Sanda Island for sale: own a private island paradise in Scotland - with rich history and abundant wildlife

Sanda Island, situated off the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll, presents an intriguing opportunity for those with a dream of owning their own private island.

Boasting seven houses, a tavern, a pier, a slipway, a lochan, and pristine sandy beaches, the lies 13 miles by sea south from Campbeltown, and a mere 20 miles from Ballycastle in Northern Ireland.

While Sanda's population has varied over the past two decades, ranging from three inhabitants to just one resident presently, the island bears historical significance.

Join the thousands of people who’ve signed up for a National World newsletter

Legend has it that St. Ninian rests here, and the island was once under the ownership of the Priory of Whithorn in Galloway until the Reformation.

It is also associated with notable figures such as Robert the Bruce and his brother Edward, with landmarks like "Prince Edward's Rock" and "Wallace's Rocks" hinting at their presence.

Sanda has changed hands throughout its history, including a notable ownership by Jack Bruce of the rock band Cream in 1969.

Now, poised for potential development as a tourist destination, the island offers a refurbished farmhouse with five bedrooms as its main residence.

Most of the properties have undergone renovation, featuring modern amenities like double glazing, new shower rooms and underfloor electric heating. The island also boasts a helipad facilitating access between the farmhouse and lighthouse cottages.

Priced at over £2.5 million, the sale includes several smaller islands like Sheep and Glunimore, extending over 418 acres used primarily for grazing, along with a small in-hand farm housing 55 black-faced sheep and a deer population.

Sanda Island's rich biodiversity further enhances its appeal, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest owing to its maritime cliffs and nationally significant breeding bird colony, which includes puffins, storm petrels, razorbill, and Manx shearwater.

A thriving colony of grey seals are also frequently spotted along the rocky foreshore. For those interested, offers over £2.5 million can be directed to Knight Frank for additional details.