Kirsty, a Desert Island Discs former host, purchased a deserted Island located in middle of a Scottish loch.
The 53-year-old and her husband Nick Jones, 58, reportedly forked out £1.55million on Inchconnachan Island in Loch Lomond which is also known as Wallaby Island due to the colony of marsupials that live there.
The island was owned by the the aristocratic Colquhoun family from the 14th century and has been uninhabited for the last 20 years.
The area is mostly covered by ancient forest and includes a boathouse, pier and bungalow that were built in 1920s.
According to plans submitted to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, the couple plan to demolish the bungalow and replace it with a timber three-bedroom lodge and also replace the boathouse.
According to a source, the couple said that the accommodation is small and in line with the existing island accommodations.
Kirsty Young (pictured) and Nick Jones, a former Desert Island Discs Presenter, have bought Inchconnachan Island. This is a deserted Island located in middle of Scotland’s Loch Lomond. They plan to create a home as a family.
The couple reportedly paid £1.55million for the deserted island in the middle of Loch Lomond which measures 103 acres
The source insisted that the purchase was for their own personal use and would not become part of the £1.4 billion Soho House empire.
Nick Jones was the founder of the private member’s club chain. It went public last year at the New York Stock Exchange.
The island went up for sale through estate agents Savills and Knight Frank last year with a starting price tag of £500,000.
The couple submitted plans that indicated they wanted to “reverse the decline” of the island. They also stated their commitment to taking immediate actions and long-term management of the environment.
Plans state that Nick and Kirsty were thrilled to be able to take part in this project, which aims to conserve and enhance the natural habitat, and to restore the island to its natural state.
“The island has fallen into neglect over the last decades and that will continue unless serious financial and dedicated efforts are made.
Plans show that the couple plans to rebuild the bungalow, which was left abandoned on the island.
Deserted: A 103-acre tract of land lies between Inchtavannach & Inchmoan. It has been empty for about 20 years
‘With the island of Inchconnachan, Nick and Kirsty’s goal is to create a world class place for everybody to enjoy its unique natural beauty.’
Jones and Young from East Kilbride also plan to organize regular school trips to the island and install a defibrillator there for the public to use on the 27 islands and islets of Loch Lomond.
A stunning 103-acre estate includes the 1920s-era bungalow, boathouse, and pier. There is also planning permission for a brand new lodge of four bedrooms, as well as a house warden.
This crumbling timber home was once the summer residence of Lady Fiona Gore (Countess) who, at 53, became the fastest woman to cross water after she reached 102 mph while speeding on Lake Windermere.
Lady Gore has owned the island since 14th century. It is most well-known for the colony wallabies that were introduced to the area in the 40s.
It is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation and is accessible by boat from the village of Luss on the south side of the Loch.
This island is ideal for many activities such as sailing, kayaking and mountain biking.
Young and Jones will organize trips to the 103-acre island for schoolchildren.
Histories
It is a remote island that can serve as a base for many outdoor activities, including kayaking and mountain-biking.
This island sits between Inchtavannach and Inchmoan in the southwest. Woodland, which includes oak, aspen and alder, Scot’s pine, Douglas Fir, and larch.
And it is visited by an array of wildlife throughout the year including deer, jays, coal tits, crossbills, collared doves and, occasionally, nesting ospreys.
Young stated that Desert Island Discs host will be retiring in 2019, after 12 incredibly fulfilling years. She was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2009.
Interview subjects were Sir David Attenborough (pictured), David Beckham (pictured), George Michael (pictured), and Dame Judi dench.
At the time, Young said the enforced absence due to her diagnosis had ‘altered’ her perspective and that it was now time for ‘new challenges.’
Lauren Laverne, a 43-year old 6 music host, is hosting the programme.