Monty Hall's - No Great Escape

[Highland Damsel]

I hate to say it but it's absolutely true, he apparently spent alot of his time in the "big hoose" and didn't stay much at the bothy, so many people think the whole thing is a bit of a joke and hugely romanticised. Living up here is great, the scenery is amazing, nearly a decade after moving here it still blows me away but life is more than just a pretty view (when you can see it). Crofting is not much as he is portraying it in this day and age. Jobs up here are hard to come by and are often part time and alot of people have to have two or three jobs to get by and this is almost doubly true for crofters. There are many people who move up here who have such a preconcieved notion of what it's going to be like that the dream can turn sour when reality isn't quite as romantic. The programme is a great thing for the area in some ways but doesn't present an entirely accurate portrayal.

[Meta menardi]

Read any of lilian Beckwith's books they are lovely.

Lillian Beckwith

That world is gone.

[PMG]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

Read any of lilian Beckwith's books they are lovely.

Lillian Beckwith

That world is gone.

Ah-ha so you're a fan too! I read her books years ago when I was waiting to go into hospital for a thyroid op. I tripped over one in the LIbrary and sat down in a corner and read it almost without bringing it home I was so captivated. I can still remember the illustrations of her chasing the daft cow with an oatmeal cake and talking about Erchy and all the others and the fun with the peat cuting I made a vow after reading them all that I was going to visit the Outer Isles as soon as I was able ..... it took almost a decade to achieve but as many know I've returned almost every year (and sometimes twice) since 1990 ........... I've been out there in good and bad .... and heavenly bliss and anguished hell (all weather dependant!) and I still love the place - I'm a Lancashire lass born and bred - not a hint of Scots in me (more than a bit of Irish apparently not far back) but when I go to the Isles I feel like I'm going home and when I leave I cry ..........

Pauline

[djjenner]

Must say, despite any critisms leveled at Mr Hall, that this is one of the nicest programs I have watched recently.
I was not surprised to hear that he availed himself of the comforts of the village, who would'nt!
Good presenter, excellent filming, a real pleasure to watch, many thanks to the BBC for making it available in I-Player.

Regards

Dave

[bob b]

I was wild camping for 3 days last september, 200 metres from "montys croft". There was a new roof on the building, but absolutely no sign of life. But its a beautiful place, and caught two sea trout within 5 minutes just spinning of the rocks. Left the heads and guts on the rocks, and just before dark along came mr otter for a free tea.

[PMG]

As a peice for the telly its been a wonderful programme - the scenery and the weather alone has made this worth watching. Of course I took it all tongue in cheek as I had a pretty good idea it was all stuff and nonsense I assume Mr Hall is a journalist and if so then thats what journalism is all about - presenting something the way you want others to see it - not neccessarily in a true way! and that should be remembered when you read a newspaper (something I gave up years ago!) even the 'best' papers still have journalists who put the slant lthey want on the story they write.....

The locals regard all visitors with tolerance and amusement ....... of course they think we're mad we go to where they live and think its dreamy -for us its an escape.... they come to towns and cities on the mainland and think exactly the same - neither of us going in either direction has any long lasting conception of the problems in either lifestyle. Folks move out of city life to remote areas to escape the pressures of urban life and take on the pressures of remote living - do it all yourself - stand on your own two feet living and either thrive and love it - or buckle and come home - and long may folks be able to do this if they wish. I watched the chappies kids playing in the sea and eating fresh caught food and salad straight out of the ground and thought it was truly wonderful - what are the chances that his kids are going to be bored, roaming the streets at night drinking cider, taking drugs, doing damage, frightening old folk, stealing cars ....... very little chance I would hope.... and that would be exactly why that chap went there and started a croft I should imagine ..........

Pauline

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by bob b

I was wild camping for 3 days last september.

Hmm, I'd hardly class a Winnibego as 'wild camping'!
;^)

Jim

[ChrisJB]

Since Ron has alerted me to an element of deceit associated with this programme, it has taken the gloss off it slightly. However, I still enjoy it tremendously. The location of the croft and the Applecross area is nothing short of breathtaking, even in the depth of winter when I was there (though it was a rather nice and sunny winter's day).
The stuff he gets up to as well will do for me. He climbs mountains, watches wildlife, and goes sea-fishing. In my book, there's nowt finer than that and just what I like to do on holiday. Roll on May.

Regards, Chris

[Vectisbirder]

I enjoyed the first couple of episodes but haven't watched it since, due entirely to the fact that it clashes with the wonderful No 1 Ladies Detective Agency (which I am a huge fan of) over on BBC1.
Regarding Monty Hall, I think I'd be tempted to spend a bit of time in the village while the croft was being done up, too. Bit draughty otherwise.

[forestfalcon]

we were enjoying the series but were disappointed to see Monty take part in a raft race using polystyrene floats....isn't he supposed to be a marine biologist?