His name is Ken Smith. Lives on the shores of a lake in a remote part of Scotland. The reason to say something special about him here is that he is not a man like everyone else.

For the past 40 years, Ken Smith has been living differently from the lives of ordinary people. There is no electricity in the house where he is staying. The tap is also not visible. 

This life is great. Everyone wants to live like this. Not everyone may think that being alone, bathing outside, washing clothes, fishing, climbing firewood and cooking are all ideal.

But, at the age of 74, he is doing all this work. It takes 2 hours to reach the main road from the small room where he lives.

Filmmaker Lizzie McKenzie met Ken nine years ago. She filmed several scenes on Ken for the media Scotland documentary The Hermit of a Tree.

A life-changing event

But, at the age of 26, he was attacked by some thugs at night. His life changed after this incident. He was in a coma for 23 days after bleeding in the brain.

Ever since then I have wanted to live with my ideas, not relying on anyone, not on anyone's advice, Ken explained the background of his solitary life.

When he returned home, he discovered his parents dead. None of the relatives knew where he was until he reached home.

Destination found

He realized he had found the place he wanted to live. Ken stopped his pain and grief and ended his journey. He built a house right there with small sticks.

A wood-burning stove has been burning in that house for four decades. But there are no facilities like electricity, gas, water tap. There is no chance of a mobile signal coming here.

Firewood is washed in the forest and brought home. Vegetables and berries are grown on their own. His main food is found in the lake. They are nothing more ... fish.

Health problems

While giving firewood, he had a sudden heart attack and fell. He sent a signal through his GPS personal locator that he was in danger. 

This signal is sent by the Response Center in Houston. From here the message went to the Coast Guard in the United Kingdom.

He was eventually airlifted to ford William Hospital in England. He filled seven weeks in the hospital.

A few days before the heart attack, Ken had a GPS personal locator.

However, doctors and other medical staff advised him to join the care centre. 

But, Ken does not agree and decides to come to his old house on the shore of the lake.

Officers who look after the forest area where Ken lives provide him with the food he needs once every two weeks. The government is also giving a pension. 

He may get sick again sometime. One day he will go away from this world, but his imprints never fade.