It’s Not Just The Traitors Who Are Plotting…
If there’s one thing the west coast of Scotland does better than dramatic scenery and unpredictable weather, it’s inspiring people to dream big. Increasingly, those dreams begin with a simple patch of land. Across Argyll, Mull, Ulva and the wider Hebridean coast, interest in land and development plots is booming – and specialist firms such as Bell Ingram Oban are right at the heart of it.
While Scotland’s love of a good plot twist may be fuelled by television hits like The Traitors, the real plotting happening in the west is far more literal. Buyers are snapping up small serviced plots, lifestyle parcels and larger development-ready tracts for self-build homes, future projects, or as long-term investments to hold until the timing is right.
Few places have captured the public imagination quite like the Isle of Ulva. Once home to hundreds, Ulva’s population fell to just six residents before a landmark community buyout in 2018 marked a turning point. Interest has surged again thanks to Banjo Beale and Rohan Christopher, whose popular Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel follows their ambitious restoration of the historic Ulva House into a boutique hotel.
Filmed throughout 2025, the series shines a spotlight on Ulva’s character, logistical challenges and remarkable potential. With creativity, mishaps and sheer determination on display, the island is increasingly viewed not as a remote outpost, but as a place where bold ideas can take root – a narrative reinforced by community-led regeneration and renewed interest in settlement.
It is therefore no surprise that development land and plots on Ulva and across the surrounding region, marketed by Bell Ingram, are attracting heightened attention from buyers inspired by the island’s story.
Not everyone purchasing a plot intends to build immediately. A growing proportion of west coast buyers are securing land as part of a longer-term vision – waiting for finances, designs or life circumstances to align, or simply banking land for a future family project. One thing is certain: once you own a piece of the west coast, you have secured your place within one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Bell Ingram continues to see strong demand for small lifestyle plots, ideal for self-build homes, holiday lets or future relocation, as well as larger parcels offering scope for multiple dwellings. These larger sites, often in scenic yet accessible locations, are particularly attractive to developers exploring opportunities for sustainable and affordable housing.
Beyond the recent media attention, the west coast’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of wilderness, heritage and strong communities. We are witnessing the benefits of renewed settlement through both private and community ownership models, with Ulva standing as a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities take control of their future and newcomers are inspired to play a part.
As Banjo jokes in the programme, “we’ve officially lost the plot”. In reality, however, many people are doing the opposite – finding their plot, and beginning their own west coast story.
For further information on plot and land sales across Argyll and the Highlands, please contact Andrew Fuller at Bell Ingram Oban.