WILDERNESS lovers can own a stunning island on Britain’s largest freshwater lake – but can’t do anything with it.
Torrinch Island, in Loch Lomond, is the size of 10 football pitches, completely covered with trees, and on sale for just £150,000.
But the buyer of this Scottish “oasis” will only be allowed to visit by boat and explore their domain as development of any kind is strictly banned.
The island, about 608 metres long and 140 at its widest point, gets its name from the steep sedimentary rock that soars 100 feet above the level of the loch on its south west corner.
The ground is covered with ancient woodland and impressive rock formation with a mix lush of vegetation ranging from honey-scukled garlanded Oaks, Aspens, Alders and Scots Firs, that has been cared for by Scottish National Heritage.
The island also offers great views of the surrounding hills, including Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly Munro.
The island also has a memorial for four men who drowned in Loch Lomond during the night of May 24 1908.
The four men were returning to Torrinch Island after replenishing supplies at the nearby village Balloch when the disaster struck.
A memorial was built by friends and colleagues who worked with them at John Brown and Co, shipbuilders.
Sellers Galbraiths wrote about the Island: “Torrinch Island or the Tower Island is a superb example of natural island beauty at its best.
“Lying completely untouched and unspoilt for generations, the Island offers a rare opportunity to acquire a stunning oasis that has benefitted from its own natural regeneration.
“With no record of the Island ever being inhabited, Torrinch has remained untouched and undisturbed for over 100 years allowing for the creation of one of the most fruitful and picturesque Islands on Loch Lomond to date.”
The island enjoys the highest category of environmental protection thanks to a deal struck between previous owners and Scottish National Heritage.
Owners are expected to manage and conserve its special features, due to it being a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The island is on sale for the first time in two decades since the Buchanan family estate were forced to sell the land to pay off debts after Lady Leith-Buchanan died in 1999.
