Reckon you could live on a remote island?
Well, an island with a population of less than 350 people is searching for a family to move in.
Shapinsay, one of the Orkney Isles in Scotland, is supposed to be the ideal location for working from home, and it's looking for a family - with two children - to relocate.
Advert
The Shapinsay Development Trust is offering the family the chance to rent a recently renovated trust-owned home – Number 9 – in the heart of the main village, for just £500 a month.
The property boasts three bedrooms and has recently been modernised to a high standard.
Lisa-Marie Muir, from the trust, said Shapinsay offers jaw dropping scenery and a strong community, with residents coming together for ceilidhs and dances, bingo, coffee afternoons, drawing clubs and film clubs.
Advert
She said: “We know there is a family out there who would be an ideal match for Number 9 and welcoming new children to the school would be a boost felt throughout our community.
“It may be that for some, the idea of moving to an island and adopting the unique lifestyle seems out of reach.
"But with the way that people are working from home these days, it really is easier than ever for someone to make the move.
“Shapinsay is such a safe place to bring up your bairns, you never need to worry about where they are and what they are up to.
Advert
"They spend their summers in wetsuits, swimming at the pier or the beach, or cycling all over the island.
"In normal times, there’s always something for them to do during the winter – from football to badminton and youth club to climbing.
“We were so excited to see work completed on Number 9 and to be able to let it. We would be over-the-moon to find the right people to make it their home.”
The new family would help increase pupil numbers at the local Shapinsay Community School and keep two teachers in place.
Advert
Head teacher Emma Clements said: “Shapinsay School provides a small school experience, but with big opportunities.
"We have small numbers in our classes and we strive to give every child an individual experience, according to their needs.
"We encourage the children to become independent thinkers who are able to take real responsibility.
“More children attending the school would mean that it is able to retain two primary classes going forward.
Advert
"The school is a big part of the community, taking part in community events. In turn, the community supports the school in many different ways."
Shapinsay also has a GP surgery, healthy living centre, post office and a shop.
The island is 25 minutes away by ferry from the Orkney mainland, with the trust offering a small boat service after 6pm.
Serena Sutherland, of letting agents d and h, said: “The property really does offer the perfect opportunity for a family to have a true experience of island life, without the commitment of buying a new house.
“With two living rooms, an enclosed yard at the back of the house and a front garden with sea views, the school and the playpark just a stone’s throw away, the property has everything a family could want in a home in the islands while the fact that it has recently been modernised means it is comfortable and everything is in good working-order.”
To express in interest in renting the property please contact d and h on 01856 872216 or email [email protected].
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock