KEYS TO KNOW

Not one but two Scottish islands came on the market this week. Ulva Island, which is located by the Isle of Mull, has a beautiful neo-classical main house, plus a restaurant, church and eight other houses or cottages, so it is already set up for a running a holiday business or starting your own community.

Little Ross, just off the Meikle Ross headland in south-west Scotland is a more modest offering. The island is home to a lighthouse and the accommodation is the keeper’s cottage, in need of renovation. For those in search of true isolation, an island home with just one dwelling, or the potential to create one, is the dream, but there are plenty of islands on the international market which don’t come attached to the Scottish climate.

From European sailing havens, millionaire’s paradises in North America or the Caribbean, or South Pacific atolls, there is a plethora of choice if you have the right budget.

Just remember to leave enough to buy a boat, or a helicopter. Where is it: Isle of Ulva, Argyll. What is it: Close to Mull, it has 4,500 acres of land, a B-listed main house and nine other buildings, including houses, a church, a restaurant, cafe and agricultural steadings. There are two moorings and three anchorages. Good points: With breathtaking coastline, beaches, fishing, wildlife and the properties, it represents an opportunity to make a good return on the investment. Bad points: A huge undertaking. Price: Offers over £4.25 million. Contact: Knight Frank on 0131 222 9600.