'Significant interest' in buying Skye clan castle, sellers say

Armadale Castle and 20,000 acres of the Sleat Peninsula were put up for sale earlier this year

Estate agents say there has been "significant interest" in a ruined castle at the centre of a controversial land sale in Skye.

Armadale Castle, its gardens – along with offices and visitor facilities - have been on the market for offers over £995,000.

The sale, along with the selling off of the wider £6.7m Sleat Peninsula - historic lands of the Clan MacDonald - have been met with protests by some islanders concerned about how the land might be managed in the future.

The 20,000-acre estate is mostly used by tenant crofters and farmers, and has a history as a game shooting estate.

All the sales reached a closing date at midday on Thursday.

The Clan Donald Lands Trust, which owns the castle and wider estate, said in March it had taken a "difficult" decision to sell up because of financial challenges.

The charity said it wanted to focus on giving grants to "clan and indigenous Highland heritage projects".

But the sale came as a surprise to people living in the south of Skye, and some criticised the lack of community involvement in the decision.

Sleat Community Trust has investigated a community buyout of Armadale Castle - the historic home of the MacDonalds of Sleat - and its gardens.

But the trust told BBC Naidheachdan that, after a "careful assessment", it had concluded a buyout was not viable at this stage, mainly due to costs involved.

It also claimed it received "incomplete" financial details.

Donaidh MacDonald, chairman of Sleat Community Trust, said: "We want to see Armadale run again as a successful enterprise, bringing jobs and associated business to our communities.

"We want it to be recognised as a place of significant historical value, as well-managed land where people respect, value and celebrate the natural beauty and heritage of the area."

'Diverse pool of buyers'

Michigan-based James Kurth and his family have offered to buy some of the land around the castle.

He said if his bid was successful he would then offer islanders the chance to become shareholders, and also make decisions on how the area was managed.

Strutt & Parker is handling the sale of the castle and wider estate.

A spokesperson said: "The sale of Armadale Castle Estate has attracted significant interest from a diverse pool of prospective buyers.

"Following the launch to market, Strutt & Parker has handled every enquiry from all interested parties with equal respect.

"All requests for information were processed in a consistent and timely manner and were fulfilled with the available and appropriate information that was necessary to support any due diligence process."