The tiny Inner Hebridean island of Ulva will close to tourists on Sundays after an unprecedented surge in visitors, following its appearance on a BBC Scotland interior design programme.
The island, which has no paved roads and only 16 residents, saw a significant increase in footfall after featuring in 'Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel', which documented the restoration of Ulva House by interior designer Banjo Beale and his husband Ro Christopher.
In a Facebook post, the Ulva Ferry said: 'The unprecedented interest in the island has been wonderful... None of us could have predicted how significant the increase in the numbers of visitors would be.' The ferry operators apologised for the inconvenience but said the closure would allow residents and staff to recharge.
Andy Primrose, who runs a hostel on Ulva, told the BBC: 'It all comes down to capacity. All these businesses are based on individuals, and there’s only 16 folk here... There is a natural limit to what you can do.'
Those with pre-booked accommodation on Ulva on a Sunday in June, July or August will still be assisted across from Mull. The island has been community-owned since 2018.
