USP Island magic

While Scotland’s rugged coastline does throw up the opportunity to buy your own private island from time to time, if you are in the market for something a little sunnier, Illa d’en Colom looks tempting.

The stunning Mediterranean islet is 200 metres off the coast of Menorca in the beautiful Balearics.

Forming part of a national park, the island covers 58 hectares and is opposite the very pretty northeasterly fishing village of Es Grau, just ten minutes from the capital of Mahón.

Illa d’en Colom has two stunning beaches – the shallow waters at Tamarindos and the steeper incline at Arenal d’en Morro.

As for accommodation, there is a two-storey house of approximately 100sq m with an annex on one side of the island and a larger wooden cabin on the other.

The buildings have fallen somewhat into disrepair but refurbishing or rebuilding can be undertaken following the footprints. They represent a unique opportunity to create an island estate in a protected area.

Es Grau, which is a quick row across the bay for daily provisions, is a quiet fishing village, and one of the most beautiful spots on the Menorca coastline.

Its cluster of white houses attracts holidaymakers from Mahón and makes it one of the best unsung beach holiday spots.