IT had been inhabited by Celtic pagans and their descendants from around 300AD, but it was 36 people on a reality TV show that brought Taransay to worldwide attention.
Now the 3445-acre island, which was the setting for BBC’s Castaway 11 years ago with its eco-pods, domestic disputes, unscheduled departures and Ben Fogle, is up for sale with a price tag of more than £2 million.
Mr Fogle, now a successful TV presenter, writer and adventurer, said last night he would love to own the island. He could not afford to buy it himself, but would be keen to talk to others to see if anything could be done.
He said: “Ever since my year on Taransay I have always dreamed of buying the island myself. The birth of my new daughter, Iona, named after the island in the Inner Hebrides, is testament to my love of the Western Isles and I still hope to one day move to this breathtakingly beautiful part of Scotland.
“Taransay is a remarkable island and I hope it falls into the right hands of someone who will care for the island and love it as much as those who have been lucky enough to visit and spend time there. The price tag is a little high for a new father with responsibilities, but I’d be interested in exploring Taransay opportunities with others.”
At one time there were three villages on Taransay – Raa, Uidh and Paible – but the population gradually decreased under the weight of rent rises and increasing agricultural restrictions in the 19th century.
The island was abandoned in 1942, and then re-inhabited. In 1961 there was only one family of five, the MacRaes, living in the village of Paible, who departed in 1974.
Now it is the largest island in Scotland without a resident population. Its owners Norman and Angus Mackay, whose late father bought it in the 1960s, want to sell for “business reasons”.
Taransay is made up of two islands connected by a peninsula of sand, with spectacular white sandy beaches, rugged cliff faces and heather moorlands.
According to the selling agents “the traditional farmhouse has been recently refurbished and combines comfortable modern accommodation with truly outstanding views across the beach”.
The old school chalet has also been upgraded to a high standard with open plan accommodation overlooking the bay, while the bothy offers more basic accommodation, ideal for a group of up to 10.
The island also offered sporting opportunities with hill lochs teaming with brown trout, first-class coastal and sea fishing, as well as a herd of around 200 head of red deer.
John Bound, of selling agents CKD Galbraith’s Inverness office, said: “If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own island paradise then the Isle of Taransay has it all to offer.”
Taransay was named after Taran, who was either an Irish saint or the son of a noble Pictish family.
The island was colonised by the Vikings in 900 AD.
The Morrisons from Lewis were responsible for the Massacre of Taransay in 1544. This was avenged by the people of Berneray who forced the Morrisons to retreat to a rock now called Sgeir Bhuailte or “smitten rock” where they were executed.
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