Inside UK's largest abandoned island that was bought for just £2 million
With white beaches and crystal-clear waters that could easily compete with the Maldives, this fascinating island was completely abandoned in 1961 - and is now undergoing a huge regeneration plan
A huge island shrouded in dark history was abandoned more than 60 years ago, after the last remaining family flocked to the UK mainland.
With spectacular sugar-like beaches, turquoise waters, and rich wildlife - you'd expect this picturesque isle to be a tourist magnet situated in the idyllic Caribbean. But, Taransay - which actually comprises of two islands connected together by an isthmus of sand - is located in the Outer Hebrides, the longest archipelago in the British Isles.
Stranded just off the northwest coast of Scotland, civilisation on the island is believed to go all the way back to 300 A.D, when it was home to 'Celtic pagans'. According to The Taransay Fiddlers, their descendants converted to Christianity in the 700s and in the 900s the island was taken over by the Norse Vikings.
"Throughout history it has been the site of fierce battles, such as in the Massacre of Taransay in 1544, when the Morrisons of Lewis invaded," the group states. "However, this act did not go unpunished as the people from the island of Berneray forced the invaders to a rock, where they were executed. This rock is now known as Sgeir Bhuailte – Smitten Rock."
But, the population started to dwindle, and by 1961 only one family still lived on the island. That year, the MacRae's moved over to the mainland - and Taransay was predominantly used for sheep grazing. It wasn't until 2000 that the island shot to fame, after being used as the location for BBC's reality TV show Castaway - which attracted swathes of tourists from across the UK.
Some 11 years later and the island was sold to Adam and Cathra Kelliher only a fortnight after going on the market for just £2 million. Factoring in inflation, this would be £2.9 million in today's money.
But, instead of seeking permission to turn the island into a concrete jungle of hotels - the couple are determined to return the island back to its bronze age state. "When we took all the sheep off in 2019, there was an immediate explosion of flowers and wildlife, but then massive grasses started to smother that wildlife because there were not the mammals there to eat the grass," Cathra told the Times.
"If we left it without helping it along by reintroducing mammals, then it would not necessarily turn out nicely. It is not just about leaving it; it is about undoing the damage we have done."
Taransaay is now the focus of a regeneration project that aims to restore the flora and fauna back to a pre-pastoral era as well as preserve the rich human and archaeological heritage of the island. This six-step plan involves cleaning up the island, implementing more balanced grazing, supporting biodiversity, preserving human heritage, involving the local community, and helping mitigate the effects of climate change.
Boat trips to the island will run regularly during the summer months, depending on the weather. The vessel leaves from Horgabost Beach on the Isle of Harris, starting at 9am, with only eight passengers per passage - and takes approximately 20 minutes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Edinburgh Live
2 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Vernon Kay 'snubs' Prince William's invite after wife Tess Daly's MBE news
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Vernon Kay snubbed an invite from Prince William after his wife, Tess Daly, was awarded an MBE. Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess, 56, was given the honour for her work in television. William, 43, left a voicenote with Radio 2 star Scott Mills on Tuesday morning, inviting him to visit his Eartshot Prize. It came as Scott, 51, was interviewing wildlife expert Robert Irwin. The 21-year-old is an ambassador for the prize. In his voicenote, the prince invited Scott to Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, in November to experience the Eartshot Prize show. William said: "It's going to be a fantastic event, great show." Prince William couldn't resist a cheeky nod to Robert's penchant for peculiar pets, warning: "Just beware Scott, that Robert likes to pull random terrifying animals and creatures out of his pockets while he's on anyone's show and talking to them. So just watch your back at all times that a tarantula or something doesn't suddenly pop onto your desk." When Scott brought up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity during a banter on Radio 2, inviting Vernon along for the ride with, "So I've just been invited to the Earthshot prize in Rio by Robert Irwin and Prince William. Want to come?" (Image: PA) Vernon however opted against visiting William's project. He said: "Not sure about that. It's a bit far." To which Scott ribbed: "It is quite far and last time I was there, I was on a 23-hour bus on Race Across the World. And that was the bus with the overflowing toilet, good memories." Last year's Celebrity Race Across The World champs, Scott and her husband Sam Vaughan, had an epic adventure as they zoomed a staggering 7,700 miles from Belém in sun-drenched Brazil all the way to Frutillar in the depths of southern Chile, all on the budget of just one plane fare. (Image: BBC) Meanwhile, Vernon has spilled the beans on his own Brazilian jaunt to the footie-filled World Cup back in 2014, no less than in Rio de Janeiro. And there's more good news in the Daly-Vaughan household – Tess gleamed with joy as she accepted her MBE earlier this month in the King's Birthday Honours. The 56-year-old has fronted Strictly for two decades now, originally with Sir Bruce Forsyth and then alongside Claudia Winkleman. Upon receiving the honour, Tess said it is a "genuine privilege for people to invite you into their living room". (Image:) She told the BBC she almost missed out on the accolade because the letter was sent to the wrong address. She said: "I don't think I've come back down to earth yet. I didn't see it coming and it almost didn't happen, because the letter went to the wrong address. "And thank goodness, someone very kind found me. And so by the time I got it, I only had, I think it was two or three days left to accept it. "There's a deadline of acceptance. I can't imagine not ever wanting to accept such a wonderful award, but of course I did." Tess and Vernon met while they were working on rival television stations. Their relationship blossomed and they married in 2003 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton. They share daughter Phoebe and Amber together.
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Eight dead after boats capsize in sudden Lake Tahoe storm
Eight people are dead after multiple boats collided and one capsized at a popular holiday destination in the US. At least nine boats were piled up during a major freak storm in Lake Tahoe, between California and Nevada, on Saturday. Ten people from a 27-foot tourist boat fell into the normally serene waters of the lake Saturday afternoon when their vessel capsized. Only two survived. 'It happened suddenly. The water was just screaming towards the shore,' witness Gloria Brigantino told the BBC. 'Some of the owners were crying as their boats were wrecked. I could smell gas leaking, and some gentlemen helped take passengers off a pontoon boat that got stuck on the shore. 'The waves just bashed it so rapidly that they ran off, fell off, and many were crying.' The names of those who have died haven't been released, El Dorado County officials said. They are in the process of notifying families. National Weather Service spokesperson Matthew Chyba said winds topped 35mph and waves swelled to more than 8 feet. 'We weren't expecting it to be so strong,' he added. Just an hour after the freak storm arrived, it passed – skies were sunny and the waters cleared shortly after. But the sudden storm prompted multiple water rescues, of those who went overboard from boats, to others who were paddleboarding on the lake. In a statement, the Coast Guard said: 'The Coast Guard urges all mariners, experienced or not, to always wear a life jacket, check the weather conditions before heading out on the water, file a float plan, and carry a working VHF radio to call for assistance.' Party boat operator Chris Williams was on the lake when the weather made a sudden turn. He told the San Francisco Chronicle: 'We braved the weather and came back during some severe wave heights that have never been seen on Lake Tahoe. 'We were pushing the vessels to their maximum capabilities while making sure to keep all clients safely aboard.' Last summer, six passengers died when the Bayesian superyacht sank off the coast of Italy in a freak storm. More Trending The £30 million vessel capsized with 22 people on board during bad weather while moored off the coast of Sicily. Civil protection officials said they believe the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout. According to the US National Ocean Service, there are two types of waterspouts — fair-weather and tornadoic. Tornadic waterspouts have the same characteristics as a land tornado. They are associated with severe thunderstorms and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning, the service says on its website. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Urgent recall for chicken fettuccine alfredo 'linked to three deaths and a pregnancy loss' MORE: Florida sheriff warns rioters 'we will kill you' as protests spread across US MORE: Lawmaker forcefully removed from Trump secretary's LA protests conference and handcuffed
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Idyllic' hidden-gem Scots island with its own CASTLE up for sale after 80 years
The private island includes a now-ruined castle, working farm and holiday accommodation business ISLE SAY! 'Idyllic' hidden-gem Scots island with its own CASTLE up for sale after 80 years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HIDDEN-GEM Scottish island with its very own castle has been put on the market after 80 years. Shuna Island is located just off the coast from Appin, Argyll and Bute and is up for sale for £5.5million. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The 20th-century castle offers stunning panoramic coastal views Credit: Sotheby's International Realty 3 Shuna Island in Argyll and Bute has hit the market for £5.5million Credit: Sotheby's International Realty It has been home to the Gully family since 1945, the BBC reports. Estate agents Sothebys International Realty have described the site as a "truly rare offering, rich in heritage". The private island includes a now-ruined castle, working farm and holiday accommodation business. Shuna Castle ruins sit at the heart of the isle. The 20th-century structure offers stunning panoramic coastal views and also had potential for redevelopment, subject to planning. The island also offers eight residential properties. Shuna Farmhouse was used as the principal residence and is described as a "comfortable and practical home". There is also a working estate which supports in-hand livestock farming. It's teeming with wildlife from red and fallow deer to eagles and porpoises. The estate agents added: "Shuna Island is a truly rare offering, rich in heritage, natural wonder and possibility. GREAT SCOTTISH ISLES - A tiny UK island is set to become a new tourist attraction, with exciting plans to add luxury accommodation and other features "Whether as a regenerative tourism venture or a family estate, this extraordinary Hebridean island offers an exceptional life lived off the beaten path." Jim Gully, who was brought up on the island, said its white beaches and rocky coves gave him and his siblings an "idyllic" childhood. Over the past 12 years, Shuna has been managed by Rob and Kathryn James who live on the island. However, they are planning to move into another role - which has promoted the Gully family to sell up. Viewings are set to start later this week. Visit here for more information.
