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Richard IrvineA person who constructed a fish smoking industry within the Inner Hebrides desires to offer it away in a bid to assist regenerate the native inhabitants.
Richard Irvine, 65, based and runs the Colonsay Smokery however is having a look handy over the industry to a circle of relatives which is having a look to stick at the island long-term.
The smokehouse, which has been operational for two-and-a-half years, will trade palms for no charge – despite the fact that Mr Irvine would possibly retain a proportion to stay the industry operating if the brand new homeowners modified their minds.
He hopes the be offering would possibly assist to handle the island’s growing old inhabitants and assist spice up the selection of pupils within the native college.
Richard IrvineAt the instant Mr Irvine splits his time between Colonsay and his house in Midlothian, after falling in love with the island within the 1980s.
He introduced his spouse to the island for his or her honeymoon and the couple have returned once a year since.
The former emblem marketing consultant took early retirement and made plans to construct a space at the island, however quickly changed into occupied with putting in a fish smoking industry.
Now Colonsay Smokery provides smoked salmon to the store, native eating places in addition to places off the island.
Colonsay lies to the west of Jura and Islay and to the south of Mull and has a inhabitants of roughly 120 other people.
The small island additionally has an island retailer, a bookstall and a gallery.
Getty ImagesRichard mentioned he felt this was once his probability to offer again to the island that he loves.
He informed BBC Scotland News: “I’ve taught myself a new skill and I seem to be doing quite well at it but the plan has always been to get the business up-and-running.
“Once I’ve were given the cash that I installed again, I need to give it away to check out and trap a tender couple to relocate to the island.
“The population is dwindling on the island. We need younger people to staff the ambulance service, the fire service and actually to just become the next generation to run the community.
“If I used to be 30 years more youthful it may well be the type of factor I’d cherish to do. It’s a good looking way of life, it is a gorgeous position to are living.”
Like many Scottish islands, the island is struggling with depopulation with retirees making up a large proportion of the residents.
Ideal candidate
Richard said the ideal candidate would be someone with “entrepreneurial spirit” and an interest in food.
He said it would be ideal for a couple, where one person can work remotely, or a family to help boost the currently school roll, which currently only consists of four pupils.
Affordable housing was recently built on the island but Richard said a lack of opportunity was another roadblock to luring younger people to the island.
He hopes the new owner of Colonsay Smokery will be able to expand the business and expand its online presence.
Richard IrvineThe process of smoking salmon takes five days and includes fileting and curing the fish in salt, before it is dried, smoked and left to mature. It is then sliced and packed before being sold.
Richard will mentor prospective owners for three months, and may retain a “golden proportion” – this means he would retain decision-making powers and could prevent a new owner from selling the business.
“I’m no longer certain whether or not I’ll do it,” he mentioned.
“It’ll all be an issue of agree with, however what I are not looking for is handy this over and in six months for them to promote up. I need to stay this for the island.”
Other than that Mr Irvine wants to completely hand over the reins.
He hopes this may increasingly permit him to spend extra time playing the island, whilst he seems for his subsequent venture.
