The uninhabited Scottish 'Castaway' island that was setting of iconic BBC series
The isle offers tours to visitors looking to get away from it all.
Scotland is home to countless islands begging to be explored this summer. Many are popular holiday destinations, but lots of others are totally uninhabited.
If you are looking for a peaceful retreat over the coming weeks, there is no shortage of idyllic undisturbed islands. One that is unlike any other is Taransay.
The biggest uninhabited island in Scotland, Taransay is situated in the Outer Hebrides. Other than the occasional holidaymaker, the island has been human-free since 1974.
It is believed that Taransay was inhabited thousands of years ago, and it was once home to villages and even chapels. However, the island's population dwindled during the 19th century and it was eventually abandoned.
Taransay's biggest claim to fame is that it was the setting of the iconic BBC reality series Castaway 2000. In the show, 36 men, women, and children were required to live together and build a community on the remote island.
The series, which was broadcast around the world, was watched by millions of viewers. Since the show ended almost 25 years ago, Taransay has become a unique tourist destination for those looking to get away from it all.
According to the Isle of Taransay website, a regeneration of Taransay is currently underway, in an effort to restore the island to what it looked like before the Bronze Age. The website states that the owners aim 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".
Meanwhile, the owners of the island allow people to visit and soak in its undisturbed atmosphere. Taransay is home to everything from rolling mountains to golden beaches and tranquil lochs.
Arguably the most iconic beach on the island is the one at Paible, which was once one of its villages. The magnificent white sandy bay truly feels a world away from modern life.
Taransay is also a top destination for wildlife spotters. The owners of the island state that there is an abundance of wild species that call it home, such as golden eagles, otters, deer, and seals.
For those interested in visiting Taransay, regular boat trips to the island are operated during the summer months. According to the Isle of Taransay website, dates of sailings for this summer will be released on a week-by-week basis.
Boats will depart from Horgabost Beach on the Isle of Harris, with between eight and 10 passengers per passage. The crossing takes between 10 and 20 minutes, with visitors allowed to roam the island's 3,800 acres freely before the return trip later that day.
Organisers state that visitors must be "of reasonable fitness", as the terrain on the island can be challenging. Additionally, travellers will need to bring food, water, and appropriate clothing with them.
There is also the opportunity to stay on Taransay in what is described as a "private, wild and remarkable safari-style escape". Visitors can challenge themselves and embrace the elements in the company of a highly skilled team of adventurers.
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