IT sounds like an idyllic job for someone looking to escape the bustle of the big city – a new manager is being sought to live on Inchcolm Island in the Firth of Forth.

The job of monument manager now being advertised by Historic Scotland, the Government agency, comes with a £20,373 salary. However, the role, which calls for leadership skills, involves the successful candidate living in a two-bedroom house with one other member of staff for eight months of the year.

Inchcolm, close to the Forth Rail Bridge, is reached by boat from South Queensferry. Apart from the house, the only building is Inchcolm Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century.

Around 20,000 people visit the island every year and weddings are held in the ruins of the abbey.

He or she will be in charge of a team of four people, but will not have to pay rent for the accommodation because of "limited services" on the island.

The island's name means "Columba's Isle" and is also described as the Iona of the east. However, it has no known link with St Columba.

Inchcolm is dominated by its dramatically located abbey complex, comprising the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland.

Augustinian canons settled there in the early 12th century, enjoying the island's isolation and tranquility. However, its location in the Firth of Forth also made it a target for English naval raids throughout the wars with England from the 14th to the mid-16th century.

The brethren increasingly spent more time ashore in Fife. After the Protestant Reformation of 1560 brought monastic life to an end, the island con-tinued to serve in the defence of the country right up to the Second World War.

The deadline for applications is February 15.