Scotland - Isle of Skye - Hermit and homemade shelter

Hermit, Tom Leppard 72, has been living in seclusion at this unidentified spot on the Isle of Skye, Scotland for 22 years. He crouches as he emerges from his self-made shelter, largely cut-off from the outside world. Converting the north-facing dry-stone walls into a home against harsh Scottish winters, he uses a knowledge of survival skills to help him stay fit and largely healthy although his memory is fading and muscular ailments trouble him. Few know his exact whereabouts but concerned locals visit when weather prevents him from crossing a 2km-wide Loch in an old canoe. A tarpaulin roof is weighted down by heavy rocks as winds can be fierce this far north. His days are spent washing, cleaning and carrying out maintenance jobs that keeps his home clean and fresh. Tom is a former solder and sailor and chose this spot when he sought solitude.

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Filename: 5247-RPB59-leopard_man001-27-09-2007_1.jpg
Copyright: Richard Baker
Image Size: 5315x3543 / 2.3MB; Scottish hermit solitude loneliness privacy private alone seclusion living self-made shelter cut-off outside world conversion design harsh Scotland UK EU European Europe dry-stone wall emerging house home winter knowledge survival health fitness elderly old age ailment whereabouts local tarpaulin roofing maintenance secret location grassy wilderness nature natural protection elements weather tattooed homemade cut off from civilization. castaway Richard Baker reportage photojournalism environmental issues relationships social issues remote outlying personal lifestyle community isolated property ownership domestic landscape unidentified security territory social welfare environment generation climate jeopardy safety inner-peace pretty beautiful undeveloped unspoilt idyllic quiet peaceful tranquil coastline vulnerable geography island life sparse marooned cut off civilization escapism dreams reverie secluded distant faraway far-off far-flung habitat Isle of Skye island outdoors great outdoors wild isolation single recluse troglodyte loner solitary retirement pensioner Leopard Man pension highlands Inverness-Shire
Contained in galleries: Richard Baker - All pics

Hermit, Tom Leppard 72, has been living in seclusion at this unidentified spot on the Isle of Skye, Scotland for 22 years. He crouches as he emerges from his self-made shelter, largely cut-off from the outside world. Converting the north-facing dry-stone walls into a home against harsh Scottish winters, he uses a knowledge of survival skills to help him stay fit and largely healthy although his memory is fading and muscular ailments trouble him. Few know his exact whereabouts but concerned locals visit when weather prevents him from crossing a 2km-wide Loch in an old canoe. A tarpaulin roof is weighted down by heavy rocks as winds can be fierce this far north. His days are spent washing, cleaning and carrying out maintenance jobs that keeps his home clean and fresh. Tom is a former solder and sailor and chose this spot when he sought solitude.