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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Dayna McAlpine

Scotland's most striking castle on tiny remote island for sale at just £1

A stunning Scottish castle - which is said to be one of none other than Prince Charles' favourites - has hit the market at a very surprising price.

Crumbling Kinloch Castle, which dates back to the tail end of the 19th century, is seeking new owners.

The castle, which is located on the remote Isle of Rum off Scotland's west coast, is currently owned by NatureScot, one of the public bodies responsible for the nation's natural heritage.

They operated part of the castle as a hostel until 2015, and continue to offer tours of the main rooms to visitors.

The breathtaking building was originally built by multimillionaire and playboy Sir George Bullough between 1897 and 1900 for what would equate to around £15 million in today's money.

The Victorian socialite used the castle for glamorous parties after it opened, with King Edward VII in attendance at several of the lavish events.

It was also one of the first private residences in Scotland to have electricity and an internal telephone system.

Remarkably, the island retreat was previously valued at just £1 - but don't be fooled, it is said to require nearly £20m worth of repairs.

The grand location still houses the world's last functioning orchestrion, a complicated instrument that once belonged to Queen Victoria and emulates a 40-piece orchestra.

Other items include a Japanese sculptured bronze of a monkey-eating eagle, which is about 8 feet high which Sir George is said to have outbid the Emperor of Japan for, while stories surrounding the castle include the fact that it once housed hummingbirds, turtles and alligators (which were later shot supposedly trying to escape) in its custom-built hothouses.

Referring to the search for a new owner, a spokesperson for NatureScot, said: "Our priority is to protect and conserve Scotland's nature, so that is where we have to focus our resources.

"But we feel the castle will support the community with the right owner, and we have been working towards that goal over the past number of years.

"Kinloch Castle is not currently on the open market for sale. We are working to identify a beneficial owner for the castle and grounds.

"Any future owner will need to contribute towards three key objectives: securing the conservation and preservation of the castle; contributing to the sustainability of the Rum community; and enhancing nature on Rum, including promoting its enjoyment, and minimising the castle's impact on the natural environment."

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