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鈥業 traded a bustling Asian mega-city for life on a Hebridean island鈥�

5 February 2019

“I was like a wee child: I had to learn everything. I felt a little bit lonely.”

Originally from the densely-populated mega-city of Dhaka – the capital of Bangladesh – Himel moved to London as a 21-year-old, only to face another crowded city and a new set of challenges.

“It was hard. I didn’t have any friends and English is not my first language.”

So when a friend suggested moving north to Scotland, Himel was willing to take the chance.

But rather than one of Scotland’s bigger cities, Himel ended up moving to the considerably less populated Isle of Skye.

  • Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and has 17,151,925* people living within a 2,161 km² area.
  • Skye is one of the isles of the Inner Hebrides and has 10,008* people living within a 1,656 km² area.
*These comparable figures relate to 2011 census. Dhaka is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and is currently considered to have a population of nearer 20 million people.

‘Skye is completely different; it is beautiful’

Himel’s friend suggested they open up an Indian restaurant on Skye.

“The lack of population made this a gamble.”

But he trusted his friend’s judgement. The two men purchased a property that had, in a previous incarnation, been one of the island’s cafés.

“We didn’t have enough money to redecorate, so it looks like a coffee shop but is providing Indian food.”

The first few weeks of trading were a struggle. Turnout was low, but word-of-mouth soon helped the business turn a corner.

“This community was very welcoming — they love our place. All the local people are really kind.”

Himel now has a family.

“My son is the only Asian boy in his school, but he is very accepted. He plays the chanter and is learning shinty.

“I love to see my family in this wonderful place. I feel Scottish. I feel Bangladeshi as well, but Scotland is my home.”

From Pakistan to Lewis and Harris

Stories from some of the Pakistani community on the Scottish Isles. (From 2018)

Swapping India for the Highlands

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