Meet the Islanders: Sally

Meet Sally, an artist, maker, self-described nomad. Splitting her time between Scotland, her van and the communities she finds along the way, Sally has created a life shaped by creativity, curiosity and a love of adventure.

We sat down with Sally to talk about life on the road, her love of Scotland, creative expression and what it means to make a home wherever you go.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, where you're from, and what you do?

"It’s hard these days to define yourself as just one thing. I love mycology and ecology. I’m an artist. I do scenic painting, props and décor for a living. I’m just a bit of a fool, and I live in a van, which people think is crazy but I love it."

What is your favourite thing about living in Scotland?

"I absolutely love August in Edinburgh. There’s so much going on, so much culture."

What are some of your favourite Scottish traditions, or some that you’ve learned while you’ve been here?

“It’s definitely ceilidh dancing. Especially ‘The Blooming Heather’. I have a soft spot for it, as we actually sang that at my mum’s funeral."

What first sparked your interest in your nomadic way of life?

“It’s funny, because I love community so much. I even visit a community every year to live communally, and I love building things together.

So, a lot of people ask me, ‘If you love community so much, why would you travel alone and live in a van?’ But I just love the sense of adventure.

I travel very slowly, too. I prefer not to drive for more than about 40 minutes. Maybe I’m a bit like ivy in that way, because I root myself wherever I go. Even though I travel so far, I realise that I can make places home and make friends wherever I go.

And now I don’t feel that same sense of loss when I say goodbye to a place, because I know I can always come back. And when I do, things will still be there.”

What do you love most about what you do?

“I think it’s the feeling of not quite knowing what’s around the corner. I’ve always had a bit of bravery in me, which is probably why this lifestyle doesn’t suit everyone.

You’re stripped back from the little easinesses of everyday life...even things like laundry and having a shower. Today I was thinking, ‘I need to freshen up, so I’m going to have to go to the reservoir and swim,’ which, in the Scottish climate, isn’t always quite so simple!”

Is there a story behind how you got started?

“I work at festivals quite a lot, and I remember seeing so many people living in vans while working at them. I’d think, ‘Oh, that’s so cool!’ But it never really occurred to me that it could be an option for me.

My parents are from the ’50s, so I suppose I wasn’t sure what they would think about it. But then my mum surprised me. She told me that she’d always wanted to do it too. She’d just never mentioned it before. When I got the van, she was like, ‘Oh my God, amazing! I always wanted to do this!’ She was completely behind me. She was like, ‘You go, girl!’

I’ve made the van into my own little home, using wood and natural materials. I love yellows, oranges and blues, so those are the colours I’ve brought into it. I built everything myself, learnt the electrics, installed a wood stove and created a space that feels completely mine.

I love the freedom of it. I love waking up without being surrounded by ugly buildings and having beautiful views right outside my door. There’s something really special about being able to make your own home and take it wherever you go.”

How would you describe your personal style?

“I think my style is quite whimsical. I like natural materials and autumnal colours, and I love knitwear and things like that. But then I also really love bright colours, so one day I’ll be in natural wool and more earthy colours, and the next day I’ll look a bit like a clown!

I like being able to express myself through what I wear. I quite like wearing things that make people laugh or make people think, ‘What is she wearing?’ I think there’s something fun about that."

I also have a more whimsical side. I’ve got a belt that I soldered and put a little moon on, and I’ve tied antlers onto things. I love that sort of fantasy, fairytale feeling. I think my style is probably quite free, and it always has a lot of creative flair, whether that’s through natural materials and texture or through really bright colours.

So, I think the word would be whimsical.”

What does a typical day look like for you?

“I’ll park at the reservoir, go for a swim, then head out for a forage for herbs and mushrooms. After that, I’ll either relax or spend some time painting. Later on, I’ll meet up with friends. I’m usually saying, ‘Let’s go see a show. Let’s go dancing.’

If I’m not working on my craft, I’m off on an adventure.”

Do you feel like living in Scotland influences your style?

“Yes, of course it does. The weather, for one. I have quite a wholesome wardrobe. I love knitwear and I love wool. I’ve just got a new jumper and a new hat, and I call it my Orkney outfit.

I love the heritage aspect of it, to be honest. I think living in Scotland naturally influences what I wear, from the materials I choose to the layers I reach for.”

What is your favourite Islander bag?

“The Carloway Backpack.”

Why do you love it?

“Because I just like the shape. I love a backpack. It’s sturdy and it smells good.I love the natural Harris Tweed. It makes me feel smart and cute and clever, and I think it goes with my leather shoes it makes me feel very academic.”