In a surprising twist in the business world, Richard Irvine, a seasoned entrepreneur and proprietor of a fish smokery on the idyllic Scottish island of Colonsay, is offering his business to a worthy candidate at no cost. However, there's a significant stipulation: the new owner must reside on Colonsay, a remote locale with a population of just 125.
Launched in 2022, the Colonsay Smokery has become a passion project for Irvine, who at 65 is ready to entrust someone else with its future. He is committed to not only handing over the business—complete with keys, clientele, and the intricate techniques of fish smoking—but also to providing training for the new owner.
Interest in this unconventional offer has exceeded Irvine’s expectations, leading to a flood of applications from around the world, referred to by Irvine as “dreamers and schemers." He mentioned interest from candidates as far away as St. Lucia in the Caribbean, along with numerous inquiries from Italy, Spain, and the United States following media coverage of his generous proposal.
In these challenging times marked by global turbulence and economic uncertainty, many are finding the allure of life on a tranquil Scottish island appealing, even if it entails the daily work of fish smoking. Irvine believes that Colonsay, with its serene environment, offers a perfect escape from the frenetic pace of urban life. As he looks to finalize his decision by summer, he is faced with the delightful dilemma of choosing the right successor for this unique opportunity.
