Cottage on white sand beach of remote Scottish island where author Sir Compton Mackenzie wrote Whisky Galore on sale for £325k
A REMOTE coastal cottage where author Sir Compton Mackenzie wrote his classic novel Whiskey Galore has gone on the market for offers over £325,000.
The five-bed house, situated on the beach on the tiny Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides, is on the property market for the first time since it was built in 1935.
The windswept location inspired Sir Compton to write the hilarious story of an isolated island community trying to recover thousands of bottles of whiskey washed up in a shipwreck.
This is the first time that the property in Barra has been on sale, as the home was built for Sir Compton in 1935 and remained within the family.
The literary heritage of the house adds to its charm, Compton Mackenzie wrote Whisky Galore from the drawing room
Peter Gillespie
With a population of just 1,100 people, Barra is so remote that it takes five hours on a ferry to reach mainland Scotland.
A small plane with a capacity of 12 people travels to – and – from Glasgow three times a day, using a flat beach near the cottage as a makeshift runway.
Suidheahan, formerly owned by Sir Compton’s nephew after his death in 1972, is expected to sell well considering the whimsical location and literary connection.
Two of his most famous novels, Whiskey Galore and Monarch of the Glen, were written in the property in 1941.
HIDDEN GEM
Surrounded by white sands and crystal clear waters, it is unsurprising that the author was inspired by the scenic location.
Fit with five bedrooms, including a master ensuite bedroom, the cottage has charm and is suited for owners who want a different pace of life.
Peter Gillespie, from the estate agents Savills who are selling the cottage, said: “Suidheachan is an utterly unique property is surely one of Scotland’s most distinctive and stunning locations – by Barra’s unforgettable white sands and crystal clear waters.
“Barra is a four and a half hour ferry trip from Oban or a one hour flight from Glasgow and the plane lands on the beach at low tide.
“Usually for estate agents, any airport next to a property you are trying to sell is not good news but this is wonderful.
“When the windsock is up that means planes are about to land. There are two or three planes that land a day right on the beach not far from the cottage.
DIFFERENT PACE OF LIFE
“But we are not talking about jets flying in and out, it is a Twin Otter plane that carries just 12 people.
“It is very remote in the Outer Hebrides and if you miss it the next land mass you hit is Newfoundland.
“The beaches are wonderful and the wildlife is excellent. It is not unusual to see golden eagles.
“It is a different pace of life.
“This will be one of three things for the new owner. It will be a complete lifestyle change where some move in full time, or someone who buys it as a holiday home or someone buying it to rent out.
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“Travelling to the island is not easy so we haven’t got a closing date for the bids yet but it will sell well.”
“The literary heritage of the house adds to its charm. Compton Mackenzie wrote Whisky Galore from the drawing room.”
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