Family put 'idyllic' Scottish island compete with castle up for sale after 80 years

An 'idyllic' island compete with its own castle and white sand beaches coves has hit the market for £5.5million. The Gully family, who have owned the island for 80 years, have made the decision to sell up after originally buying it back in 1945.

It also boasts a working farm and a holiday accommodation, and is found off the west coast of Scotland. The island is home to Shuna Castle, a striking early 20th-century building with panoramic coastal views which fell to ruins in the 1980s. Though partially collapsed, the site still holds significant redevelopment potential - and that could attract a buyer.

"He's had 80 years of stewarding and looking after Shuna and trying to get all sorts of businesses going and has absolutely loved it the whole of his life," Jim Gully told BBC Scotland after announcing the family's decision to sell.

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"My brother and I grew up on Shuna. We were home schooled by our grandfather [Donald Wells] on the island. It's idyllic for a childhood being taught there, running the farm and the holiday cottages, and we still do that."

He added: "It's been a huge part for all of our lives and definitely sad that all of that is coming to an end, but tinged with relief for my father that it's going to be slightly easier not having to manage all of that and getting over to the island three or four times a week."

Shuna is a working estate with a strong agricultural foundation. In-hand livestock farming continues on the island, which also teems with wildlife. Red deer, fallow deer, eagles and porpoises are among the regular inhabitants, and country sports such as deer stalking have long been part of its traditions.

Infrastructure is already in place to support modern sustainable living. A renewable energy system powers the island with photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, battery storage and back-up generators, reports the Daily Record.

Travel is also well accounted for, with a private pier, slipways, and even a helipad. Craobh Haven Marina and Arduaine Pier offer easy boat access, while helicopter flights connect to Glasgow and Islay airports, just 55 and 45 miles away.

A single road runs through the heart of the island from the North Pier to South End House, winding past panoramic viewpoints, a walled garden and stretches of sand and rock-strewn shoreline.

Beyond Shuna itself, the surrounding area is famed for its dramatic natural beauty. Nearby lies the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, one of the largest tidal whirlpools in the world, while the bustling port of Oban, known as the Gateway to the Isles, offers shops, schools, ferry links and eateries a short boat trip away.

The village of Ardfern, even closer, provides a marina, café, local shop and tight-knit community spirit.

"When we were moving the furniture around the room to find the bits where it wouldn't fall through the floor, you knew your days were numbered," Mr Gully went on. "It still looks very impressive even though there are trees growing out of the windows."