A man operating a food business on a Scottish island is offering a unique opportunity to the right couple. Richard Irvine, aged 65, seeks to give away his business to individuals committed to moving to the area long-term, aiming to safeguard the future of his small community.
Irvine founded Colonsay Smokery around three years ago and has a history with the island, having fallen in love with it during his honeymoon in the 1980s. His business primarily provides smoked salmon to various local shops and restaurants.
The tight-knit community of Colonsay has about 120 residents, and Irvine is eager to find a younger couple who intends to settle down and contribute to local development. He has expressed a desire to enhance local youth and school groups.
Reflecting on the island’s needs, he said, “It’s a constant driver for us to attract young people,” especially given the aging population. Many residents have dedicated their efforts to supporting the local economy, focusing on expanding affordable housing options.
However, Irvine noted that housing is just one aspect of the community’s challenges. Economic growth and job creation are equally vital, and he believes his business can play a role in that. He wants to offer this opportunity to those looking to establish a life on the island but who might lack the initial investment needed to start from scratch.
His vision includes finding a couple with a young family, ideally one that hopes to call Colonsay home and needs a sustainable way to make a living. Irvine, who previously retired from a career as a brand consultant, got into the smoked salmon business as a way to stay engaged and give back to the community he cherishes.
Originally, he and his wife intended to buy land and build a home, but they ended up purchasing a house with a view sooner than planned. While his wife stayed on the mainland with their son, he took on the task of renovating their new home, finishing it around the pandemic’s end.
Irvine wants to ensure a smooth transition for his business and is open to mentoring the new owners for three months. He aims to maintain a form of “golden sharing” to ensure that they continue running the business for at least five years, ideally expanding it during that time.
Ultimately, he hopes to find a family who appreciates the close-knit community, the charm of a small island school, and the chance to trade high city rents for more affordable living just minutes from their workplace. He emphasizes that, if anyone thinks they might fit the bill, he’s eager to connect.
