Those loving life in isolation could shut out the world for good – if they have a quarter-of-a-million pounds to spare.
A “spectacular” Scottish island, uninhabited since 1934, is up for sale for offers over £250,000, less than you'd pay for a one bed flat in London.
For that the lucky buyer will get 63 acres of land, a two-acre loch, two derelict cottages and flocks of sheep for neighbours.
Accessible only by private boat from the Shetland mainland, it is “a place of spectacular beauty,” selling agent Vladi Private Islands says.
But with August temperatures averaging just 12.4C, it may not be suited to sun-lovers.
Vladi added: “An unspoilt island in on the west side of Shetland.
“This private island is close to the mainland with year-round access possible. It is a place of spectacular scenery and beauty with an abundance of wildlife.
“Shetland is the most northerly island group of the British Isles, closer to Norway than Scotland.
“This is an exciting development opportunity.”
Planning permission is in place to rebuild the cottages and construct a third.
A windmill and solar panels for power have also been approved along with rainwater capture and an eco-friendly sewage system, which uses reed beds to clean up waste water.
The island sits just north of the isle of Vaila, in the Vaila Sound, 500 metres from Shetland’s mainland.
There are regular flights to Lerwick, Shetland’s capital, from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and a weekly route from Manchester is due to launch this summer.
The population of the closest parish ward to the island – Walls and Sandness on Shetland’s mainland – stands at just 978.
