For Sale: A Dream Eight Decades in the Making Enchanting Scottish Island with Castle and Untamed Beauty

Tucked away in the sapphire waters of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides lies a hidden gem, a private island steeped in history, wild beauty, and family legacy. Now, after 80 unforgettable years, the Gully family is saying farewell to the Island of Shuna, placing it on the market for £5.5 million. But this isn’t just a property listing, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a living story.

The tale begins in 1945, in the wake of World War II. Seeking peace from the trauma of the Blitz, the Dowager Viscountess Selby walked into a London estate agency and asked an audacious question: “Do you have any islands?” Offered the Island of Shuna sight unseen she bought it on the spot, packed up her family, and started anew in the windswept Hebrides. From that bold leap was born a legacy unlike any other.

Spanning 1,000 acres of hills, beaches, and ancient woodlands, Shuna became a world of its own for the Gullys. “It was an idyllic childhood,” says Jim Gully, grandson of the Viscountess. “We were taught by our grandfather in the mornings maths, English, and lateral thinking then sent out to explore the island the rest of the day.”

At the heart of Shuna stands a now-ruined castle, once a masterpiece built by New Zealand-born adventurer George Buckley after his Antarctic voyage with Ernest Shackleton. It’s said the castle’s blueprints were bound for America until they sank with the Titanic. Though it’s crumbling now, the castle still commands a haunting majesty, its windows framed by trees, its rooms echoing with childhood laughter and memory.

Shuna is also rich with ancient history Iron Age burial mounds, ruined crofts, and lime kilns speak of 4,500 years of human presence. In recent years, the island has thrived as a sustainable holiday retreat, with six off-grid cottages hosting up to 52 guests. A working farm, abundant wildlife, a helipad, and boat access from the mainland add to the magic and practicality of island life.

But with full-time managers Rob and Kathryn James stepping away, the Gullys have made the bittersweet decision to let go. “It’s a huge part of our lives,” Jim says. “Sad to see it go but also a relief for my father, who has dedicated his life to caring for it.”

Listed by Sotheby’s International Realty, Shuna is described as “a truly rare offering.” Whether as a family sanctuary, boutique eco-resort, or transformational wellness retreat, the next chapter of this storied island is waiting to be written.

And for the right dreamer, one bold enough to ask, “Do you have any islands?” Shuna is ready to answer.