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An island which has seen drastic action to protect its rare mice and birds is now trying to end a decline in its human population.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) hopes to attract two new families to Canna in the Hebrides.
The trust, which owns the most westerly of the Small Isles, said it has 15 inhabitants left.
In an effort to reverse the decline, NTS is offering two of its properties for rent.
Alex Lindsay, NTS director for the Highlands and Islands, said applicants should be eager to play an active role in the community.
It is hoped that bringing in new residents will contribute to the safeguarding of the school, community and economy of the island
Alex Lindsay,NTS
He said: "We are very keen to hear from families who wish to take up the opportunity to live and work on Canna.
"It is hoped that bringing in new residents will contribute to the safeguarding of the school, community and economy of the island, whilst increasing the skills base and making a valuable contribution to island life."
NTS said there were potential employment opportunities on the island for people with building, gardening, electrics or plumbing skills.
Employment on Canna is mainly associated with agriculture in the traditional farming of sheep and cattle together with crofting.
One of the two houses available for rent on Canna
Tourism also plays a role with about 30,000 people visiting every year.
Until now it has been Canna's wildlife that has given NTS most cause for concern.
A rat extermination programme was introduced after it was found that the predators were eating eggs and bird chicks.
The mammals are thought to have been completely wiped out and seabirds such as shag, razorbills and Manx shearwater are showing signs of recovery.
Wood mice were removed from the island so they were not exterminated along with the rats.
Earlier this year, 150 mice were returned to Canna after being looked after at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.
For more information about the opportunity to live on Canna, please contact the National Trust Scotland on 01631 564710 from Monday 9 October.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/5413934.stm
maximus otter
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) hopes to attract two new families to Canna in the Hebrides.
The trust, which owns the most westerly of the Small Isles, said it has 15 inhabitants left.
In an effort to reverse the decline, NTS is offering two of its properties for rent.
Alex Lindsay, NTS director for the Highlands and Islands, said applicants should be eager to play an active role in the community.
It is hoped that bringing in new residents will contribute to the safeguarding of the school, community and economy of the island
Alex Lindsay,NTS
He said: "We are very keen to hear from families who wish to take up the opportunity to live and work on Canna.
"It is hoped that bringing in new residents will contribute to the safeguarding of the school, community and economy of the island, whilst increasing the skills base and making a valuable contribution to island life."
NTS said there were potential employment opportunities on the island for people with building, gardening, electrics or plumbing skills.
Employment on Canna is mainly associated with agriculture in the traditional farming of sheep and cattle together with crofting.
One of the two houses available for rent on Canna
Tourism also plays a role with about 30,000 people visiting every year.
Until now it has been Canna's wildlife that has given NTS most cause for concern.
A rat extermination programme was introduced after it was found that the predators were eating eggs and bird chicks.
The mammals are thought to have been completely wiped out and seabirds such as shag, razorbills and Manx shearwater are showing signs of recovery.
Wood mice were removed from the island so they were not exterminated along with the rats.
Earlier this year, 150 mice were returned to Canna after being looked after at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.
For more information about the opportunity to live on Canna, please contact the National Trust Scotland on 01631 564710 from Monday 9 October.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/5413934.stm
maximus otter
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