Naive. That’s the only word for it. Tha wait list was already closed - for 2026/27. This is 2025.

The £5k month has become the internet’s favourite promise, but does it really reflect what success looks like for rural women in business? I’d argue no. Self-employment isn’t just about hitting slogans; it’s about autonomy, balance, and building a business that fits your life, not someone else’s blueprint.

Growing up on the Isle of Skye, I saw tourism as a lifeline. Now, it’s gridlock, housing shortages, and strained infrastructure. Is the island at breaking point?