Scotland: Charity fundraiser in remote isolation

Self-isolation and social distancing is still the order of the day as the coronavirus pandemic continues. But one charity fundraiser has taken the concept to a whole new level and is living on an otherwise uninhabited remote Scottish island.

Hildasay: The island of Hildasay in the Shetlands, population: one. This remote landscape has become the unexpected home of charity fundraiser Chris Lewis.

Lewis was more than three years into an epic walk around the UK's coastline when the coronavirus pandemic hit. He'd reached the Shetland Islands - a long way from friends and family.

The house is very basic with no gas, electricity or heating, but much more comfortable than camping.

The pandemic has made shopping for groceries difficult in the rest of the country, with long queues outside supermarkets and scarce online delivery slots. But living on a remote island makes getting food even more of a mission.

Lewis is a former paratrooper, his walk is to raise money for veterans charity SSAFA. His target was to raise 100,000 British pounds (approx. $124,000 US dollars), but he has already topped 120,000 pounds.

Lewis has had mental health problems, including anxiety. And on this epic walk, he's had to deal with isolation long before any hint of a virus and lockdown measures appeared.

"When reality set in and I started getting into places like Scotland where there's some barren parts and the Hebrides is barren, then I really was becoming isolated and in a tent so over time, and it did take some time, I just started working out ways of keeping myself occupied and just doing little things to help and obviously having a focus and just remaining positive because it does get very lonely," he says.

His constant companion has been his dog, Jet. "She seems to be enjoying life on Hildisay," he said.

"Since I've had her, we've always been on the move," says Lewis.

"But since we've been here, well we've been here a month, she's starting to relax and it's lovely to watch her go out and do her own thing and chasing rabbits. I know she's completely safe, there's no cliffs or anything on this island. Yeah, she's having a wonderful time and it's a real pleasure to see her just put her feet up and have some fun," he added.

For the Lewis, this epic years-long journey has brought him a lot of joy, despite the tough conditions.

"I do miss a bed and a mattress and clean sheets all the time. And I miss being able to jump into a nice shower and stuff, it does get cold in the sea and in freshwater lochs (Scottish lakes) I can promise you," he says.

"But otherwise, no, I'm genuinely happy, so I don't miss much at all, apart from my family and my daughter."

When lockdown is lifted, Lewis plans on continuing his walk of the British coastline. And once it's complete, he has no intention of returning to 'normal' life - he'll be on the lookout for new adventures.

(With inputs from AP)