Fladda-Chuain Island, Inverness-Shire, IV51

Location
The name "Fladda-Chuain" is derived from the Old Norse "Flatr," meaning "flat" or "level," and "Chuain," meaning "of the ocean"
or "sea." Therefore, it can be translated as "Flat Island of the Ocean". It is the largest island of the exquisitely beautiful Fladda Island Chain, located just three miles north west of the Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye.

The island is uniquely positioned and gives exceptional views in all directions; from the dramatic hills and mountains of Skye, to the rugged mountains of northern Scotland or the picturesque Outer Hebrides.

Fladda-Chuain has varied topography with small valleys, peaks and cliffs. The highest point is 29 meters above sea level. The island's stunning coastline encompassing cliffs, coves and inlets providing a range of landing places for small boats or kayaks. Off the northern part of the island there is a sea lagoon protected by an outer reef.

There are plenty of impressive hotels, BnBs and restaurants on the Isle of Skye as well as shops and other amenities. Inverness (100 miles) is the principal city for the region and has all the facilities of a modern city including the airport with regular flights to the south and parts of Europe and a train station with services which include an overnight sleeper service to London.

Scotland's west coast, and in particular the scenic waters around Skye, are renowned for the quality of sailing and water sports. The long summer days and the warm current of the Gulf Stream ensure the seawaters are a rich feeding ground for seabird and aquatic life. There is plenty to be caught by anglers of all abilities, both from the rocks and further afield, where mackerel, cod, pollock, coalfish and ling can be found. There are also lobsters, crabs and langoustines which can be caught in pots. Porpoises, dolphins,
whales, basking sharks and otters are regularly seen in the area. Its deep, clear waters provide ideal conditions for diving and
snorkelling, there are a number of ancient ship wrecks to explore.

To locate the island, please refer to location and sale plans within these particulars. The What3Words code is: Pull.Island.Beaks and the grid reference is: NG 362 810.

Access
Boat hire is possible from the harbours of Portree (27 nautical miles) or Uig (12 nautical miles). If you have your own vessel, the closest slipways which can be used to launch a RIB/boat are at Duntulm or Camus More giving a journey of approximately four nautical miles respectively.
If you wish for someone to take you to the island, please contact Goldcrest Land and Forestry Group and we can arrange a private hire boat to take you to and from the island.
From an anchored boat, a dingy, paddle board or kayak is required to land on the island.

Description
Fladda-Chuain - 27.11 Hectares / 66.99 Acres
This mystical and romantic island has all the privacy, tranquility and charm associated with a small island off the coast of north-west Scotland. The views from the island are truly stunning and ever changing according to the weather, light and seasons.

Fladda-Chuain has a width of approximately 240 meters at the widest point and a length of 1,300 meters at the longest point. In total it extends to some 66.99 acres. The landscape is one of outstanding natural beauty and the isle benefits from the world class scenery of the Inner Hebrides.

It may be possible to construct a small cabin/hut on Fladda-Chain, subject to consent. At present, there are no services to the island, other than mobile phone reception.

A wide variety of birds nest on the island. Observations by the Shiants Auk Ringing group have included Storm Petrel, Gannet, Shag, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, common Sandpiper, Great Skua, Artic Tern and Black Guillemot.

In addition, the island benefits the most diverse and untouched flora and fauna. There is also a colony of seals which reside on the south-east side of the island.

Further information and photographs of the island are available from the Selling Agents upon request.

Historical Note
Fladda-Chuain is the subject of fascinating folklore and legends. The island was once a sacred place identified by some as the mysterious Tír na nÓg in Irish mythology, 'The Isle of Perpetual Youth', traditionally believed to be a magical island where it is always summer, and the sun never sets.

St Columba built a chapel on Fladda-Chuain when he bought Christianity to the islands in the sixth century. The ruin of the chapel is still evident on western side. It is said that within the chapel a stone known as 'The Weeping Stone' was placed on the alter. Folklore told that the stone was perpetually wet and that fishermen poured three handfuls of seawater on the stone to procure favourable winds and catches.

The last inhabitant was known as "Am Muileach Mòr", which means either 'Big Mullman' or 'Man of the Headland'.

The island was visited by the Vikings as evidenced by the intricate 11th century gold ring found in 1851 and now on display in the National Museum of Scotland.

Designations
The Inner Hebrides and the Minch is a Special Area of Conservation.

Common Grazing
The island forms part of The South Duntulm Common Grazings. The property will be sold with the benefit of, and subject to, all existing rights and burdens within the Titles.

Hutting
For guidance on hutting in Scotland we encourage reading 'Good practice guidance on the planning, development and management of huts and hut sites', produced by Reforesting Scotland's Thousand Huts campaign. A copy of this document is downloadable from the Thousand Huts website -