WITH sea views and a £65,000 price tag, this island bothy could be someone's perfect holiday home — but weekend visitors need not apply.

With intense pressures on housing in the Hebrides, only those willing to be full-time residents will be considered as the new owners of this hillside hideaway.

The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust (IEHT) says the buyer of its Sandamhor Bothy and quarter actre grounds has to be someone who'll become an "active contributing member of the community".

The whitewashed former shepherd's dwelling has power, heating and water but needs extensive renovation work and is accessible by a rough track. 

IEHT, a partnership between the residents of Eigg, Highland Council and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, was formed after the community-buy out in 1997 and works to improve housing, infrastructure and the local economy.

It says it's not looking for the highest bid for the bothy, just the right buyer.

In the listing, which went live on Sunday, it outlines the rules around the rural housing burden attached to the property, which means it "cannot be used as a holiday or second home, must be used in perpetuity as a primary full time residence and at such time you sold the property on, the IEHT would have first refusal".

It states: "Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust (IEHT) do not undertake to accept the highest or any offer for the property. IEHT are looking for a purchaser that wants to live on Eigg full time and will be an active contributing member of the community."

The sale comes amidst continued concern about the availability of affordable housing in the Highlands and islands. A recent report by Highlands and Islands Enterprise cited accommodation issues as a barrier to econmic recovery in the region.

The increased use of residential buildings as tourist accommodation is said to be amongst the factors threatening the community usage of Gaidhlig in its traditional heartlands.

Offers on Sandamhor Bothy are open until November 1. New residents will join a 100-strong community with ferry connections to both Mallaig and Arisaig.

The 5.6 mile long island lies near Skye and its grid is powered by renewable electricity.

Community Land Scotland commented called the offer "a great opportunity for someone who wants to make their home on beautiful Eigg", adding: "We need more of this in Scotland."