USP Island life

Manyofusdreamof owning our own island but if you don’t have the budget to stretch to a Mediterranean idyll, there are other options on the market.

Lying close to the mainland and the jetty at Old Poltalloch near

Lochgilphead in Argyll, the 13-acre Eilean Nan Gabhar is truly unspoilt. It has been in the same family ownership for more than 70 years but rarely visited.

The ground is covered with a mix of lush vegetation, grassland, gorse and impressive rock formations.

A rough path accessible by foot links two halves, which mirror each other, rising up to their highest points with trees and wildflowers

including rowan, willow, beech, bog myrtle, hawthorn, wild garlic and honeysuckle.

There might not be any amenities but there are stunning views of Craignish and Rum.

Eilean Nan Gabhar has a sheltered anchorage from which the pebbly beach can be accessed by a tender, RIB or kayak and a large shallow bay providing a natural haven for otters and sea birds, plus a sheltered cove

suitable for a pontoon.

For an owner who would like their own private kingdom to explore and watch the wildlife it is an affordable option.

Eilean Nan Gabhar translates as isle of the goat – just like the rather more expensive Italian island of Capri.