Eilean Righ, Ardfern, Argyll and Bute PA31

A private island estate situated on one of Scotland's most beautiful and dramatic coastlines.

HISTORICAL NOTE

It is unclear how Eilean Righ, ‘The King’s Island’, acquired its name. It may commemorate the Danish sea King Olaf, reputed to have died in the region, or one of the early Scottish Kings crowned in mid Argyll. The island contains two Iron Age forts or duns, reflecting its historical significance. One sits on a grassy ridge north of the buildings and is oval in shape, while Dun Righ, to the southwest, is rectangular with an oval structure in one corner.

In the 1930s, the island belonged to Sir Reginald Fleming Johnston, tutor to the last Emperor of China, Pu Yi. Immortalised in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning film The Last Emperor, Sir Reginald returned to Eilean Righ upon retirement and modernised the island’s houses. Reminders of this connection remain, including a stone lantern and the ‘robing room’ where he displayed an Imperial Court Robe gifted by Pu Yi. Eilean Righ was also granted the unique honour of flying the Imperial Chinese flag, permission given personally by the Emperor.

EILEAN RIGH

Eilean Righ embodies the essence of a private Scottish island. Set within Loch Craignish, it combines exceptional privacy with accessibility and enjoys some of Scotland’s most spectacular coastal scenery. Significant investment has enhanced the estate, including a rare 3-phase mains electricity connection serving both houses, the hangar, boat shed and pontoon via an undersea cable.

The principal residence, The Square, is a converted traditional steading finished with Caithness flagstone and oak flooring. Accommodation includes a dining room, drawing room with wood-burning stove, kitchen with island unit, electric AGA and gas cooker, TV room, three double bedrooms, three bathrooms, utility room, conservatory and a substantial first-floor study. Planning permission was previously granted for a major extension that would have added further bedrooms and living space.

Adjacent to The Square, the refurbished Farmhouse provides excellent guest or staff accommodation with a dining kitchen, sitting room, three double bedrooms, bathroom and shower room. An adjoining service wing includes a garage, workshop, wine cellar, gun room and extensive storage.

OUTBUILDINGS

The helicopter hangar extends to approximately 500 sq m and is capable of housing up to three light twin helicopters. Constructed with insulated cladding and reinforced concrete flooring, it benefits from power, water, lighting, dehumidification and remotely activated approach lighting. A purpose-built shooting cabin provides a soundproofed facility for target shooting up to 750m.

A traditional boathouse, accessed by a private tree-lined road, offers further storage. Two reinforced concrete slipways provide access at all states of tide and can accommodate a wide variety of vessels, including seaplanes. A floating pontoon and deep-water mooring complete the marine facilities.

LAND, SPORTING AND WILDLIFE

Extending to approximately 261 acres, including the high and low water marks, Eilean Righ comprises pasture, rough grazing and amenity woodland. The coastline features attractive beaches, secluded inlets and sheltered bays, while the surrounding waters provide opportunities for sailing, kayaking, diving, fishing and lobster potting.

Sporting opportunities include rough shooting, wildfowling and deer stalking for red, roe and sika deer. Wildlife is abundant, with deer, otters, common and grey seals regularly seen around the island. Dolphins and porpoises are frequently observed offshore, while birdlife includes both Golden Eagles and White-tailed Eagles, making Eilean Righ an exceptional destination for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor pursuits.

Situated within the sheltered waters of Loch Craignish on Argyll’s spectacular west coast, Eilean Righ enjoys an exceptional position just off the Sound of Jura. The island is easily reached by boat from Ardfern Marina across the calm waters of the loch or by helicopter, with Glasgow Airport approximately 30 minutes away by air. From the island, there are magnificent panoramic views towards the mainland and across the Sound of Jura to the islands of Scarba and Jura.

Loch Craignish is renowned for its excellent sailing waters and forms part of one of Scotland’s most beautiful and varied cruising grounds. The surrounding Argyll coastline offers endless opportunities for exploration by boat, while the nearby Crinan Canal provides convenient access to Loch Fyne and beyond.

Directly opposite the island on the mainland lies the attractive coastal village of Ardfern. The village provides a range of everyday amenities, including a well-stocked shop, café and bakery, village hall and arts centre, church, hotel and primary school. Ardfern Marina is widely regarded as one of the finest marinas on Scotland’s west coast, offering approximately 80 berths, a boatyard, chandlery and yacht charter facilities, all within a naturally sheltered setting.

More extensive amenities can be found in Lochgilphead, approximately 16 miles to the south, and Oban, around 24 miles to the north. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Isles”, Oban provides a comprehensive range of services including supermarkets, restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, sports and leisure amenities, a railway station and regular ferry connections to destinations throughout the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

The island is also well connected for onward travel. Oban Airport at Connel offers regular flights to several Hebridean islands, while Glasgow Airport, approximately 95 miles away, provides extensive domestic and international connections.

The surrounding region is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and abundance of outdoor pursuits, making Eilean Righ an exceptional base from which to enjoy sailing, fishing, diving, golf, cycling and mountain biking along Scotland’s celebrated west coast.