BBC ALBA EXPLORES PRIVATE ISLANDS FOR SALE
Soillse: A’ Tairgse Eilean - Islands For Sale
Wednesday 20th July at 9pm on BBC ALBA
With so many people now seeking their own little corner of paradise, and following the recent interest in the sale of Taransay, the outstandingly beautiful island off the west coast of Harris, BBC ALBA’s Soillse programme provides an insightful glimpse into some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning your own Island.
Throughout the world, hundreds of private Islands change hands every year, from the coral atoll islands in the Pacific to rocks off Brittany.
It is easy for us to lose ourselves in the beauty, history and unique characteristics of these magnificent islands. However, with the increasing number of land regulations and a growing demand for a ‘piece of paradise’ the Soillse: ‘A’ Tairgse Eilean’ – ‘Islands For Sale’ documentary gives viewers the chance to dip their toes into the crystal blue waters to see if the search for paradise really is as worthwhile as it seems.
Think of an island with tranquillity, nature and plenty time to enjoy it as you live on your own, isolated from the pressures of modern life and the hustle and bustle of the city. This is the way of life Tevo enjoys on his Polynesian atoll off the coast of Bora Bora in the Pacific.
Tevo inherited the island from his father and for many years has embraced his strong connection with his beautiful surroundings believing that “the real luxury of island living is being close to nature.”
There is however, another side to island living. Isolation isn’t easy. When describing what it means to Tevo living on the island, he explains: “Living in isolation and having your own private island is about desire to be alone. So you have to fend for yourself.”
For Tevo, simple everyday tasks can be a challenge. Shopping can take up half a day by the time he has travelled to the mainland by boat and driven to the shops by car. In addition, there is a lack of drinking water on his island and electricity is produced by solar panels so is heavily reliant on favourable weather conditions. Tevo believes it is time for a change and has now decided to sell his island.
Another island up for sale is Rangiroa, one of over 200 islands that make up the worlds second largest atoll in the Pacific and is a heaven for dolphins, sharks and coral reefs. Such a beautiful island should not be difficult to sell, however with no access for a boat you must endure a 15minute walk in 15cm of water just to get to the island.
Nevertheless, even in paradise things can go wrong. If there is a cyclone for example your dream can quickly turn into a nightmare, as island owner Stan found out when in 2010 Cyclone Oli devastated Polynesia ripping his home and island apart and destroying everything it it’s path.
Cyclone Oli was the last straw for Stan who is now looking to sell his island. As is often the case with these islands, you will most likely lose more money than you earn, and more often than not when buying an island the deals are to be had after this kind of extreme weather.
However tempting these bargain deals may seem to potential buyers, Stan warns: “It’s not a bargain it’s a way of life.”
There are many reasons why people may wish to buy and sell islands, but simply owning an island is not enough, you need to know what to do with it.
Soillse: ‘A’ Tairgse Eilean’ – ‘Islands For Sale’ will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Wednesday 20th July at 9pm.