It’s not something you see everyday, but a remote island in Scotland has been popped on the market, and the entire thing’ll set you back less than it would for the average house in Didsbury.
While we know that the Greater Manchester region is a largely-affordable place to buy a home in comparison with the rest of the UK, there are some affluent areas and suburbs of the city that are significantly more expensive than others – and perhaps nothing proves that more than the fact that an entire island in Scotland has just gone on sale for £350,000.
And the average price of a house in Didsbury was £396,768 over the last year.
The sought-after South Manchester suburb isn’t the only culprit here though, as a handful of other local areas also have average houses higher than the price of the Pladda Isles.
Houses in Chorlton went for £366,988 on average last year, while houses in Altrincham had an average price of £555,622, and in the picturesque Stockport village of Marple Bridge saw people have to part with £405,508 on average.
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So where exactly is this island then? And is it really as good as it sounds?
The Pladda Isles lighthouse built in the 1790s / Credit: Knight Frank The former lighthouse keeper’s house boasts five decent-sized bedrooms / Credit: Knight Frank
Well, the Pladda Isles sits south of the Isle of Arran on Scotland’s Atlantic Coast, and for those who like a bit of solitude, then it’s presenting prospective homebuyers with a unique opportunity to get on the property ladder and get away from the rat race for just £350,000.
The island spans 28 acres, and comes with what estate agents Knight Frank call an “extensive range” of buildings – including a lighthouse built in the 1790s, and the former lighthouse keeper’s house which boasts five decent-sized bedrooms.
Although, these buildings do need a bit of TLC as they’ve fallen into disrepair after being left empty.
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Some of the buildings do need a bit of TLC as they’ve fallen into disrepair after being left empty / Credit: Knight FrankThe island spans 28 acres of land / Credit: Knight Frank
A bothy, which comes complete with a double bedroom and kitchen area, can also be found on the island, as well as a 2.5 acre walled garden, a helipad, and a stone jetty for boats to arrive and depart from.
The Pladda Isles also boasts views stretching across the Kintyre and the Ayrshire coasts from one side, Ailsa Craig from the other direction, and on a clear day, you can even see out to Northern Ireland.
Estate agents also claim that more than 100 species of birds have been recorded on the island too, from Arctic Terns to Turnstones and Shags all spotted.
How to look after your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night
Thomas Melia
Bonfire Night may be a blessing for some families who can take advantage of the beautifully lit sky and incredible views, but for those who own cats or dogs, this isn’t necessarily the case.
When it comes to your furry friends then simply turning to their owners is usually the best point of call, but sometimes it’s still good to have a quick refresher on how to spot when your pet is in distress.
Luxury clothing retailer, Joules, is one of those leading research this year as they provide a list of tips and tricks on how to notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, soothe your cat’s stress and just generally make things more manageable for your four-legged companions.
72% of cat and dog owners see a change in their pets’ behaviour over this season, with 68% saying that they are frightened by the loud noises. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips on how to take care of your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night.
How to create a safe space for pets on Bonfire Night
Cover your windows where possible
Closing the curtains is always a good start; although this may not reduce the noise fully, it will help to block out the flashes from those pesky fireworks and even dial those big bangs down slightly.
In order to combat sudden light changes, dog owners are advised to keep their lights on, this way the animals are used to this setting and there are no drastic differences.
The simplest thing you can do is just make sure you’re there for your animals; much like us humans, they don’t like to deal with things on their own and sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand by their side for reassurance – especially when that includes some always welcome petting.
It’s also good to keep their minds occupied by playing games and interactive activities with them to distract their cute little faces from all the madness outside.
Stay calm yourself
It might sound a little self-involved but it’s also important that alongside keeping your dogs and cats company and playing with them, make sure to keep calm yourself, much like your children and little ones you know, dogs are very reactive and can pick up on emotions easily.
As much as this information may be handy, you still know your pet best, so reacting to their behaviour and catering to their needs is definitely a must.
There are also some easy ways to spot something’s up…
Joules worked with animal behaviourist Kimberly Grundy to help develop these helpful Bonfire Night tips cats and dogs.They are one of many retailers that stock comforting cushions and blankets that are perfect for these occasions.
The best way to spot any changes in your dog or cat’s behaviour is to look for these nine surefire signs – if you spot them, they’re most likely feeling unsettled by the celebrations.
Whining or barking – this will include whimpering, crying, barking, and growling.
Clinginess – i.e. more than normal.
Excessive panting or drooling – can signal anxiety and distress instead of the usual excitement.
Hiding or trying to find a safe space
Trying to escape – make sure your doors and windows are locked and dog/cat flaps are covered.
Trembling and shaking – soothing strokes can still work wonders.
Pacing or restlessness – if you can get them to just sit with you that’s a step in the right direction.
Loss of appetite – but don’t try and force them to eat though, the goal is to help them relax.
Dilated pupils
Whether you’re cosying up to your cat or dog, or venturing out to a bonfire, make sure you stay safe this November and most importantly have fun!
You can find all the rest of the events happening for Guy Fawkes Night 2024 here:
This Manchester hotel has a Bonfire Night ‘escape’ package for pets to help keep them calm
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most luxurious hotels is transforming into the ultimate pet refuge again over the firework season.
Bonfire Night is loved across the UK for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that go along with it, but the November annual event isn’t so fun for our four-legged friends, as fireworks can be frightening to pets due to loud bangs, flashing lights, and the unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives.
With multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays too, pets are rarely able to pinpoint where the booming explosions are coming from, only making it more terrifying for them.
This is why, after becoming a huge success following its launch last year, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in the heart of the city centre has brought back its special ‘Bonfire Night Escape’ escape package, turning the already pet-friendly hotel into a firework-free sanctuary.
The hotel‘s year-round ‘PAWfect Stay’ package includes any dog staying at no extra cost, plus a pet tuckbox, a guide to the best dog-friendly places in the city, and a toy waiting for them in the room, but this fireworks season, pet owners will also get a luxury hamper including Pet Remedy’s ‘Party Season Survival Kit’
The kit comes together with a range of fast-acting products to help immediately in stressful situations such as fireworks, and includes calming spray, a plug diffuser, and some calming wipes too.
On top of that, dog owners can also take advantage of the hotel’s Music Concierge service, which allows guests to request a record player and vinyls to be placed in the room ahead of check in – with lots of classical and relaxing music records available to distract anxious pets from the noise of Bonfire Night celebrations.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has a Bonfire Night ‘escape’ package to help keep pets calm / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
The award-winning The Refuge Bar and Restaurant inside the hotel also offers a menu of carefully-curated dog treats throughout the week, as well as doggy Sunday roasts all Sunday.
David Lockhart, who is the General Manager at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, said he likes to think of the hotel as a “home-away-from-home for our guests”.
“Our top priority is making sure everyone is feeling safe and comfortable,” he added. “We can’t wait to welcome our November guests and help them care for their four-legged family members, giving them everything they need.”
The Bonfire Night Escape package at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is available to book from Friday 1 November, subject to availability, and you can request the package via the hotel concierge or by emailing [email protected] to book.
Emily Sergeant -
5th August 2022 
