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Now on the market: an island in Scotland with its own castle

For only £5.5 million, this entire island near Oban – including its massive castle – could be yours

Annie McNamee
Written by
Annie McNamee
Contributor, Time Out London and UK
The island of Shuna near Oban
Photograph: Knight Frank
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Have you ever had a day so bad you get a visceral urge to retreat to a fortress on an island and become the sort of recluse they write gothic novels about? We’ve all been there, but usually there’s nothing we can do to make that dream a reality. Today, that changes for one lucky person – as long as you have £5.5 million to spare.

A Scottish island called Shuna is on sale for the first time in nearly a century, after the Gully family, who have owned it since the 1940s, have decided to sell up. Jim Gully, whose grandfather purchased Shuna in the immediate aftermath of the second world war as an escape, told the BBC that he had an ‘idyllic childhood’ growing up there. 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.’ (His dad helps manage Shuna at the moment.)

Just off the west coast of Scotland, Shuna, near Oban, is a near three hour drive from Glasgow, the nearest major city, so it’s perfect for anyone wanting to really escape to the countryside.

As if 1,110-acres of gorgeous island scenery wasn’t enough, purchasing Shuna also comes with an old castle which fell into disrepair in the 1980s. However, that’s nothing that a little TLC and a vision can’t fix. You’ll also become landlord to hundreds of sheep, deer, rare birds, and more, so even if you’re there alone, you have plenty of animals to keep you company.

All of this for only £5.5 million. That is quite a lot of money, but you’re definitely getting a lot of bang for your buck. Plus, The Gullys reckon there’s some money making opportunities in Shuna, suggesting that buyers could create a wellness retreat or as a unique holiday destination.

Here’s what would be yours if you purchased Shuna.

The island of Shuna
Photograph: Knight Frank
The island of Shuna near Oban
Photograph: Knight Frank
The island of Shuna near Oban
Photograph: Knight Frank
The island of Shuna near Oban
Photograph: Knight Frank

You can see the full listing on Knight Frank’s website here.

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