Alexander McCall Smith buys deserted Scottish islands

Alexander McCall Smith, the bestselling author, has bought a chain of uninhabited Scottish islands he discovered while sailing with his wife.

Alexander McCall Smith has bought the Cairns of Coll in the Hebrides 

By Simon Johnson

The Telegraph 02 Jun 2013

The creator of the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency paid just under £300,000 for the Cairns of Coll in the Hebrides, which can only be reached by boat in good weather.

He said he intends to use the remote islands as a retreat, with the property deal including a large detached house on the Isle of Coll that affords views of Skye, Rum, Muck, Eigg and Mull.

Although the 64-year-old already has a Highland retreat in Argyll, which he intended to use as a writing space, he said it was “not currently right”.

The author, who has sold more than 20 million books, fell in love with the islands after dropping anchor during sailing trips and enjoying picnics on the white-sanded beaches with his wife, Elizabeth.

He said he was determined to protect the islands as a nature reserve. They are west of the Isle of Mull and the largest, Eilean Mor extends to more than 50 acres. 
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