Scotland Island is home to those who love nature and community – sparkling water glimpsed through treetops, spectacular sunsets, coastal breezes and strolling to a sandy beach for a swim with the kids or grandkids.
Nestled in the tranquil waters of Pittwater, it’s a truly unique community of around 1,000 people, some of whom are weekend residents. Outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing and hiking are very accessible, and the homes here mean you’ll feel like you’re on holidays every day, but the trade-off is fewer amenities and a commute across water to work, school or shopping.
Community and lifestyle
There’s plenty of information about island life on the Scotland Island website, which covers information for residents about living here. Some things to know: the roads are shared by vehicles and pedestrians, and are only partially paved, there are no street lights at night, so you need a torch, and most people get around on foot.
Moving here is both an adventure and a challenge. The closeness to nature and the community make it an incredible place to live, but there are also practical elements to consider. It can be harder to get tradespeople to visit, and shopping often has to be carried by hand.
Scotland Island also has a vibrant arts scene including music, plays and festivals. The former kindergarten is now a recreation centre, offering table tennis, coffee mornings and more, and there’s also a bush regeneration group and an active Facebook page to keep people informed about what’s happening locally. The local fire station is an essential part of the island and also the venue for community events.
Getting on and off the island
For shopping, cafes and restaurants, residents typically travel to nearby Mona Vale and Church Point. Scotland Island is five minutes from Newport, Clareville or Church Point by boat. Residents park their cars at one of the many marinas around Pittwater and at the council car park at Church Point. From Church Point or Newport to the city is approximately 50 minutes away by car.
Although many residents have a boat, there is also the Church Point Ferry Service that operates during commuter hours on weekdays and hourly on weekends, and the Pink Water Taxi service.
Because there are no shops on the island, people need to transport their food across from the mainland, which can be challenging. Moving here is generally done with the help of removalists familiar with the island.
What about schooling?
Yes, kids can live on the island and get to school. Children who attend Newport Primary School take the school ferry every morning and afternoon, which stops on all the major wharves around the island before heading to Newport Public Wharf. Older children who go to Pittwater High School can catch the ferry to Church Point and then a bus. Although the journey is a little longer, the freedom and outdoors lifestyle that kids enjoy on the island make it more than worthwhile for many families.
Real estate trends on Scotland Island
Scotland Island is a unique real estate market. There are some incredible homes, land and renovation projects all on offer, many with stunning views, private jetties and direct water access.
According to Your Property Investment magazine, the median property price for a house is currently $1,615,000, with annual capital growth of 24.23%, but there are also renovation projects on offer for far less. There were 11 house sales in the past 12 months, and on average, houses spend 76 days on market.
Looking to buy or sell on Scotland Island?
There is always interest in Scotland Island real estate, either for people seeking a home or a weekender. If you’re looking to sell your Scotland Island home, we have sold many of the homes here and can help you with readying your property for sale and finding your ideal buyer. Contact us for a no-obligation chat to discuss your situation.
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