Yvonne and Alan West
Moved to the Heart of Sutherland in 2020

Finding a New Life in the North Highlands: Alan and Yvonne Wests’ Story

Meet Alan and Yvonne West – a professional couple who traded the hustle and bustle of Sussex for the wild beauty of Sutherland, where they’ve built their dream business, Ceol Mor Highland Lodges, and embraced a peaceful (but never dull!) way of life.

A Change of Scene, A Fresh Start

After years of building their lives and careers in Sussex, Alan and Yvonne found themselves craving something different – not just a new house, but a completely new lifestyle. They cast their net wide, exploring all corners of the UK, but it was the North Highlands that truly captured their hearts.

With a vision of running a holiday accommodation business and a firm list of essentials; including strong internet, a nearby airport, grocery delivery, and good business potential, they eventually came across a rural property near Ardgay in central Sutherland. The house, formerly a B&B, had great bones and plenty of space to create something special.

Taking the Leap

Despite only seeing the property virtually, they had a good feeling about it, and the warm, down-to-earth support from the previous owners only strengthened their decision. Alan headed north first, with Yvonne following a few months later once her work commitments allowed.

Those early months weren’t without challenges, but Alan quickly found his feet. With a mindset of “we’ll make this work,” he threw himself into local life, and it wasn’t long before he was on first-name terms with the neighbours. The welcome was genuine, the support heartfelt, and that sense of community made all the difference.

Bringing Ceol Mor to Life

After nine long months apart, Yvonne finally made the move north – and the real adventure began. Their original plan had been to install pre-built glamping pods, but site access made that tricky. Thanks to advice from new local friends and contactors, they pivoted to something even better: beautiful, handcrafted wooden lodges, designed and built by skilled local tradespeople to blend perfectly into their peaceful setting overlooking the Kyle of Sutherland.

“You won’t find a lack of problem-solving skills in the Highlands,” says Yvonne. “Tradespeople here rely on their reputations – they’re reliable, take real pride in their work, and word-of-mouth is everything.”

Settling Into Highland Life

With the business up and running, Alan and Yvonne fully embraced their new lifestyle. Alan now works full-time in a nearby role, while Yvonne manages the lodges – and together, they spend time getting to know every corner of the region. Driven by Alan’s love of the outdoors, history, and photography, and Yvonne’s passion for food, events, and local culture, they’re always discovering something new – and sharing it with their guests through regular “Friday Updates” on social media.

They knew from the start how important it was to offer guests more than just a place to stay – they wanted to share real, local experiences. That means everything from scenic walks and hidden beaches to pop-up restaurants, ceilidhs, and community markets.

They’ve also built their own community close to home. Yvonne found connection through classes and events at the Kyle of Sutherland Hub, a welcoming space offering everything from a gym and café to wellbeing sessions and workshops. “In the South, you might never meet your neighbours,” she says. “Here, everyone knows everyone, there’s always someone to lend a hand.”

Living the Dream

Running your own business is never a walk in the park, but Alan and Yvonne have found a new kind of busy, one where daily commutes are swapped for lochside views, and the noise of the city is replaced by birdsong and fresh air. Of course, rural life requires a bit of planning (especially for shopping or takeaway nights!), but the rewards far outweigh the small adjustments.

When they need a city fix – or fancy a flight to hotter climates – Inverness city and airport are just over an hour away. And they love welcoming family and friends, many of whom now stay longer and truly unwind. “Guests often arrive with jam-packed itineraries,” Alan laughs, “but the pace here gets to them – in the best possible way. Before they know it, they’re just sitting on the deck, watching the light change over the hills.”

That’s what they call the Ceol Mor Magic – and they’re living it, every day.