Skip to content

Scotland's Secluded Island Including a Dilapidated Castle Available for Purchase at $7.5 Million

Shuna Island is now being marketed by the London-based real estate company, Knight Frank. It can be reached through Islay, local marinas, and Glasgow International Airport.

Scotland's Secluded Island with a Deteriorating Castle Up for Grabs at $7.5 Million
Scotland's Secluded Island with a Deteriorating Castle Up for Grabs at $7.5 Million

Scotland's Secluded Island Including a Dilapidated Castle Available for Purchase at $7.5 Million

Shuna Island, a 1,110-acre private Scottish island located in the Inner Hebrides, is currently up for sale for approximately $7.5 million. This ancient island boasts a rich history dating back nearly 9,000 years and offers a unique blend of heritage, natural wonder, and modern seclusion.

The island's history is deeply rooted, with evidence of Stone Age burial mounds and Iron Age artifacts. It was gifted to Clan Campbell in 1321 by Robert the Bruce and later passed to Clan Maclean before becoming privately owned. The central landmark on the island is Shuna Castle, a ruined structure built in 1911 by George Alexander MacLean Buckley, a New Zealand-born soldier and explorer who had participated in Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition three years earlier.

The castle, which has been a ruin since the 1980s, stands as a dramatic shell with panoramic coastal views and potential for restoration or redevelopment, subject to planning permission. Shuna Island has been owned by the Gully family since 1945, who have managed it as a working farm with 220 Beulah sheep and a private holiday destination with eight residential properties accommodating up to 52 guests.

The estate is fully off-grid, powered sustainably by solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and backup generators. Shuna Island supports thriving wildlife including red and fallow deer, eagles, and porpoises, and offers country sports such as deer stalking and woodcock shooting. Access to the island is via a private pier after a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland, with additional conveniences like boat slipways and a helipad.

Each cottage on Shuna Island comes with a boat, and the island has no roads, but access is available via Craobh Haven Marina or Arduaine Pier. Oban, the nearest transport hub, connects by ferry to several Hebridean islands and has a hospital, train station, and other services.

Shuna Island's archaeological sites include Stone Age burial mounds, Iron Age ritual hoards, and three rare swords dating to the 8th century B.C., discovered in 1875. A boathouse, farmhouse, and several traditional stone houses round out the estate on Shuna Island.

This rare opportunity to own a private Scottish island steeped in history with significant potential for restoration, development, or private retreat is a dream come true for many. It is described as a unique property that offers a blend of heritage, natural wonder, and modern seclusion, suitable for a range of possibilities from private ownership to tourism or conservation ventures.

  1. The Shuna Castle, a dramatic ruin with panoramic views, boasts a unique style of architecture, having been built in the early 20th century by a New Zealand-born explorer who participated in Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition.
  2. The estate on Shuna Island, which supports thriving wildlife, offers a blend of heritage and natural wonder, making it an ideal location for those interested in both history and travel.
  3. Aside from its rich cultural and historical significance, Shuna Island is a paradise for those interested in finance and investing, as it has potential for restoration, development, or use as a private retreat, offering a lucrative real-estate opportunity.
  4. For those with a keen eye for art and lifestyle, Shuna Island presents a unique blend of modern seclusion and ancient historical sites, such as Stone Age burial mounds and Iron Age ritual hoards.
  5. Keeping up with news and trends in the lifestyle and travel industries, Shuna Island's sale is an exciting event, offering the chance to own a piece of Scottish culture and history.

Read also:

    Latest