Scottish island made famous in TV series for sale
A private Scottish Island that featured in one of television’s first reality shows has been put on sale and estate agents are seeking offers of over £2 million.
Taransay in the Outer Hebrides became famous as the setting for the BBC television series Castaway. It is actually two islands connected by a peninsula of sand and has white sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and heather moorland.
Taransay has been inhabited since about 300 A.D. when it was home to Celtic pagans. Throughout history it has been the site of fierce battles including the Massacre of Taransay in 1544, when the Morrisons of Lewis invaded.
At one time there were three villages on Taransay, but the population dwindled, with the last remaining family moving to the mainland in 1974 when the island became mainly a place for sheep grazing.
However in 2000, the island became home to a group of castaways as part of the hit television series. The original buildings on the island were renovated and since 2002 have been used as self catering holiday cottages.
The traditional farmhouse has been recently refurbished and combines comfortable modern accommodation with truly outstanding views across the beach. The old school chalet has also been upgraded to a high standard with open plan accommodation overlooking the bay, whilst the bothy offers more basic accommodation, ideal for a group of up to 10.
The island also offers the country sportsman an abundance of activity, according to agents CKD Galbraith who are marketing the sale through their Inverness office.
The hill lochs have brown trout, there is first class coastal and sea fishing, and a herd of around 200 head of red deer. In addition, the farm on the island is in hand and the extensive grazing supports around 680 breeding ewes and followers.
‘If you've ever dreamt of owning your own island paradise then the Isle of Taransay has it all to offer. The island was put on the map when it featured in the television series Castaway which portrayed its true splendour. The traditional buildings provide comfortable accommodation and coupled with sporting, farming and holiday letting enterprises, Taransay offers a unique opportunity not to be repeated in a lifetime,’ said John Bound, of CKD Galbraith.
The island extends to approximately 3,445 acres and is owned in its entirety. The current owners are prepared to consider including in the sale a small land area on the sea front of South Harris, to act as a land base for a boat hut and compound from where a boat can be launched to Taransay.
