The wild Isle of Ulva is located in the southern part of the Highlands, not far from a well-known tourist destination: the Isle of Mull. Even though Ulva is not far from the latter, it offers a completely different type of experience. In fact, there are no tourists, no guides, and no souvenir shops here. In the past, 604 people used to here, but now there are only 6 left! Once you reach this island you will find yourself surrounded by a dense forest and a bright green shiny meadow. Furthermore, herds of deer run freely on this uncontaminated land, without having to worry about the presence of human civilization.
What does the wild Isle of Ulva offer?
As a matter of fact, only two children live on the Isle of Ulva, and to go to school they have to take a ferry, the same one used to go fishing. In addition to that, those who wish to use this form of transport must book in advance. Actually, the residents don’t seem to be keen on taking it that often. One of them has confessed that he uses a kayak whenever he needs to reach the Isle of Mull. This stunning location has lost most of its population because it obviously doesn’t offer good job opportunities or a lively and bustling atmosphere. However, this definitely is an alluring spot for those who seek a break from the overcrowded cities and their never-ending routine.
Tourists visiting Ulva during the summer favor silence, uncontaminated nature, and flora and fauna. Not only will you be able to find deers and typical Scottish cows here, but also dozens of species of sea birds, raptors and other coastal species, such as puffins. In addition to that, from the coast you will probably be able to spot whales wandering near the island.
The project
Up until now, to stay the night, tourists would walk for two hours inland to get to the closest shelter. But in 2018 the community of Ulva decided that something had to be done about the depopulation of the island. So, thanks to the assistance from Scottish Land Fund, worth 4,4 million pounds, the 6 might finally have more and more neighbors. The fund has been used to buy plenty of acres of land from a private landlord. The aim is also to offer job opportunities to young people using eco-friendly solutions. Besides, living here is the dream of many, including young people. This is not only because of Ulva’s wildlife and natural spots but also because pollution is not an issue here.
So what is the plan to allure more people on this island? First of all, the renovation of the existing properties to attract tourists and new inhabitants. The prices will be low, so as to make sure that it is affordable to live here. Moreover, there is an idea to have a new Scottish cultural heritage centre. The latter might become one of the most important in the world. As a matter of fact, the wild Isle of Ulva also has an interesting background; it was once part of the Norse kingdom after being captured by Vikings in 800AD, for example. This spot certainly has many unsung facts to delve into! So, if nature and wildlife are your cup of tea, get ready for an outstanding experience, whether you go there on holiday or to look for a new home.
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