What is Banjo Beale doing on Ulva island?

Banjo Beale is renovating Ulva House, a historic mansion, into a boutique hotel on the island of Ulva.

What is the population of Ulva island now?

Following a community buyout and settlement invitations, the population of Ulva island has grown to 16 residents.

Where is Ulva House located?

Ulva House is located on the small Hebridean island of Ulva, situated in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland.

Home / Lifestyle / Island mansion reborn: TV star's hotel dreams

Island mansion reborn: TV star's hotel dreams

8 Jan

•

Summary

TV personality Banjo Beale is renovating Ulva House into a boutique hotel.
The island of Ulva saw its population grow from 5 to 16 after a community buyout.
A historic mansion on Ulva is being transformed into a seven-bedroom hotel.

Island mansion reborn: TV star's hotel dreams

On the remote Hebridean island of Ulva, TV personality Banjo Beale and his husband Ro are undertaking a significant renovation of Ulva House, a historic mansion, to convert it into a boutique hotel. The project, which involves restoring the elegant, Grade B-listed modernist building, is chronicled in a new six-part television series.

The island itself has a rich history, having once housed 570 residents in 1841 but dwindling to just five by 2015 due to historical evictions. Following a community buyout in 2018, efforts are underway to repopulate Ulva, with the population now standing at 16, a substantial increase from its lowest point.

Beale's seven-bedroom hotel, set to open seasonally, will complement other accommodations on the island, including off-grid bothies and a revamped hostel, with Ro managing the culinary offerings. This endeavor marks a new chapter for Ulva, aiming to attract visitors and residents alike, contributing to the island's resurgence.