Latest news with #CameronEwer
Scotsman
11-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scotland's last 'untouched' 90-acre private island Insh goes on sale for £500,000
Insh Island hosts the World Stone Skimming competition each year. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A rare chance has come up to purchase one of Scotland's last untouched private islands. Insh Island, in the Inner Hebrides, has gone on sale for £500,000. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The 90-acre private islet sits near Easdale, known for being the smallest inhabited island in Scotland and host of the World Stone Skimming Championship. Participants of all ages, from juniors to the 'Old Tossers', compete to see who can skim specially selected Easdale slate stone the farthest distance across water. Insh Island 'Caisteal Insh' Cave from a kayaker's view | Savills Savills, the property agent managing the sale, said Insh going up for sale offered 'an extraordinary opportunity to own a pristine piece of the Scottish wilderness'. Accessible by private boat or helicopter, the island, one of the Slate Islands off the Argyll coast, is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, seabirds and visiting dolphins. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The land features a natural freshwater spring, with the potential for off-grid energy solutions like solar or wind power. The 90-acre private island in the Inner Hebrides has come to market for offers over £500,000. | Savills The advert said the island also had the potential for glamping sites, eco-lodges or even a small-scale organic farm. 'With no light pollution, the night skies are spectacular, making it a dream location for stargazing and quiet reflection,' the advert said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cameron Ewer, Savills's head of residential in Scotland said: "Insh Island represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire one of Scotland's last untouched private islands. 'With its breath-taking landscapes, rich biodiversity and potential for sustainable development, Insh Island is a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty.' Property agents said with demand increasing for exclusive, eco-conscious destinations, the island is suited for tourism, wellness retreats or even use as a film location. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) previously owned the island after it was left to the organisation in the will of David Brearley, the owner who lived there between 1973 and 2003. Mr Brearley reportedly lived in a cave on the island for around 30 years. Insh was put up for auction in 2019 with a guide price of £125,000, but reportedly sold for £353,000. The move was slammed by some local politicians, including former SNP president Michael Russell, as it was apparently known locally that Mr Brearley wanted Insh to stay natural. Mr Russell argued that NTS should have consulted local people and allowed for the option of a community buy-out. The NTS reportedly said the cost of running the island were a reason behind the sale and that Mr Brearley's will was not specific about the island. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But former Scottish Greens' Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie said at the time it was 'quite astonishing that NTS decided to dispose of Insh, given that the island is so rich in biodiversity, noted for its significant scientific interest and nature conservation importance'.
The Herald Scotland
11-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Private Scots island that is 'perfect film destination' goes on market
Insh Island is accessible by private boat or helicopter and is located near Easdale, which is Scotland's smallest inhabited island and the host of the World Stone Skimming Championship. There are no structures on the island but it is an area rich in biodiversity with the surrounding waters home to seals, dolphins and a variety of seabirds. It has sheltered coves, rugged coastal trails and you could go kayaking off the coast of the island if you chose to purchase it. Read More The listing from Savills describes the island as being a 'compelling investment' due to the demand for 'exclusive and eco-conscious destinations' and it could even be used as a film location. Cameron Ewer, Head of Residential in Scotland said: "Insh Island represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire one of Scotland's last untouched private islands. 'With its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and potential for sustainable development, Insh Island is a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty.'
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Trump backlash as rich Americans flee the States and bid for new life... in a Scottish castle
Wealthy Americans fleeing the US after the election of Donald Trump are driving a boom in sales of Scottish castles. In the six months since the most controversial and divisive president in modern history took office, top-end estate agents have witnessed a huge surge in interest for the country's oldest and most dramatic properties. And although buying a castle has long been the ultimate fantasy of many home-owners, prices are now soaring to a historic high – partly because of an exodus of millionaires from the States. So while many castles over the centuries have witnessed and withstood countless battles, skirmishes and attacks, these days they are more likely to find themselves at the centre of a bidding war. One recent sale went to a closing date with no fewer than three rich Americans all offering far in excess of the initial asking price. Cameron Ewer, head of residential property for Savills estate agency explained a spike in interest from the US was pushing prices higher. He said: 'There are definitely more international buyers in the marketplace. In the immediate aftermath of Donald Trump 's election, the number of American inquiries through our website went absolutely through the roof – and has now settled to a far higher-than-normal level. 'Not everyone is a Trump supporter, and those that aren't are keen to leave the country: there's definitely an element of that in discussions we've had with buyers.' Last month tax lawyers and immigration advisers told US broadcaster CNN they had seen a 'stampede' of Americans emigrating since the start of Mr Trump's presidency. One couple told the channel: 'We're getting away from the chaos … I feel like the America as we knew it growing up is slipping away pretty fast.' Meanwhile, more than 1,900 US residents applied for a British passport during the first quarter of 2025, the most since the Home Office began keeping records in 2004. Politics aside, Mr Ewer said there were also other factors behind the surge in interest in Scotland's castles. He said: 'Scottish castles have always had international appeal. There's a romance surrounding them – and there's always a smattering on the market. But there are definitely more for sale right now. One factor may be the increasing costs of running a castle – which isn't cheap. Another factor is simply that the market in Scotland is pretty buoyant across the board, and with more stock coming to the market generally, there's a feeling that this is a good time to be selling prize assets in Scotland.' He explained: 'The overarching reason for the uptick in interest is value: the quality of the properties, the culture, the heritage behind them that buyers can afford in Scotland is head and shoulders above what can be found in other places in the UK, Europe or elsewhere.' And with a flurry of castles newly offered to the market, even properties worth millions are being quickly snapped up. In just the past few weeks, three magnificent piles have gone 'under offer' – including Plane Castle in Stirlingshire (a manor house near Bannockburn with a 14th-century tower which was marketed for offers over £1.2 million); Keillour Castle (a turreted country house in Perthshire, offers over £1.8 million) and Cramond Tower (a restored mediaeval tower house outside Edinburgh, offers over £850,000). Glenborrodale Castle, a sprawling 16-bedroom sandstone castle in the West Highlands also sold this year – for more than £200,000 above the asking price – having been put on the market for offers over £2.35 million. Scotland has around 1,500 castles – ranging from mediaeval strongholds with towers and keeps, to fortified mansions, and even 18th century estate houses whose battlements are purely decorative. Many are ruins, while others have been converted into commercial ventures such as luxury hotels and wedding venues. Hundreds more, however, remain as private homes – and are eagerly sought after when they go up for sale, sometimes after decades or even centuries in the ownership of the same family. Estate agents believe the general level of interest in castles from property lovers on both sides of the Atlantic has been boosted by TV's The Traitors – hosted in the UK by Claudia Winkleman and by Alan Cumming in the American version – which was set amid the baronial splendour of Ardross Castle north of Inverness. Mr Ewer said increased demand was boosting the prices for castles. He said: 'Prices this year are at a height – both in terms of asking prices and also in terms of the final prices being achieved. Castles are a special type of property, and the values don't always follow trends in the general housing market. 'People don't say, 'I've got a budget of two million, I'm going to buy a Scottish castle.' They typically need far deeper pockets than that, to be able to ensure they can afford the maintenance and running costs. These aren't buyers with specific budgets. If you find the right buyer, they'll pay whatever it takes.' Earlier this month American actress Christina Hendricks hinted she was looking to buy a castle. After spending time in Scotland filming two series of period drama The Buccaneers – which features as locations Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, Hopetoun House, near South Queensferry, and Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire – the 50-year-old confessed in an interview: 'I am so in love with Scotland... I'm all about the historical stuff. I mean when we shoot at these estates and these castles... this is mind blowing to me.' Above, to help the actress – and any other would-be purchasers – track down a dream castle in Scotland, the Mail on Sunday reveals some of the most amazing examples currently on the market. Picturesque ruins Over the centuries, many ancient castles have fallen into disrepair. And although the damage may be beyond the reach of even the most ambitious restorer, the remains can still make a picturesque centrepiece for a larger estate. The ruins of Castle Cary in Creetown, Dumfries and Galloway, are currently on the market for offers over £9.5 million. The price tag may seem high for a derelict building but the estate also includes a holiday park business with swimming pool, and pub and restaurant. On the Isle of Skye, the ruins of Armadale Castle, the historic seat of the MacDonalds of Sleat, (above) is on sale at offers over £995,000. The Clan Donald Lands Trust said it had taken the 'difficult' decision to sell the square Tudor-Gothic mock-castle dating back to 1815 – and the adjoining 20,000-acre estate – because of financial challenges. Castle with Mod Cons Although Pirwindy Keep near Largo in Fife looks and sounds like a historic stronghold, it was actually built in 1998. To all intents and purposes it really is a 'modern' castle. The six-bed property – offers over £1.9 million – was designed as a replica of a fortified turreted keep. The main three-storey tower has an imposing stone façade and a protruding balcony which offers great views over the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat – ideal as a lookout in case the house ever needs to take on a defensive role against marauding invaders! Historical dungeons! For some, a castle's true worth can only be measured in the number of centuries it has been standing – and in the tally of original features such as mediaeval battlements, dungeons, moats and arrow-slit windows. Earlshall Castle in Leuchars, Fife, still retains its 16th century musket loops for repelling invaders. With an asking price of £8 million, the house – which was visited by Mary, Queen of Scots and King James VI – also boasts a Great Hall and a 50ft gallery decorated with the coats of arms of European royalty and Scottish nobles. Cakemuir Castle in Tynehead, Midlothian, (above) also dates back to the 1500s and has distinctive crenellated walls and spiral staircases, plus a stone plaque commemorating the occasion Mary, Queen of Scots in 1567 sheltered there, as she fled Borthwick Castle disguised as a page boy. The eight-bedroom restored tower house is available for offers over £2.9 million. The original tower house features a projecting turnpikestair, gun loops and a parapet for guards. A pavilion contains a dining room opening to the lawned garden through three sets of French doors. The property also has a wine cellar. A £300,000 bargain Believed to be the cheapest castle currently on the market in Scotland, Little Tarrel Castle is for sale, offers over £299,000. The B-listed fortalice – a small fortified house – was built in 1559 by Alexander Ross who became chief of Clan Ross and Laird of Balnagown after his father was murdered. Determined not to meet the same fate, Alexander began attacking rivals, kidnapping neighbours, stealing church lands and defying the government. After decades of delinquent behaviour, he was brought to book and forced to hand his title to his son. The castle was fully restored in the 1980s but retains many original features, including arched stone fireplace, timber beams, thick wooden latched doors and shutters, as well as the original shot hole, gun loops and arrow slits.
Telegraph
04-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The surprising coastal city where millennials are snapping up homes
First-time buyers are flocking to Dundee as soaring house prices lock them out of southern cities, research shows. The average house price in the Scottish city is £174,047, according to Rightmove, and has only grown by 1pc since last year, making it an attractive destination for cash-strapped young people. Demand for properties in Dundee surged by 176pc in the past 10 years, the website said – the highest of any city. It was followed by Edinburgh and Doncaster, where demand surged by 91pc and 74pc respectively. Westport Properties, a management company, said Dundee offers 'affordability, culture and jobs, but has limited nightlife and weather challenges'. It also lacks the 'majesty of Edinburgh or the vibrancy of Glasgow'. Rightmove's research looked at the average demand in Britain's 50 largest cities between January and May 2015 and compared it with the same period in 2025. It found that demand for properties in Dundee had almost tripled in that time, and that the number of people looking to move cities had jumped by 16pc. Cameron Ewer, Savills' head of residential in Scotland, said the influx of first-time buyers in Dundee and other university cities could be students opting to buy rather than rent. He said: 'You may also see Scottish students who are reluctant to pay full fees in England increasingly deciding to study in Scottish cities. Scotland as a whole has also been benefiting from buyers coming from the South. 'The cost of living is also a lot higher in the South, and you can have a good quality of life in Scotland while also achieving good capital growth.' Colleen Babcock, of Rightmove, said: 'Comparing where we are now versus a decade ago, it looks like there's even more appeal from potential first-time buyers to live in cities. 'However, the data does show that it can vary quite widely from city to city, and it will also depend on how first-time buyer-friendly a particular location is in terms of the type of homes that are available for sale.' London was the only city where demand from first-time buyers had not increased in a decade, due to high property prices. Interest in coastal areas has also remained flat for a decade, Rightmove found, while demand for northern cities like Edinburgh has surged. Average homes in the Scottish capital sell for £337,922 – well within the £450,000 Lifetime Isa limit. Mark Dyason, of brokerage Edinburgh Mortgages, said successive tax raids on landlords had freed up properties to be snapped up by first-time buyers. He said: 'Amateur landlords have exited the market under this tax regime because they're seeing greater returns elsewhere.' Many of the first-time buyers Mr Dyason sees are young professionals working in the thriving finance and technology sectors. He added: 'It's a relatively small city with great culture, and it's a nice place to be – you can build a good career here. 'It's not central London, though. It's not unaffordable, but you still need a decent job and to be doing well to buy a property near the centre.'
The Courier
12-05-2025
- The Courier
'Stunning' Stirlingshire wedding venue overlooking Loch Ard for sale
A wedding venue that overlooks Loch Ard and boasts 'fabulous' views has come onto the market. Altskeith, which is close to the village of Kinlochard, has an asking price of £2,150,000. According to agents Savills, the country house has 'incredible versatility and unrivalled views'. It is currently operating as a wedding venue and a hotel, but could also be a residence. A boathouse, jetty and beach are included. The listing reads: 'The property has been used both as a primary residence and as a small hotel, although more recently it has evolved into arguable one of Scotland's best-loved wedding venues, owing to its fabulous views, waterside positioning and abundance of Scottish country charm throughout the house. 'The sellers bought the property in 2012 and have worked hard to return both the house and grounds to their original style and quality.' The 10-bedroom house is built from white harled stone and has a pitched Aberfoyle slate roof. Wooden shutters on the first-floor windows 'create an almost French appearance'. Since being built more than 200 years ago, the house has undergone several changes. Its current layout was finalised in 1898, while recently a reception suite, additional bathrooms and a one-bedroom annexe/bothy has been added. Altskeith, which was built in 1898, has a function room, drawing room, dining room, conservatory and a kitchen. The grounds have a burn running throughout them, as well as lawn space, broadleaf trees, rhododendrons and azaleas. There is also a cedar wood hot tub with loch views. Property agent Cameron Ewer said: 'Having first viewed Altskeith back in 2010 as a potential wedding venue for my own wedding, it has always held a special place in my heart. 'Altskeith is a true lochside diamond and will be sure to live long in the memory of whoever is lucky to acquire it next.' Nearby, an Aberfoyle home has been turned into guest house after appearing on Escape to the Country.
