Around 350 families from around the world have applied to live on a remote Scottish island, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has said. The NTS has invited bids from people who want to move to the tiny Hebridean island of Canna, which has a population of just 15. Conservationists are concerned at the slowly-dwindling population of what they describe as a unique and beautiful place to live, and have offered two properties for rent.
The deadline for applications closed yesterday.
Peter McHugh, the NTS area manager for the inner Hebrides who is co-ordinating the relocation offer, said he had been amazed by the response. The phone has been red hot, he said.
Applications to live on Canna, which is four miles long and less than a mile wide, have come from across the UK, as well as Dubai, Canada, Australia, the United States and Japan.
The nearest grocery shop is in Mallaig, two and a half hours away by ferry, while the nearest doctor is on the neighbouring isle of Eigg.
There is also just one child at the primary school.
The NTS said it was ideally looking for self sufficient people with building, gardening and plumbing skills but said there were potential employment opportunities on the island for the right people, as the organisation has a continuing programme of maintenance and repair for its properties and infrastructure.
In the coming weeks, Mr McHugh and the existing Canna community will whittle the applications down to about 30.
A shortlist of six will then be decided before a final selection is made early next year.
Poster Comment:
Hamish: What in the hell are the Irish doing fighting with the English?
Stephen: I wouldn't worry about them. Like I said, it's my island.
William Wallace: Your island?
Stephen: MY ISLAND! Yup!