better if I wasn’t on the mainland — I didn’t want to be in the way.”

Photo: Chris Walks the UK/Facebook

Far from letting his new living situation dampen his spirits, Lewis says he’s actually very pleased with the situation.

“It has really given me a chance to enjoy the island. I’m able to reflect on the walk so far, just realizing what this has done to help me personally and the amount of amazing people there are in the UK. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.”

Once the lockdown is lifted, Lewis will continue his walk north before heading back down the east coast. So far, he has raised £112,055, or almost $140,000.