Grandfather (65), who looked after three uninhabited islands in Scotland for 13 years, is now retiring – so someone younger can experience what he has

A 65-year-old man is retiring as manager of three uninhabited Scottish islands.

Grandfather-of-three Jonathan Grant looks after the islands of Mingulay, Pabbay and Berneray south of Barra after taking up a post as ranger more than a decade ago.

Born in Glasgow, he took up the post at the National Trust of Scotland in 2010 after moving to the Outer Hebrides 20 years ago.

Now he plans to retire in October and hopes that a younger man who loves the islands as much as he does will take his job as a ranger.

“A younger person living on the island could experience what I experienced,” Grant said.

The island of Mingulay (photo) was abandoned by the Gaelic speakers in 1912

The high cliffs of Minguay (photo) are known as a rich habitat for birds

Barra Head Lighthouse (pictured) on Berneray Island has been in operation since 1833

The uninhabited islands are known for their dramatic landscapes and rich natural ecosystems

The three islands are in the Outer Hebrides on the west coast of Scotland

The three lonely islands are part of the Bishop’s Isles archipelago, which lies about 20 km south of Barra.

The islands at the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides are known for their dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches and rich ecosystems.

“Seabirds nest on the cliffs, the wildlife is amazing,” said Grant. “There are sandy beaches and seals and basking sharks.

All three islands were abandoned by their Gaelic-speaking inhabitants because of the harsh everyday life they brought with them.

Mr Grant first moved to the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides to work as a builder.

“I was born in Glasgow and went to school there. I didn’t want to live in the city after high school,” he says.

“I moved to Barra because I had family and friends there and got a job as a contractor.

Born in Glasgow, Ranger moved to the Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides 20 years ago.

The ruins of an abandoned village (photo) remain on Mingulay Island

The forester works six months a year on the uninhabited islands in the summer and earns his living as a self-employed construction worker in the other winter months.

“This has always been my main occupation. I don’t earn much, but I work six months, in the winter I mostly do construction work as a freelancer.

“I started as a forester about 20 years ago, before this profession came up. Funding ran out, but then I got the NTS post.

Mr Grant said the retirement was a gesture of commitment to the islands’ future. “I think it’s unfair to keep the job as I get older,” he said.

“My first commitment is to the well-being of the islands,” Mr Grant added, saying he “will be sad to leave his job”.

Pabbay Island (pictured) was abandoned after the hardy men died in a storm in 1897

The Mingulay school building (photo) is now used by researchers after restoration in 201

Mingulay (pictured) is known for its rich seal and basking shark ecosystems

“I am a small cog in a large organization and have many colleagues whom I unfortunately have to leave,” said the forester.

The grandfather said his work never provided for the family, although he often spent more than a week there in a tent.

“Sometimes I’m alone on the island, that’s fine, it suits me,” he added.

“I have a nice house and a wife on Barra. I only camp for a few weeks every summer,” said Mr. Grant said. “I haven’t spent the last 13 years in a tent.”

He noted that he is “never far” from home and has access to “the Internet and satellite communications.”