BBC broadcaster Kirsty Young and her entrepreneur husband Nick Jones have placed their 100-acre private island, Inchconnachan, on the market for £3 million. However, the total cost could reach £10 million for a fully developed luxury retreat.
Island Features and Wildlife
Located on Loch Lomond, Inchconnachan is famously known as Scotland's "Wallaby Island" due to its colony of red-necked wallabies, the only wild ones in Scotland. The wallabies were introduced in the 1940s by the aristocratic Colquhoun family, who previously owned the island. The island has been uninhabited for two decades and currently features a derelict cabin and dense woodlands.
Planned Development
Young and Jones purchased the island in 2020 for £1.6 million with plans to build a short-term holiday rental home, boathouse, and jetty. They also aimed to employ wardens for conservation efforts. A planning application was submitted in 2021, and the island is now listed by Sotheby's with two purchase options: the bare island with planning permission for £3 million, or a fully completed investment for £10 million, which includes constructing a luxury retreat over approximately two years.
Reasons for Sale
Nick Jones, founder of Soho House, successfully battled prostate cancer and stated that his health struggle changed his priorities. He told the Wall Street Journal: "My priorities have changed. When you go through what I went through, you're looking for a slightly smaller life rather than a bigger life." The island is a 10-minute boat ride from Loch Lomond Golf Club and offers "extraordinary seclusion" with views of Ben Lomond.
