A Scottish Island’s Unique Opportunity: Free Business for a New Owner

Richard Irvine aims to pass on his thriving business, the Colonsay Smokery, to a new owner interested in living on the picturesque but secluded Scottish island. The unprecedented offer has attracted global interest.

In a remarkable turn of events, Richard Irvine, a 65-year-old entrepreneur and owner of the Colonsay Smokery, is set to give away his successful business to the right candidate—completely free of charge. All that he asks in return is for the applicant to commit to life on Colonsay, a tranquil Scottish island with a population of just 125.

Irvine’s venture, which he established in 2022, aims to find a successor who shares his passion for the fish smoking trade. He revealed in a recent interview that the interest in this unique opportunity has exceeded his expectations, attracting inquiries from aspiring entrepreneurs across the globe.

"I’m getting loads and loads of inquiries from people I’d call dreamers and schemers,” Irvine shared, noting that candidates are reaching out from various nations, including a shocking inquiry from St. Lucia just during their conversation. Following coverage from BBC Scotland about the offer, applications began pouring in from places like Italy, Spain, and the United States.

The allure of starting a new life on an isolated island—surrounded by stunning landscapes and the allure of a simpler, more focused way of living—has drawn tremendous interest. Many view Seattle as an idyllic respite from modern life’s turmoil, veteran Irvine noted. “Colonsay is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of big-city existence,” he added.

As Irvine prepares to evaluate the myriad of responses and select a suitable candidate by midsummer, he admits the process of filtering through the applicants will be challenging. Yet, he remains optimistic, welcoming all those intrigued by the prospect of a new beginning on a remote Scottish isle.