Former Desert Island Discs host Kirsty Young buys Scottish island for £1.6m

Former Desert Island Discs host Kirsty Young has splashed out £1.6 million for a remote island in Scotland.

The ex-BBC star, 52, and her husband Nick Jones, 59, spent the huge seven-figure sum for the 103-acre Inchconnachan island on Loch Lomond.

The pair reportedly plan to build a two-storey, three-bedroom timber lodge for their own holidays.

Other proposals include the construction of a boathouse and boat shelter. They also want to help create natural wet woodland, with temporary jetties and paths.

A source told The Sun: “You couldn’t think of a more apt purchase for Kirsty, who interviewed hundreds of famous castaways over 12 years."

The island was owned by the aristocratic Colquhoun family but nobody has lived there for the past twenty years.

It is famous for its troupe of wallabies – with up to 60 of the creatures thought to roam the island – and is one of a handful of places in Europe where marsupials can be found.

According to plans submitted to local authorities, Inchconnachan is in a “neglected” state.

Kirsty and her husband Nick – who is founder of private members’ club chain Soho House – say they are “committed to immediate action and long-term environmental management” of the island.

The island, which is located around 20 miles northwest of Glasgow, was put on the market by Luss Estates last year for offers over £500,000.

Young announced that she would be stepping down as host of Desert Island Discs in 2019 following “12 incredibly happy and fulfilling years” in the role.

Her interview subjects included Sir David Attenborough, David Beckham, George Michael and Dame Judi Dench.