An island which was once used as a hideaway for Bonnie Prince Charlie has come up for sale, offering the chance to own not just a slice of history but a secluded slice of Scottish island life.

The Island of Wiay off South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, is on the market through land agents Bell Ingram for offers around £500,000 and as well as its stunning scenery it is most famous for hiding the young Prince back in 1746.

On the run after the disastrous Battle of Culloden, the Prince sought shelter in a cave which has been affectionately renamed ‘Prince Charlie’s Rest’, using it as a lookout for British Navy warship combing the seas for him.

And the island’s new owners will have plenty of opportunity to explore this historical location and stand on the same soil as the historical Prince once did, as well as explore the 970 acres of wildlife and ruins which the Island plays host to.

Rather than camp out the cave over night, the sale includes planning permission to restore the ruins of the former cottage on the island. The cottage, once home to a family of 10, looks out over Bagh na Murla a sheltered bay with glorious view across water to the surrounding islands.

Woodcock

The sale also includes sporting rights and in the recent years the land has been used for sporting purposes such as woodcock and duck shooting. But there is also red deer stalking and fishing to be enjoyed, offering a unique opportunity for the new owners to turn the island into a secluded sporting holiday destination.

Mark Mitchell, head of estate agency at Bell Ingram, said: “An area of land with as much history and beauty as the Island of Wiay does not come up on the market very often – so whoever snaps this up will be very lucky indeed.

“It has a fantastic back story, once being the hidey-hole for Bonnie Prince Charlie which is paralleled by the stunning views of the surrounding Benbecula and South Uist islands making it the ideal location for those looking to totally escape the rat race.”

Located half a mile south east of Benbecula, the Island of Wiay is accessed by private boat from Petersport to a sheltered bay close to the ruined cottage on the west side of the island.

The island is predominately heather clad, with a small number of fresh water lochs, which rise to 335ft at Beinn a’Tuath and there is a wide variety of flora and fauna. From most points on the island there are magical views towards South Uist or North Uist and the island of Skye to the east.

Transport to the island comes in the form of daily flights from Benbecula airport. There are also ferry services from North or South Uist to the mainland, or private craft from Petersport. Balivanich, Benbecula’s main settlement, provides the administrative centre for the three islands with an airport, banks, and supermarket.

Establish in 1899 and with its headquarters in Perth Bell Ingram employs 130 staff across 11 offices including chartered surveyors, estate and forestry managers, architects, building surveyors, tourism and green energy specialists.

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