People have been offered the chance to swap the hubbub of city life for a beautiful Scottish island - with a £50,000 carrot dangled to move.
The Scottish Government is offering the money to families and young people willing to move in a bid to reduce depopulation on the likes of Orkney and the Isle of Skye.
The £50,000 will be offered to 100 people until 2026 with a number of applications already received from as far away as South America.
Part of the National Islands Plan, it aims to boost resident numbers on the islands which are regularly voted the most beautiful in the world.
Alasdair Allan, the SNP MSP for the Western Isles, told the Times : “Depopulation is one of the biggest threats to our island communities.
“Anything we can do to reverse depopulation trends should be encouraged.
“These bonds will support people to buy homes, start businesses and otherwise make their lives here for the long-term.”
The National Islands Plan from 2021 made depopulation on the islands one of the key areas to be investigated.
Introducing the £5 million Islands Bond fund, it read: “The Scottish Government committed to developing a £5 million Islands Bond fund, providing up to £50,000 each for up to 100 households by 2026, by providing financial support for island residents to remain in their community, or to encourage people to move there.
“We launched the Islands Bond consultation on 2 August 2021, providing an opportunity for our island residents in particular to identify the key challenges that a bond may be able to respond to.”
Although popular with people looking to move to the picturesque locations on the British coast, the offers of bonds to move to their home was not so welcome with islanders.
Liam McArthur, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney, wrote on Twitter : “Rather than offering bribes to individuals, which could prove divisive, Scottish Ministers should commit to investing in projects that benefit whole island communities such as new ferries or faster broadband.”
He added: “The proposed islands bond is set to benefit only a small minority.
“It also has the potential to open up divisions rather than tackle the root causes of depopulation in island communities.
“Poor transport connections, non-existent broadband and unaffordable housing are just some of the factors holding back economic prosperity.”
A fuming resident replied: “Possibly the most insulting policy to all islanders anywhere.
“Where is the bonus for those keeping island communities alive? Who wouldn't want a £50,000 lottery prize to live in the most beautiful parts of the country?
“We need 2nd homes tax/rent controls, not a lot for the few.”
Another said: “Crazy idea, folk are flooding to islands already, not enough housing, transport.
“Let’s focus on improving infrastructure and communication so that young folk from the islands can stay put.”
