Lochinver lifeboat rescues yachtsman in difficulties off Handa Island

A lone sailor was rescued from off a remote nature reserve island early yesterday.

The yachtsman suffered engine problems off Handa Island in Sutherland and called for help around 7.20am.

Lochinver Lifeboat went to his aid and towed the stricken craft to Lochinver - just over two hours later.

Handa Island lies a few miles off the west coast of Sutherland. It is owned by Scourie Estate and managed as wildlife reserve in partnership with the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

There have been no full-time inhabitants since 1848 but during the summer Handa attracts around 200,000 birds including guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars.

Seasonal rangers live on the normally uninhabited island, which attracts thousands of visitors.

In the 19th century, Handa was recorded as having a population of around 65 people. The islanders had a parliament, similar to that of St Kilda, which met daily, and a female-centric society where the oldest widow on the island was considered its 'Queen.'

But despite a healthy diet of oats, fish and seabirds, the remaining islanders decided to abandon their homes for the mainland more than 170 years ago as a result of the potato famine.

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