Sanda, a remote Scottish mini-archipelago, was recently sold for a price that is believed to be in the range of ?2.5 million, according to a recent Times Online news article. The islands were the property of Dick Gannon, who owned the property for 20 years.
Together with his wife, Mr Gannon bought the islands for ?250,000 in 1990. At this time, it housed only a few derelict buildings. The owner renovated the buildings and transformed the Scottish property into a ?unique tourist destination? it was reported.
Marketing efforts referred to the property as a ?piece of paradise? for tourists, featuring the award-winning Byron Darnton tavern and six self-catering cottages.
Sanda was put up for sale during 2008, when Mr Gannon and his wife decided to separate. The original asking price for the property was ?3.2 million, which included 350 breeding ewes and a number of free range chickens.
It is not yet certain what the new owner, Swiss businessman Michi Meier, intends to do with his new acquisition. Rumours are that the intended use is private, with the owner renovating his new property for personal use.
Mr Meier is reported to have acquired the property with the Hamburg-based selling agents Valdi Private Islands.
Sanda is situated off the tip of the Mull of Kintyre, 13 miles to the south of Campbeltown, and 20 miles east of Northern Ireland?s Ballycastle. Mr Gannon was its only registered resident.
Kintyre residents are reported to regret the potential loss of the islands as a tourist destination. Only time will reveal the final transformation of the property ? the buyer will take ownership at the end of April.
