Banjo Beale enjoys a joyful life with his partner, Rohan Beale, or Ro, on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. The couple has created a home there, and now it’s hard for them to move anywhere else.
Both Banjo and Ro are originally from Australia. Also, Banjo’s birth name is Brendan, and he received the nickname “Banjo” from Ro due to his high-strung personality, a label he humorously disputes. Moreover, before meeting Ro, he was commonly known as Bob.
Banjo and his partner’s introduction would not be complete without mentioning their pets. They have a duck named Ferdinand, two pigs called Kath and Kim, and their beloved dog, Grampa.
Professionally, Banjo has established himself as an interior designer and television personality. He is recognized for his captivating shows, including Designing the Hebrides and Scotland’s Home of the Year. Notably, BBC’s Designing the Hebrides has received a BAFTA award.
Talking about Ro, he is actively involved in the cheese-making industry. He manages the production at the award-winning Isle of Mull Cheese. Additionally, he also plays a role in developing a distillery that will utilize leftover whey to create spirits.
Banjo and his partner are open about their relationship, and the BBC star often talks about his “prince charming.” Also, Ro has made appearances on the TV show Designing the Hebrides, where their on-screen chemistry is well-received by viewers. In the series’ final episode, Ro also discussed his work, adding depth to their shared story.
Banjo Beale and his husband Ro’s life with their 80-year-old best friend on the Isle of Mull
Banjo Beale and his husband Ro’s journey on the Isle of Mull started with an unexpected friendship with Chris Reade, an 80-year-old local. In 2015, the pair landed on the island as “broke backpackers.”
I was working in a corporate job in Australia. I quit my job and bought a one-way ticket to Sri Lanka with my partner, Ro. We started backpacking… traveled to Nepal, India, all through Asia, and we had our visas to come and work in the UK.
Though they intended to finish their trip in the UK, Ro told Banjo about his dream to become a cheesemaker in Scotland. This led them to move to Mull.
Subsequently, they ended up at Isle of Mull Cheese, a traditional family-run dairy farm. That’s where they met Chris Reade and formed an unbreakable bond with her.
It won’t be wrong to say Chris, the farm’s matriarch, was their first local friend, and she helped them adjust to island life, as she was the one who gave them advice and jobs.
Their connection with Chris grew deeper, and Banjo even refers to her as his “best friend.” She even asked them to help reopen her café, which the couple agreed on and was a life-changing decision for the two.
This changed things for Ro, who became the cook and bookkeeper, while Banjo styled the café’s offerings. Similarly, it was during this time that the BBC star discovered his passion for interior design.
The café soon turned into a gathering spot for locals hosting events and get-togethers. This helped Banjo and Ro feel more connected to the island and its residents.
Also, Banjo and his partner Ro, with their best pal Chris, began organizing charity nights to raise funds for their yak-farming friends impacted by the earthquake in Nepal.
These days, Ro plays a big part in running Isle of Mull Cheese. Moreover, Banjo’s husband is putting a lot of effort into growing the farm’s distillery project.
Banjo and Ro have built a life together based on friendship, cheese, and a close-knit community on the Isle of Mull. But at one point, the pair left the island and went back to Australia after Banjo started to explore interior design.
Yet Banjo and his husband realized they couldn’t stay away from the Isle of Mull, and they probably missed their friend Chris and the community.
Consequently, they returned to what they considered their true home. Their time in Australia didn’t feel right compared to their life on the Isle of Mull, which led them to head back to Scotland without much delay.
In case you didn’t know, here are other things that Banjo loves about Mull
- Although Banjo and his other half found a lifelong friend in Chris Reade, it wasn’t just her that hooks them in Mull.
- For instance, in an interview, the BBC star expressed that the community’s supportive nature deeply resonated with him and played a significant role in his affection for the Isle of Mull.
- Similarly, Banjo recounted that their first curry night at Sgriob Ruadh cheese farm, which they organized for charity, will always hold a special place in their memories. He noted how incredible it was that he and his partner were able to make so many close friends in just that one evening.
- Banjo also loves how every season in Mull offers inspiration; even during gloomy days, the sea fret over the bay is a breathtaking sight.
- Additionally, Banjo’s time with his partner in Mull has made him a writer. He wrote his first book, Wild Isle Style, in 2023, and recently she finished his second book, titled A Place In Scotland: Beautiful Scottish Interiors.
