We’re Falling Back …
Jonathan & Denise >
… on our own resources, as the coronavirus crisis bears down on us.
With a steady flow of cancellations of our existing bookings, and no new bookings coming in, plus the prospect of almost no visitors to the islands to buy from the Hebridean Woolshed, it’s very unlikely we’ll get enough money coming in to cover costs, let alone leave much profit to live off. In all likelihood, the pandemic will tail off – and restrictions will be lifted – only once our short summer season has already been and gone ; just when the coffers should be full enough to see us through the long winter months (mid October to late March).
The government has guaranteed 80% of the salaries of employees that might otherwise be made redundant – up to £2500 a month, but there’s zero real help for the self-employed, no matter how much more modest our
The Hebridean Woolshed : ‘Citrus Burst’
earnings, other than allowing us to postpone payment of tax bills!
Thank heavens, then, that we own our own house outright, we’re without mortgage or other debt, and have good fertile garden soil and all the other the resources we need to grow much of our own food, and to live healthily and well. There’s scarce a single meal when we don’t acknowledge that with utmost sincerity ; but never in our eighteen years and more here in Uist will we have done so as we do now. And never has artichoke soup – made with the last of this past winter’s crop – been so welcome!
And of course there’s plenty of productive things to do : catching up (perhaps even getting a bit ahead) with maintenance of the holiday cottages (as long as we’re only using materials we already have!). And lots of designing, spinning, weaving, knitting … to increase our stock, in anticipation of, eventually, of business-as-usual.
We acknowledge that there are many individuals and households – that have been termed in recent years ‘the precariat’, the impact of the coronavirus and consequent restrictions is very severe, as many may be confined to their homes which don’t have any access outdoor space that’s not shared or public, let alone a garden or allotment.
Life is intrinsically unfair, isn’t it! Historically, human civilizations have never been inclusive and equitable. (Perhaps there’s an exception we’re unaware of?) We feel that we are bound to live our lives in such a way that, as far as may be possible and practicable, we avoid ambitions and behaviours which can be expected to deprive others of access to the opportunities and resources they need to survive, and if possible to flourish. That’s just the basics, though, isn’t it? We should – all of us – endeavour to give well beyond that, to engage with those we encounter in life, who we can more actively assist – preferably without them or anyone else realizing it.
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I am praying for you both. May you be well blessed this year in your gardening endeavors.
Be safe. We have socially isolated for 3 weeks now. Many items being planted in the garden than in years past. Started my own seedlings this year to go in the garden when safe. Back to making my own bread, eating through the end of last year’s home canned goods. I’m glad we have fresh eggs, will soon have asparagus and peas fresh, salad garden is sprouting. With spindles, spinning wheel, a modest stash of fiber to spin, a stash of cotton and wool to weave, yarn to knit, books to read. Safety is utmost important as we are both above 70. I miss my children and grandchildren, but gets pictures and calls from some of them.
D > That’s already a long time. Here in the UK anyone over 70 or clinically vulnerable is required to isolate (‘take shielding measures’) for 12 weeks. We’re in our low 60s and good health, but here in the islands the population has a high average age, compared to the mainland. We don’t have family here, resident or visiting, and we are going out as little as possible. For us, too, technology helps us keep in touch with family. We have a fairly large stock of fibres and yarns, so no problem there. To be honest, we are looking forward to a year in which we can better enjoy the things we came here to do, and less under pressure from those dratted visitors wanting to buy things from us! We hope you have a good year with time to ponder and savour the life you lead.
Yes, yes, and yes. So very sorry that won’t be an relief for the self-employed. Might that change?
J > Possibly : there’s a lot of complaints about this issue! Even if a scheme is announced, we’ll believe it only when money lands in our bank account! There’s a lot of misconceptions, abroad, about the character of UK society and culture, but one thing that’s always been true of us, ‘fair play’ is very important, and that’s what the issue is here.
May fair play win the day!!!!
J > Well I can now report that the rule of fair play has now been upheld : there is now a scheme to support the incomes of self-employed people, as well as employed. Unfortunately, it’s based on average monthly income (based on tax returns/filings for the past three years – or as little as one year if the business was set up less than three years ago) : but our income is earned in just 5 months – the holiday season. And of course this is support for net income, not revenue. There is, however, also now a separate scheme, specific to self-catering accommodation, which gives a one-off flat payment as help with the fixed costs It’s a bit arbitrary, but it is a great deal better than simply being ignored.
You bet! Yay!!!!