An entire historic island that once sheltered Scotland’s Bonnie Prince Charlie after he fled the Battle of Culloden is up for sale.
The Isle of Wiay, just off the east coast of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, extends to approximately 970 acres and comes with sandy beaches, freshwater lochs, sheltered anchorages and an abundance of wildlife.
Beinn a’ Tuath is the island’s highest point at 335ft above sea level.
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The location also has strong Jacobite associations.
In 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have sought refuge on Wiay while fleeing government forces following his defeat at Culloden, as reported by Luxury Property News.
A cave at the foot of Beinn a’ Tuath, known locally as Prince Charlie’s Rest, is traditionally believed to have sheltered the prince during his escape.
Wiay was once home to a small crofting community and traces of its past remain, including the ruins of a cottage overlooking Bagh na Murla, a sheltered bay on the western shore.
Planning consent was previously granted to renovate the cottage, although it has now lapsed.
The island has no services.
Its freshwater lochs offer fishing opportunities, while sporting rights are included in the sale and stalking is among the island’s sporting pursuits.
The remote landscape has recorded nesting sites for both golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles.
Wiay has also supported around 200 sheep in the past, with good grazing on its lower slopes.
Sheltered by Benbecula to the west, the island boasts far-reaching views across the surrounding waters, with the Cuillin mountains of Skye visible on the eastern horizon on clear days.
Estate agent Carl Warden said: “The opportunity to own an entire Hebridean island with an asking price below £1 million is certain to capture people’s imagination.
“Add in Wiay’s traditional connection to Bonnie Prince Charlie, its sandy beaches and extraordinary wildlife, and you have a property with a remarkable story to tell.
“With approximately 970 acres to call your own, it offers privacy and a sense of escape in a spectacular setting.”
Wiay is part of the Uists, a chain of interconnected islands in the southern Outer Hebrides.
Balivanich on Benbecula is the closest settlement and serves as the commercial and administrative hub of the Uists, with shops, supermarkets, healthcare facilities, schools, cafés and Benbecula Airport, which provides regular flights to the mainland.
The wider Uists are known for their white-sand beaches, machair grasslands, freshwater lochs and abundant wildlife including seals, dolphins and whales, as well as their strong tradition of language and culture.
After his crushing defeat at Culloden, Bonnie Prince Charlie went into hiding as government forces hunted him across the Highlands and islands.
He eventually escaped to France, helped by Flora MacDonald, who disguised him as her serving woman.
The Isle of Wiay is being offered by agents Bell Ingram at offers over £995,000.
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