Its sheltered harbours were once of strategic importance

It has several sheltered harbours which were of strategic importance in the days when all travel and commerce relied on small sailing boats.

In the 16th century King James V of Scotland made Gigha into a barony such was the importance of the island.

Ancient relics such as forts, standing stones and chapels can be found all over the island.

The Ogam Stone on the west side of Gigha is an example of Celtic writing so old and rare that it has not yet been fully deciphered.

Gently sloping hillsides

The island is about 10km long and is a combination of wild, rocky coastline, fertile fields and woodlands.

The economy is centred round half-a-dozen farms and a fish farm, supplemented by the summer tourist trade.

The island's bays with seals and otters along the shores, lochs and gently sloping hillsides are home to a variety of wildlife.

The mild climate directly influences the famous Achamore Gardens - more than 50 acres of rare and unusual plants surrounded by picturesque woodland.

The 3,400-acre island boasts 37 cottages, a hotel, shop, nine-hole golf course, a private airstrip and has a population of 110.

The island has 37 cottages

Disputes over ownership of the land have been a feature of the island far back in its history.

Rival clans often spilled blood in various attempts to gain control.

Earlier this month, the community voted to launch a bid to buy the island after it was put on the market by businessman Derek Holt for �3.85m.

The Holt family moved from Skibo Castle, Sutherland to Gigha in 1992.

As one of the UK's largest privately owned islands, Gigha has changed hands three times since 1944.

Heritage trust

The residents' efforts to raise the required amount to buy the island were boosted by a "substantial level" of lottery backing through the Scottish Land Fund, as well as contributions from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Community Land Unit and public donations.

After confirmation of the lottery grant, the islanders formed the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust.

Gigha residents consulted closely with people on the Scottish island of Eigg, where 63 islanders famously took possession of their 7,400-acre outcrop in 1997.

That buy-out was achieved after a �900,000 donation from an undisclosed millionaire from north-east England.