Escape The Rat Race

The Hebridean island  of Canna off the coast of Scotland is looking for some new blood. They are offering two buildings for rent to new families willing to make a radical change in their lifestyle. They're getting applicants from all over the world, too.

The windswept Hebridean island of Canna, with a dwindling population of just 15 hardy souls, is looking for new blood — and the response has been amazing.

The National Trust of Scotland, the charity that runs the bird sanctuary island with archaeological links back to Viking times, was bombarded with applicants from as far afield as Dubai, Japan and Australia after advertising for families.

Applications to rent two properties close on Friday, a final choice will be made next spring and, as Britain's loneliest schoolchild, nine-year-old Caroline MacKinnon cannot wait.

She thrives on one-to-one tuition as the only child in the island's primary school but wants someone to play with.

"The ideal would be to get a family in with young children. Caroline is a very sociable child who will fit in with anybody," said her aunt Winnie MacKinnon, 43, who was born on the island.

Winnie, who runs the post office and holiday cottages on Canna, is astounded by the response.

"I am concerned people know what they are coming to. This is a life-changing decision," she told Reuters from Canna, which lies alongside the Hebridean islands of Eigg, Muck and Rum.

They plan to bring the shortlisted applicants out for a visit in January. That will change a few minds! More about Canna here.

Other Links to this Post

1. Blue Crab Boulevard » Blog Archive » Massive Crime Wave Hits Hebrides — Friday, 10 November , 2006 @ 7:10 am