Mullagrach Island, Polbain, Achiltibuie, Ullapool

The Summer Isles are located at the mouth of Loch Broom in the far northwest of Scotland and comprise a group of around 20 islands. Mullagrach Island is the

most northerly of the Summer Isles and extends to approximately 88.7 acres. The Isles and skerries are part of the Wester Ross Marine Protected Area and fall within Scotland's first European Geopark. The island itself has a coastline of rocky beaches, sheltered coves, caves, arches and cliffs. To the west the island looks out onto the Minch with the Outer Hebrides as backdrop. The waters are rich in marine life, and seals, dolphins and sometimes minke whales are to be seen.

To the south and east, with clear views of the mountains of Skye and Torridon, are the inner waters of the archipelago. These are rich in scallops, prawn (langoustine), lobster and crab as well as mackerel, pollock and sea bass. Lobster and crab can be caught in creels off the landing stage. The wildlife of the island includes great skua, shag, fulmars and greylag geese and otters. The island is rich in biodiversity, having not been grazed by sheep for over 30 years. Before that it was used for summer grazing and there are the ruins of an ancient sheiling on the northeast end of the island. Native plant life is extensive. Shrubby willows, rowan and birch thrive alongside grasses and heathers, ferns and lichen, and a mass of different coastal and moorland wild flowers which include sea pinks, orchids, wild primrose, bluebells, scabious and dog violets.

Mullagrach Island, which can easily be reached by boat from the harbours at Ullapool and Old Dornie, and by helicopter, has a landing stage and tackle for a running mooring. There is a high-quality, low environmental impact cabin on the island positioned and designed to withstand the weather conditions, designed and built by Northwoods Design, with a curved, heather clad roof which blends into the landscape. Please see for photographs of the construction process.

The interior is well equipped with a kitchen and dining area, wood burning stove and two box beds, while solar panels provide power and there is an outside composting WC. There is a rainwater collection system, but drinking water is bottled. The cabin is sold with its contents, ready for overnight and longer stays.