AN Orkney island has been put up for sale with a price tag lower than a flat in central London.
Desolate Holm of Huip, north west of Stronsay, spans 250,000 square metres and is being advertised by an estate agency specialising in the sale of islands for in the region of £350,000.
It compares with the average sales price for a one-bedroom flat in London of £755,655
Holm of Huip can only by reached by boat or helicopter in good weather conditions and the new owner would have to share it with a herd of seals.
The seals and the ruins of a stone house surrounded by a number of idyllic beaches are all that remains on the island, which is formed from old red sandstone.
But Holm of Huip has no electricity, running water or habitable buildings. Nobody has lived there for 100 years, although there are legal barriers restricting anyone from living there permanently with short stays of up to three months in the summer generally permitted.
Its former owner is Pedro Avrez, a director of Vladi Private Islands, which is selling the island.
However, the website's blurb is perhaps exaggerating when it describes the island as 'well-connected.'
It can be reached by daily flight from Kirkwall to Stronsay, or by ferry, a journey of one and a half hours from the Orkney Islands capital.
From Stronsay harbour, it is possible to then make the transfer by row rowing boat, motor boat.
Mr Avrez said: "The area was thought to be occupied by Vikings and is known to have a number of archeologic sites containing artefacts which are centuries old.
"I used to be the owner of the island, but a German family bought the island from me because they were so interested in its rich history.
"The remains of Viking longboats and cairn have been discovered up and down the island, usually by local fishermen.
"The island has been uninhabited for more than 100 years, with the only remaining building the ruins of an old stone house.
"Due to Scottish property laws, permanent living could be problem, but the eventual owner would be free to use the island as a home away from home in the summer."
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