Stay at Peter Pan island owned by Richard Branson’s sister

Sir Richard Branson’s sister has an island too – not in the Caribbean but in Scotland. And Vanessa Branson is relaunching Eilean Shona – the inspiration for the character Peter Pan – just in time for the release of the new film Pan.

The new movie of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan – starring Hugh Jackman (above), Amanda Seyfried, Cara Delevingne and Rooney Mara – is being released in the UK on October 16.

Eilean Shona, which calls itself Neverland Found, was much-loved by the author and playwright and now six of its holiday cottages and the main house, a former hunting lodge, have been refurbished.

J.M. Barrie rented the island in the 1920s and created the screenplay for Peter Pan. He said of Eilean Shona: “We have mountains and lochs and boats and tennis and billiards and most of the Western islands of Scotland lying at our feet.”

The island, co-owned by Vanessa (Virgin boss Sir Richard owns Necker Island in the Virgin Islands), is great for family holidays or for couples wanting to escape a busy life. There are moss-covered woods, hills, and a white sandy beach on the south western tip.

It is also a haven for wildlife – seabirds, deer, seals, otters, nesting sea eagles, red squirrels and rare pine marten. Dolphin, seals, minke whales and basking sharks can all be seen in the waters around Shona.

There are no cars, no televisions and no flight path. There is a small shop for basic provisions and home-cooked meals. The island is reached either by air or rail from Glasgow, which is a three hour drive through the Highlands to Dorlin Pier where the island boat picks up guests for the five-minute crossing.

One week’s rental of Eilean Shona House with 11 bedrooms, based on 20 people sharing, costs between £5,750 to £7,500 depending upon season, including wi-fi and four return RIB transfers to the mainland. Prices are lower for reduced occupancy. A three-night short break for 8+ bedrooms starts at £4,250.

There are six cottages for rent sleeping between 2 -8 people. Lead-in prices for one week range from £525  to £900 including ferry crossings. The former village hall can be used by everyone. It has a table tennis table, dartboard, books, games and internet.

See Eilean Shona