THE National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has been accused of showing its “imperious” tendencies after selling off a Scots island entrusted to them by its late owner.

The Isle of Insh, which lies between the Isle of Mull and mainland Argyll, was put up for auction in 2019 with a guide price of £125,000 but reportedly sold for £353,000.

The 89-acre island was left to the NTS in the will of David Brearley, the owner who lived in a cave at his island’s north end between 1973 and 2003.

Constitution Secretary Michael Russell is among the local politicians to have attacked the trust’s decision to sell the island, saying it was known locally that Brearley wanted Insh to remain untouched.

He also argued that NTS should have consulted local people and allowed for the option of a community buyout.

The Oban Times also said the former owner wanted Insh to “stay untouched as nature intended”.

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Russell, the MSP for Argyll and Bute, told The Ferret: “I certainly don’t think private sale was the only answer.

“Given the wishes expressed by the previous owner, according to reports, it would have been right for the NTS to consult with local opinion and other national heritage and environment bodies before deciding to put it on the market.

“NTS has always been a bit imperious in its approach and it is unfortunate to see that tendency coming to the fore again.”

Scottish Greens Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie said: “The true value of land is not what a wealthy individual or property speculator will pay for it, it’s in its heritage and as part of the wider community. Too much of rural Scotland is given over to the would-be lairds who know the cost of everything but the value of nothing.”

The NTS said that there was no provision for the island’s use outlined in Brearley’s will, and that costs of its upkeep contributed to the decision to sell.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “There were no conditions attached and as such, following a careful assessment of its heritage value, the potential added value of trust ownership and the costs and benefits of that, we were content for the executors of the estate to dispose of the island.

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“The trust was approached by a private landowner with a premium offer, but our charity instead ensured that the property was openly and fairly marketed by the executors of the estate to allow everyone an opportunity to bid.”

The trust stressed that the island’s situation currently remains unchanged, as it had been in private hands and uninhabited for many years.

A spokesperson for David Mackman, whose West Coast Heritage Limited company bought Insh, said: “The general plan for the island was to harvest seaweed, and make the island generally accessible in terms of rough pathways and [provide a] safe facility for boats to dock. However, these plans have been shelved for the time being.

“Regarding the public access, the island is extremely difficult to land on and therefore, we wouldn’t encourage members of the public to attempt such.”