New Financial Year, New Budget

What's in the pot for the 2025/26 financial year at Frugaldom?

For the past 4 years, we have trialled the concept of 'aires', which we were led to believe were the most frugal, affordable forms of safe, legal, overnight park-ups for campervans and motorhomes. During the lockdowns imposed on us all during the COVID pandemic, local councils were faced with the massive problem of where to send folks in campervans and motorhomes if they had no other places to go. Our local council here in Dumfries & Galloway were actively seeking land suitable for parking up to 3 such vehicles at a time, so we volunteered our yard. 

Through this, we met many fabulous new friends, many of whom have remained in contact and still visit to volunteer here at Frugaldom. When the council licensing ended in 2022 (I think), we were then able to remain open under the guidance of the recently formed CAMpRA - a group established to introduce and encourage new Aires - with an exemption licence being issued by MotorhomeFun. Another year on and CAMpRA had formed their own rally group to issue aire certification. Things weren't all that we had expected in the beginning. Our vision of offering peaceful, off-grid overnight parking where people could get back to nature, relax and share the enjoyment of watching the local wildlife while paying just £5 per night, however, wasn't quite what most motorhomers were seeking and as we had no intentions of going down the campsite route. The decision was taken to close our Aire completely. Huge thanks to all who did visit during the past 4 years but, sadly, it just wasn't viable when we were averaging less than 2 vehicles per week over that period plus facing escalating bills to cover maintenance, repairs and extra public liability insurance. As of 31st March 2025, our yard is no longer open to the public for overnight parking.

WHAT NOW?

Now, with the new financial year upon us, we have returned to focussing our attention on nature and the wildlife garden while caring for the resident ponies and goats, plus developing our off-grid hutting project. Frugal living is still at the cite of all we do. 

Harvey is still creating environmental artwork that stands on display within the orchard areas, wildlife garden and tree planting zones. The wildlife is being encouraged and our membership of supporters is slowly growing, although we still have a few places left to fill. Members can choose to pay from as little as £5 per month to become Friends of Frugaldom and either support the project from afar or visit whenever possible. Funds contribute towards the care of the animals and wildlife. Pony partners pay from £10 each month to help cover extra costs of caring for rescued, rehomed and retired ponies here while wildlife watchers pay from £25 per month, which affords the luxury of using a hut for wildlife watching. 

For those with the dream of a cabin in the woods, we offer our happy hutters option - £50 per month - which pretty much provides you with a holiday home in the shape of an off-grid cabin for regular, short stay accommodation throughout the year. The huts also provide fabulous opportunities to observe the badgers, pine martens and wild birds up close by way of the various feeding stations that have been created nearby.

As you can see, we have an unusual mix of what I now refer to as Scottish pandas (badgers) and pine martens.

There is no knowing what our trail cameras might pick up through the night so we always invite visiting members to bring along their own if stopping over for a night or few. Over night parking is now readily available in the yard while wildlife watching, volunteering or staying in the huts. 

Watch out for the feral cats, especially this one. We named her Caramel, she is the only one of 5 or 6 who shows up during daylight hours to follow us around as we work. We do have a few feline fans among the Friends of Frugaldom and to those, we say thank you for helping us feed the cats.

Frugaldom is run entirely as a voluntary project. We receive no financial support other than that provided by our group memberships and occasional donations. The ethos has always been, and will always be, about sharing, caring and offering opportunities to those who may not, otherwise, be able to enjoy art in nature, wildlife and the animals in our care. Frugal living is what affords us the luxury of running the project. Not all things that seem 'too good to be true' are too good to be true. 

The Frugal living challenge is still running within the forums of Moneysavingexpert.com website where you are also welcome to join us.

Frugal Living in Scotland: Off-Grid Tips to Simplify, Save and Thrive

A Simpler Life Awaits 

Living off-grid in Scotland offers an incredible opportunity to reconnect with nature, reduce your footprint, and embrace a simpler life. But let’s be honest - getting started (or thriving) off-grid isn’t always easy, especially when money’s tight. The good news? By adopting a frugal mindset, you can cut waste, prioritise your needs and free yourself from the chains of debt, all while building a sustainable lifestyle.

Let’s talk about how to simplify your life, save money, and truly thrive off the grid. Whether you are aiming for full-time or simple recreational time, being off-grid doesn't necessarily save you money so be prepared to learn new skills.

1. Waste Less, Save More

Waste is one of the biggest drains on your wallet—and the planet. When living off-grid, every resource matters.

Food: Plan meals carefully, cook from scratch, and learn to love leftovers. Compost your scraps to feed your garden rather than your bin. Foraging in Scotland’s bountiful countryside (think wild berries, nettles, or mushrooms) is not only fun but also free.

Energy: Minimize waste by using what you have wisely. Turn off appliances when not in use, seal up drafts in your home, and embrace the power of the sun and wind. Relying on small solar systems may not work through a Scottish winter so be prepared to invest in the biggest panels you can for your portable system. Even small changes, like switching to energy-efficient bulbs, can save you money and these use far less energy if you are relying on rechargeable battery power.

Water: Harvest rainwater for household and garden use. Simple systems like barrels or tanks can save thousands of litres over a year and this rain water can easily be filtered and heated on a stovetop for washing. There are some really good portable filtration systems available nowadays if you need this water for drinking and cooking.

2. Focus on Needs, Not Wants

When you strip life down to the essentials, you’ll be amazed at how much you don’t actually need.

Clothing: Invest in durable, weather-appropriate clothing that suits Scotland’s climate. Buying second-hand or repairing what you already own beats splurging on unnecessary trends.

Housing: If you're building or renovating off-grid, think practical. A tiny home or cabin might meet your needs better than a larger property with higher costs.

Entertainment: Rediscover free joys—long walks, reading, crafting, or gathering with friends and neighbours around a fire. Luxuries like expensive streaming services or gadgets often pale in comparison to meaningful experiences.

3. Say Goodbye to Luxuries

If you’re serious about frugal living, it’s time to reevaluate what you define as a “luxury.”

Cut Back: That daily coffee run, fancy gym membership, or subscription box might feel small but adds up quickly. Brew your own tea, chop your own wood, or get your exercise working in the garden.

DIY Mentality: Learn to make or fix things yourself. From growing vegetables to basic home repairs, every skill you master keeps more money in your pocket.

Barter and Trade: Scotland’s tight-knit communities can be perfect for swapping skills and goods. Trade your surplus eggs or vegetables for your neighbour’s baked goods or handyman services.

4. Get Out of Debt—and Stay Out

Debt is a weight you don’t want dragging you down while living off-grid. Here’s how to break free:

Start Small: Focus on paying off high-interest debt first. Even small extra payments can make a big difference over time.

Create a Budget: Track your income and expenses to understand where your money goes. Stick to a strict plan that prioritises essentials over wants.

Avoid New Debt: Before making any purchase, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Could I borrow it, buy second-hand, or make do without?

Use What You Have: Make the most of the tools, resources, and materials you already own before buying new.

5. Embrace the Rewards of Frugal Living

Off-grid living isn’t about deprivation—it’s about empowerment. By focusing on what truly matters, you’ll find freedom, resilience, and peace of mind. Imagine a life where you’re debt-free, where your hard work goes toward building a future rather than paying off the past, and where you can wake up each day knowing you’re living sustainably and intentionally.

Start Small, Start Now

Frugal living isn’t about overnight change; it’s about steady, intentional progress. Start with small steps—cook more at home, cut one luxury from your budget, or make an extra debt payment. Round down on debts and up on savings. With time, these changes add up to a simpler, freer, and more fulfilling life.

So, whether you’re just dreaming of off-grid life in Scotland or you’re already on the journey, remember: every penny saved is a step closer to a life that’s truly your own.

Frugaldom is our off-grid project located in southwest Scotland. Although we don't live here full-time, we spend every available minute striving for an affordable, sustainable, simple lifestyle surrounded by nature. Budgeting is part of everyday life and aiming for zero waste is part of that. 

If you can take care of the pennies, share our love of the great outdoors and save yourself just £5 per month, you can afford to join Friends of Frugaldom to make the most of what we can collectively achieve here, come rain, hail, sleet or snow. Who knows, we may even get some sunshine for the solar and add a few more vegetable beds to the project. We just need your help to make it all work.

Hut 3

 

Pine marten

Some of our badger clan

Mrs Fox

Badger at hut 2

The newest feeding station

Hutting - what is it?

Hut 3

Hutting is literally about living off-grid in a hut. It is camping out in a sustainably built, wooden hut but with the addition of a few home comforts like a comfy armchair, a log burner for the colder nights and space to cook, wash and live a little while enjoying your recreational time. It's like time spent in a cabin in the woods. You are surrounded by nature and the wildlife that inhabits the area. Frugaldom has three recreational huts and countless opportunities for Friends of Frugaldom who help support the project by sharing the running costs. Frugaldom is not for profit, it is run entirely voluntarily. We are always looking for like-minded individuals to come along and join our mini community for a few days or weeks, to make the most of holidays and weekends, either in campervans/motorhomes of by staying in the huts. To support this fantastic project, check out our 'Happy Hutters' option in the membership tiers at our www.ko-fi.com/Frugaldom site and sign up from as little as £5 per month. Or, simply send us a donation and we will spend it on food for the sanctuary anumals and wildlife. :)