Hildasay Island for sale at £350,000 (approximately €414,000) offers buyers a rare opportunity to own an entire island off the west coast of Shetland, Scotland. But while the prospect of escaping crowded cities and living surrounded by nature may sound appealing, this remote property comes with significant limitations, including no mains electricity, boat-only access and basic accommodation.
Covering approximately 110 hectares, Hildasay Island is accessible only by boat. Its landscape includes a rugged coastline, two freshwater lochs and abundant birdlife that changes with the seasons. The island has few buildings, with a traditional stone-built bothy and a small pier among its main features.
Although a small community lived on Hildasay during the 19th century, the island is now largely uninhabited. Its isolation is central to its appeal, offering a level of privacy that would be difficult to find in a conventional property. However, anyone considering buying the island would need to weigh that privacy against the practical demands of maintaining a property in such a remote location.
The existing bothy provides basic accommodation rather than the facilities expected in a modern home. It contains a living area with a solid-fuel stove, a raised open-plan sleeping area and a separate bathroom with a shower, wash basin and toilet.
One of the biggest challenges for anyone purchasing Hildasay Island is its lack of a mains electricity connection. Previous owners used a small wind turbine and a diesel generator to provide power, but prospective buyers would need to arrange their own electricity supply.
According to estate agent Kelvin Anderson, who is handling the sale, the new owner would be responsible for making those arrangements. The property is therefore unlikely to suit someone seeking a ready-to-occupy holiday home without the need for additional work or investment.
Plans to improve or expand the existing accommodation would also require careful consideration. Any proposed building work would need the relevant planning permission and other statutory consents. Buyers hoping to turn the bothy into a fully equipped modern residence would need to establish what changes are permitted before committing to the purchase.
For those willing to accept the limitations, the natural surroundings are a major attraction. Hildasay Island offers rugged coastal scenery, freshwater lochs and seasonal birdlife, with few of the distractions associated with more developed destinations. Its remote setting could appeal to someone seeking a private retreat, a base for experiencing Shetland’s landscapes or an unusual property project.
The island has already attracted attention beyond the property market. Chris Lewis spent three months on Hildasay during the COVID-19 pandemic, an experience that became part of his book, “Finding Hildasay: How One Man Walked the UK’s Coastline and Found Hope and Happiness”. The book brought wider attention to his time on the island and his connection with the remote location.
A crowdfunding campaign was subsequently proposed to help Lewis buy Hildasay Island, but the effort was later abandoned, according to the Shetland Times, which reported the development earlier this month.
The current asking price of £350,000 may appear relatively accessible compared with the cost of some conventional properties, but the purchase price would not represent the full cost of ownership. Boat access, power generation, maintenance and any permitted improvements could add to the financial commitment. The island’s isolation would also require owners to plan carefully for supplies, transport and routine property upkeep.
For prospective buyers, Hildasay Island is an opportunity to acquire a substantial piece of Scotland’s landscape, but it is not a conventional property purchase. Its appeal depends on whether the freedom and privacy of island ownership outweigh the limitations of living without mains electricity, relying on boat access and working with a building that offers only basic comforts.
