Scottish Island Offers Dream: Free Smokery Business for the Right Couple
A remarkable opportunity awaits a driven couple seeking a change of pace and a chance to contribute to a vibrant island community. Richard Irvine, a 65-year-old entrepreneur, is offering his established smokery business, Colonsay Smokery, completely free to a couple willing to relocate to the picturesque Scottish island of Colonsay long-term. This extraordinary gesture stems from Irvine’s deep affection for the island and his desire to secure its future by attracting younger residents.
The island of Colonsay, nestled within the Inner Hebrides, boasts a close-knit community of approximately 120 residents. Irvine, who fell in love with the island during his honeymoon in the 1980s, established Colonsay Smokery three years ago after a successful career as a brand consultant. The smokery specializes in producing high-quality smoked salmon, which is supplied to the local shop, restaurants, and venues both on and off the island.
Irvine’s decision to give away his business is driven by a profound sense of responsibility towards the Colonsay community. He recognizes the challenges faced by the aging population and the need to attract younger individuals and families to sustain the island’s vitality. "Attracting younger people to live here is a constant driver for island efforts," he explained. He acknowledges the commendable efforts of his peers in addressing the issue, particularly in increasing the availability of affordable housing. However, he emphasizes that housing is only one piece of the puzzle, with economic development and job creation being equally crucial. This is where Irvine believes he can make a significant contribution by handing over his thriving business to a motivated couple.
The smokery offers a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs who may lack the initial capital to start their own business. Irvine describes it as a way of "putting back," acknowledging a sense of "boomer guilt" and, most importantly, expressing his deep love for the island. His vision is to find a young couple, potentially with a young family, who are eager to make Colonsay their home and require a means of earning a sustainable livelihood.
Irvine’s journey to Colonsay began with a desire for a peaceful retirement. After spending nearly four decades vacationing on the island since their honeymoon, he and his wife initially planned to purchase a plot of land and build a home. However, they quickly realized the need for a temporary residence during the construction process, leading them to purchase a house with stunning sea views. While his wife remained on the mainland with their son, Irvine embarked on the task of renovating their new island home, completing the project by the end of the pandemic.
Driven by a desire to stay active and contribute to the community he had grown to love, Irvine conceived the idea of creating a business that would benefit the island and could eventually be handed over to someone willing to relocate. The result was Colonsay Smokery, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the island’s future.
The ideal candidates for this remarkable opportunity would possess a strong entrepreneurial drive, a genuine interest in running and growing a business, and a desire to become active members of the Colonsay community. Irvine is prepared to provide comprehensive mentoring and training for three months to ensure a smooth handover. He will also retain a "golden share" in the business to guarantee its continued operation and growth for at least five years, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the smokery’s success and its contribution to the island’s economy.
Beyond the business itself, Irvine hopes to attract a family who would appreciate the close-knit atmosphere of Colonsay’s small primary school and the opportunity to trade a cramped city apartment for a larger, more affordable home just minutes from their workplace. This offer represents a life-changing opportunity for a couple seeking a slower pace of life, a strong sense of community, and the chance to make a real difference in a beautiful and unique environment.
The process of producing Colonsay Smokery’s signature smoked salmon is a meticulous five-day endeavor. It involves carefully fileting and curing the fish in salt, followed by drying, smoking, and allowing it to mature to perfection. The salmon is then expertly sliced and packaged before being sold to discerning customers.
Irvine emphasizes the unique benefits of island life, highlighting the strong sense of community, the stunning natural beauty, and the opportunity to live a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle. He believes that Colonsay offers a rare combination of tranquility and opportunity, making it an ideal place for a young couple to raise a family and build a successful business.
For those intrigued by this extraordinary opportunity, Irvine encourages interested couples to reach out and share their story, explaining why they believe they are the right fit for Colonsay Smokery and the Colonsay community. This is more than just a business opportunity; it’s a chance to embrace a new way of life, contribute to a vibrant island community, and build a lasting legacy.
