A remote Scottish island in the Summer Isles has come onto the market for £500,000.
Mullagrach just north of Ullapool is uninhabited, spans 89 acres of rugged rock and offers scenic views of the archipelago.
In the 1950s, it was snapped up for £25.
It is a haven for nature with burgeoning numbers of great skua, black-backed gulls, dolphins, kittiwake, fulmar, geese and otters.
Caretaker and boatman Steve Husband has taxied the island’s owners to and from the Wester Ross shoreline for some years.
He also helped build a comfortable timber shelter which has proved a sanctuary when stormy weather leaves visitors stranded.
Speaking from his London home, Mullagrach’s owner Chris Bown said: “I’ve certainly been there on occasions when I’ve spoken to the local fisherman who’s going to give me a lift and he’s said ‘well, I think today may not be the best day to come off’.
“So, you stay for another day and that, if you like, is the purpose of the cabin. But it needs somebody who embraces that, who understands that, and who can see that the plus side of all of that is: it really is like being on a different planet.”
Mullagrach’s guardian for the past 18 years says restricted access has benefited nature.
“Anybody can visit it if they want to because it’s outdoors in Scotland,” Chris said. “But my impression is that there are the occasional kayakers who land when it’s calm.
“But people are respectful of it and there’s never been any interference or damage or any particular interference with the birds or the birds’ nesting.”
A delicate touch, by Chris – a lawyer turned conservationist – has paid dividends.
Steve Husband said: “He hasn’t interfered with the environment at all, so it’s all natural regrowth, natural rejuvenation.
“Chris’ hands-off approach, his light footprint approach, I think really benefits the island.”
There has been considerable interest in the property.
Phiddy Robertson of agents Galbraith said: “We have had enquiries from all over the world.
“Some people have responded, saying ‘what an amazing property to be able to sell’ and how much they’re enchanted by it but just aren’t in a position to buy it.
“It’s one of those properties that has so much to give on so many different levels for the seller, for the agent and also for the lucky buyer.”
The asking price for the island is offers over £500,000 while a second lot of a four-bedroom house on the neighbouring Coigach coast is priced at offers over £395,000.
It could prove a winning investment.
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