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Unique Property Bulletin + Lighthouses For Sale + Grand Designs For Sale
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TEXT: 0757 2768 795.
LANDLINE: 012417852127.
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WHATSAPP: On request…
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What, Why, When & How of
Unique Property Bulletin
When folk phone Unique Property Bulletin, they are frequently curious about this website and what they have stumbled upon?
What is “Unique Property Bulletin?
First: We are NOT an estate agency. This Bulletin is run by volunteers who have a passion for unusual buildings and their restoration to a useful purpose.
We share details of these buildings with our friends and readers…
This site is FREE for you to use.
You are welcome to become more interactive and for sure, to avoid missing any news and/or unique property for sale or rent by “following” our social media account…
Join In & Participate on Social Media
Click Here
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Meanwhile, we make best efforts to answer the question that is often asked. In fact it is usually a fleet of questions about Unique Property Bulletin!
So here is the What? Why? When? How? Where? & Who? of Unique Property Bulletin…
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Birthplace of Unique Property Bulletin
We Rented This Ruin For £5- A Year!
This Is The Old Lookout in 1984 Before Renovation…
^^ The Old Lookout Station, Davaar Island ^^
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Birthplace of Unique Property Bulletin
In 1986 After Renovation…
^^ The Old Lookout Station, Davaar Island ^^
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^^ The Old Lookout & Lighthouse Station ^^
^^Davaar Island ^^
Copyright Courtesy of: Allan Wright & Alamy ~ Fee Paid Here ***********
^^ The Old Lookout & Lighthouse Station ^^
^^Davaar Island ^^
Copyright Courtesy of: Travel Scotland - Paul White & Alamy ~ Fee Paid: Here
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After renovating the Old Lookout Coastguard Station, it became a wonderful place to stay for several years and a place where you could mentally reset your mind and have a sanctuary when needed.
The owner of the island, Mr Turner Senior was a very kind gentleman and after a few years, he mentioned to his Old Lookout tenant Russ McLean about an offer he had received from the Northern Lighthouse Board. They had give him (Mr Turner) “first refusal” to buy the lighthouse station (tower not included, as he was the Title-Deed successor to the land upon which the Northern Lighthouse Board had built the Davaar Island Lighthouse station buildings.
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^^ Davaar Island Lighthouse Station
^^ & The Old Lookout ~ Painted A Cream Colour ^^
Copyright: Creative Commons Licence.
With Heartfelt Thanks To Steve Partridge.
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Russ McLean was humbled that Mr Turner would ask his advice and said:
“Yes, absolutely: you would be well advised to buy the Davaar Island Lighthouse Station.”
The purchase would complete Mr Turner’s custodianship of the whole island (with a small diameter of land upon which the actual tower is built (the Northern Lighthouse Board retain ownership and operational control of Davaar Lighthouse TOWER to this very day).
Somewhat unexpectedly, and to his mild shock, Russ McLean was then offered a lease on the main “Principal Lighthouse Keeper’s House” by Mr Turner.
=> That is how and why you are reading this Lighthouse Bulletin 40 years later and all the years in between!
To quote a very good friend, Mr Bob Ferguson, the start of this adventure with a lease on an old ruin of a Coastguard Lookout Station was…
“A fiver well spent.”
The lease was eventually surrendered in the 1990s around the time Mr Turner Snr., passed away. It was the right thing to do. Russ McLean’s employment had taken him to work in London. One of the vows he had made was NOT to leave lighthouse buildings unattended, nor cold and empty. The buildings on Davaar Island were in better condition than at the start of this chapter in the Lighthouse Bulletin and our major publication, Unique Property Bulletin’s formative years (social media well worth “following” so you do not miss anything ~ click here).
It was time to share these buildings and the enjoyment of lighthouse living with the next generation who moved to Davaar Island.
^^ Davaar Lighthouse Station ^^
^^Davaar Island ^^
Copyright Courtesy of Ian Cowe & Alamy ~ Fee Paid Here
After Davaar Island Lighthouse Station, there is a very approximates “decade per lighthouse station”, with the next being the actual purchase and renovation of…
=> Ailsa Craig Lighthouse Station ~ Late 1990s.
=> Strathy Point Lighthouse Station ~ Early 2000s.
=> Noss Head Lighthouse Station ~ Teens.
=> Tod Head Lighthouse Station ~ 2020s.
There is a regret. It was very difficult to travel from Campbeltown Harbour to Ailsa Craig Pier. So we sold the Ailsa Craig Island around 23 years ago.
Sadly the subsequent owner, whom we thought would find access easier from the Girvan side with half the distance to travel, seems to have disappeared.
=> When we sold the Ailsa Craig Lighthouse Station buildings they were habitable.
=> Now, in 2024 they are derelict.
This picture and the devastation in the subsequent 23 years breaks our heart. The ruination of once fine lighthouse keepers’ houses requires to be remedied…
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The photo of derelict lighthouse keepers’ homes above is a MAIN reason we are establishing the…
“National Lighthouse Preservation Trust”
We are intent on some form of…
ATONEMENT
… for selling the buildings 23 years ago, and the condition in which they now stand.
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We have tried many ways to contact the current owner. His limited company is registered offshore. Fortunately, the new Land Reform legislation is approaching mandatory and/or compulsory purchase into a charitable trust providing certain statutory instruments are triggered.
=> One way or another, the Ailsa Craig Lighthouse station (and others in this state) will be restored to their original condition.
More news soon in the…
Perhaps worthwhile to keep an eye on updates:-
Click Here
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Most Recent Head Office For
Unique Property Bulletin…
^^ The Old Engine House ^^
Noss Head Lighthouse Station
^^ The Old Engine House ^^
Noss Head Lighthouse Station
^^ Keeper’s Cabin ^^
Noss Head Lighthouse Station
Working from this computer: writing the words you are reading on these pages from this lighthouse station!
Both for: Unique Property Bulletin
&
The Lighthouse Bulletin
Between
2017 and 2024.
Now During 2024, due, unfortunately to one of the team being injured aboard a CalMac ferry travelling home to the island of Arran, we are moving our office to a central location where family members are available to assist.
The Unique Property Bulletin is a not-for-profit entity. All surpluses go to renovating derelict or “tired” and empty buildings. Then bringing them back to life through a great deal of TLC and careful restoration.
A great deal of thanks is due to help from you guys (all genders) that many of us have joined together for a unique property adventure with a castle, or barn or distillery or pub or lighthouse or underground bunker… the list goes on. We do not just write about unusual buildings. We cannot help ourselves: approximately once a year we will buy something interesting and have another restoration adventure.
^^ Keil Hotel Ruin: No Windows & Collapsed Roof ^^
Photo (1999) By Russ McLean
Unique Property Bulletin bought this magnificent Art Deco ruin in 1999. It has been a long road and a different McLean now owns the building: Donnie McLean (no relative to our McLean). e will feature this particular unusual property adventure in one of thee regular feature articles. Again, please remind us if it has not made it to the frontpage News Bulletin during the course of 2024 (via FaceBook (front page as direct Messenger fails to work: click here)). We are overhauling our websites (after we secure the new unique premises to from which to write each Bulletin).
Donnie made a brilliant job renovating the Old Lifeboat Station across the water from Keil Hotel at Dunaverty. Now Donnie is finishing the task and has managed the gargantuan task of getting all the windows replaced. Plus a lot more.
Good luck Donnie: a lot of folk are wishing you well and hoping the Keil Hotel will be back to its former glory soon.
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^^ Keil Hotel With New Windows Installed ^^
Photo Courtesy of James T.M.Towill & Geograph
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^^ View From The Keil Hotel ^^
Photo Courtesy of Mr Paul Rutherford
There is also an excellent piece of aerial drone video of the continuing renovation work at the Keil Hotel. Pus some awesome views around the Mull of Kintyre…
The Keil Hotel was one of Unique Property Bulletin’s adventures.
We bought this magnificent Ruin of a building for just…
£24,000-
in 1999!
^^ Keil Hotel Renovations ^^
^^ Aerial Drone Video ^^
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From this obscure publication (thankfully turbo-boosted by the internet), we have been able to prove when a group of folk come together with determination + goodwill + co-operation, then really good things can happen.
Here is a heartfelt message from us to those who are, or may have become disabled.
Please do not lose hope. This eccentric publication was started whilst the founder lost a job he loved: harbourmaster. He needed spinal surgery. After the first operation he just could not handle or heave the landing line of ships in port. Seriously, would you not enjoy this wonderful job of harbourmaster…
^^ Paddle Steamer Waverley Going Astern ^^
Photo Courtesy of The Then Harbourmaster Russ McLean (2001).
^^ You Are Welcome To Reproduce This Photograph ^^
But a completely different vocation awaited our editor and former harbourmaster. That new entity was and is Unique Property Bulletin. It born in that old Lookout Building whilst enjoying the sunshine and contemplating a new future.
The result is what you are now reading…
Unique Property Bulletin
By an accidental success, the Unique Property Bulletin has grown to point where it owns its own HQ building and has, through the course of its life, been lucky enough to register two charities and create 203 jobs in 30 years.
So if you are disabled, keep on plugging away. Listen to the words of a National Treasure whom we adore: really listen to her words. Why? Because EVERY SINGLE PERSON reading this will become disabled. Think about it, even if your demise arrives via a quick squish squash under the number 73 bus from Ninewells in Dundee, technically you are disabled: even if only for a couple of second. Yes, you are also likely to be very thin and tall. For a brief period of time. Not long enough to qualify for Disability Living Allowance or PIP. Of course, most folk who become disabled have to endure that blight for a year of more. Some are disabled for their whole lives.
^^ A Memento From Brian Souter ^^
Beware The Number 73 Bus from Ninewells!
Especially if Dino-Sore-Russ Is Driving It!^
Brian Souter kindly arranged for our Unique Property Bulletin editor drive a training bus at his Arbroath Bus Depot. If you are reading this, please can you remind one of our crew on the Facebook page (click here) to upload the new television series details? Working title: “Unique Visits To Unique People In Unique Property”. The bus is an integral theme within the program.
Putting aside the dreaded Number 73 omnibus… technically we all are disabled at some point. So our point? Keep on keeping on. Do not let a disability get the better of you. If the bashed and bruised (and shot and stabbed) old Dino-Sore-Russ that started this publication thing managed to keep on going, surely you are game-on to give life another go too. By all means get in touch if you’d like one of our crew to get you into mischief. Able bodied or decrepit.
We are keen to assist anyone who wishes to push their boundaries and make the very best of what they have. We are an ordinary lot here, but in some strange Forrest Gumpian way, the adventures of the past three decades have manifested some incredibly awesome experiences. To the point that when aske about being disabled, Russ said he wouldn’t have it any other way! We’ve heard other folk say similar things. Anyways, we are here for you. Meanwhile, as promised, have a wee listen to what Judi Dench says so beautifully…
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^^ Well Said Judi. Thank You ^^
Bu66er Being Disabled, Oldish, Or Decrepit.
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CONTACT DETAILS ~ ADDRESS:
Unique Property Bulletin Ltd.,
Endeavour House,
1 James Street,
Arbroath, Angus, UK.,
DD11 1JP.
^^ Endeavour House Main Entrance ^^
^^ Is At 1 James Street, Arbroath, Angus, DD11 1JP ^^
^^ Where The White Van Is Parked ^^
If anyone ever says newsletters or their electronic form such as this site are not real ~ in the sense of being “virtual” or ethereally in the clouds and frequently do little that is of use, here is a classic example of the good that can be achieved via an often toxic, misnamed “social media”. Our current HQ used to be a derelict shell, opposite an iconic national treasure where the American Constitution was invented 700 years ago in 1320. We are rewriting this 2020 page and it has now been part of the relaunch in 2024 with daily updates: here. So that USA Constitution thingy started in ye olde monastery print shope around 704 years ago.
American Constitution Born 25 feet away from us…
So our Unique Property Bulletin and Argyll Group crew simply had to renovate this eyesore and give it new use. Our current HQ really was a dilapidated wreck…
^^ Endeavour House & Abbey Studios ^^
^^ We Bought This Derelict 3-Storey Shell of A Building ^^
Though frankly, we prefer the view from our HQ, rather than of it! Even though our Unique Property Bulletin HQ is now a lot tidier and more useful than it used to be. It certainly helps keep the distinguished Arbroath Abbey across the road from looking tired. These buildings positively sparkle nowadays.
^^ Arbroath Abbey ^^
^^ Directly Opposite Unique Property Bulletin HQ ^^
Our special renovation crew needed something safe and constructive to do during the pandemic! Please never forget the privations and tragedies of that era. The shocking element that pretty much everyone lost someone to that wretched three year viral killer should never, ever be forgotten…
Keeping Safe & Carrying On (Safely)
Click Here
We bought the current Unique Property Bulletin HQ on 28th February 2020. Then 24 just days later on 23rd March 2020 the unimaginable became far too real for far too many…
^^ 23rd March 2020 ^^
^^ Lockdown Starts In The UK ^^
Reading through the precise timeline is sobering, a nightmare déjà vu. Even 4 years after that day: Click Here.
Things will never be the same. We know this because the phone calls and texts we received during the pandemic and especially since the pandemic ended has seen many people revise their lives.
=> Shockingly, we have witnessed doctors, paramedics, nurses as well as our mainstay of this Unique Property Bulletin ~ internet specialists just leave their jobs.
=> The unique property adventures we go on, buying + renovating unusual places needs joiners, plumbers, roofers, electricians etc., These too have had vast swathes just stop what they are doing and get less stressful jobs or work that requires fewer hours. Quite a few opt for that rare beast: “passive income (more of that later).
=> Incredulously, we have spoken to folk from all of these professions and vocations to witness what is becoming a POST-COVID phenomena. Where so many folk are people are putting in their resignation letters and seeking a better style of life. We can but say, “well done” and commend our friends and readers who have the chutzpah too do this.
So many have now gone on to buy a home and secure lifestyle where they achieve that precious thing.
Our editor, Russ McLean was furious with Rami Malek, the villain in Daniel Craig’s swansong as James Bond. The ending really does hit. Home. Hard.
What our lives are is more than a 9-to5 job, as the Old Fella that founded this website put it in a screenshot…
^^ Russ McLean Recommends ^^
Stop Being Handcuffed To The Phone & Computer”
Life really is too short for this excrement.
In a strange way of life imitating art…
President Putin’s diabolical plan, exposed
further down this page…
May well help us all!
The thing in our lives and especially your life and that of your family is worth more than diamonds. Forever.
You should give yourself the grace of time. Think about what makes you happy. Please stop looking at cliché memes and wishing you could win the lottery. There are far easier and more certain ways to get where you would like to be. If we can help prove that with an island for £5 a year rent, then maybe you can too.
Bond villain Rami Malek was one of the best at being one of the worst. Even though the movie business is just celluloid and admittedly some damn fine acting (we still miss Judi Dench), maybe follow the example of the real Daniel Craig. There is a lot in Commander Craig’s persona carried over into his penultimate 007 film and vice versa.
If nothing else, please consider doing this…
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^^ Slàinte Sgiath ^^
The words in this brief video clip and their syntax jar. They sit strangely on the page and slip awkwardly from the tongue.
=> Perhaps that helps the gravitas. The words in that video-clip also hit. Home. Hard.
From that bloody pandemic, please give your family and friends some grace. Many of whom paid the horrendous price of finality or those still with us but harmed with long-covid that continue with that heavy, inexorable burden.
=> Use your time. Home. Kindly. Well.
All roads lead to the same destination for every single soul on this planet.
Maybe take a journey on a metaphorical road less travelled. We volunteers here at this not-for-profit organisation promise to do our best in our endeavour to tempt you into some property mischief.
In the majority of cases, it means being very close to family and friends. If that can be achieved and with life lived in a unique home, then we believe our time has been used. Well.
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Page Edit In Progress
This page is being copy-edited and shortened as it kind of grew legs and became overly long. Consequently, our readers may notice some changes as we are rebuilding the entire website. Apologies for any inconvenience.
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Who? What? Where & How?
?
^^ Russ McLean ^^
^^ Founded Unique Property Bulletin in 1987 ^^
This diminutive building is the
birthplace of Unique Property Bulletin.
Next year, 2025 will be the 50th Anniversary.
Where did that lifetime go?
The best £5 a year
Russ McLean ever spent.
^^ The Old Lookout In 1985 ^^
Russ McLean Leased This For £5 A Year.
This is where the idea of a newsletter about unusual property was born.
It took a year to get the place fit for use.
But was well worth the effort.
I used my time.
^^ The Old Lookout In 1988 ^^
Russ McLean Leased This For £5 A Year.
The agreement with island-owner, Mr Turner Snr., was that the low lease amount included renovation of this building. The place was great fun to renovate and was as enjoyable to live as it was to restore.
But the real attraction was location, location, location. This next photograph ain’t exactly of number 43 Acacia Avenue in the London suburbs. What do you reckon? Would you live here? Would you be happy?
^^ The Old Lookout Station ^^
^^ Davaar Island, Kintyre, Argyll ^^
A narrow spit of land was exposed at low tide twice a day.
Otherwise Davaar Island is a proper island: water all around.
^^ Alamy & Simon Butterworth Licence Fee Paid ^^
The next picture is a quick snap from about 2006 and shows one of our directors, notoriously camera-shy David Rutherford actually at The Lookout, or rather in front of it at Davaar Island…
^^ David Rutherford & Grant Macpherson ^^
Working hard at Davaar Island.
Seriously, this is what they were doing!
Well think about it?
What do you want to do as your job?
David Rutherford is a director of Unique Property Bulletin Ltd.
His day~job and that of Grant too is work as a firefighter.
The location was and still is awesome. We surrendered the lease in the mid 1990s as it was unfair to leave the wee Lookout building empty whilst working in London. The tenant was away in the capital to make enough money to buy a suitable ship and restart the local economic miracle of the ferry from Argyll in Scotland to Antrim in Northern Ireland…
^^ The Old Lookout Station ^^
^^ Davaar Island, Kintyre, Argyll ^^
Alamy & Allan Wright Licence Fee Paid.
Davaar Island, by Campbeltown, Kintyre, Argyll with MV Isle of Arran Contributor: Allan Wright / Alamy Stock Photo. Image ID: 2BHR7JT
Do you see the ferry in the photo above these words?
It is interesting what things can happen if you are determined. Especially when friends of a similar mind and skillset join together.
But we did start with a smaller ferry. Here it is in real life. The purpose was to boost the local economy. Eventually a bigger ferry did just that.
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^^ MV Lochmor ~ Click Here^^
A side adventure from
Unique Property Bulletin.
Similar to other side adventures that have been born from a group of eccentrics here at Unique Property Bulletin…
^^ TS Queen Mary ^^
Before Charity Restoration
We progress more than just unique buildings.
In fact, our editor, Russ McLean’s day-job as a harbourmaster has influenced the kind of unique property we favour: small island homes + lighthouses + coastguard stations etc.
^^ TS Queen Mary ^^
After Charity Restoration
Russs is now retired from the charity.
Thankfully his good friend Iain Sim is still at the helm.
In fact Iain has worked miracles since the ship was purchased.
^^ Aiden O’Donnell + Russ McLean + Iain Sim ^^
Trustees of The
Friends of TS Queen Mary Charity
^^ Written On The Very Same Keyboard As These Words! ^^
None too shabby for friends from an obscure bulletin and website.
If you ever want to see grown men cry, including the editor of Unique property Bulletin, then just show them this video by the brilliant friend, Jim Phanco of the day they got the TS Queen Mary home (having been towed half way around the UK coast…
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^^ The Day TS Queen Mary Came Home ^^
If you want even more tears, it is the thought of this decent, kindly man, the late, great Robbie Coltrane giving of his time, energy and enthusiasm. Robbie personally raised over £100,000 for the Friends of TS Queen Mary charity. Plus his presence was a brilliant, shining lift to morale…
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^^ The Late Robbie Coltrane ^^
Probably the best way to conclude this segment are to have words spoken by charity patron Sam Neill (click here).
Sam just sums up Robbie so well…
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^^ Sam Neill: A Short Message For Robbie ^^
This digression to a nautical subject possibly explains why our most recent “unique” office location was here…
^^ Noss Head Lighthouse Station ^^
Photo Courtesy of Thomas Dornfield
Here is the same place after Unique Property Bulletin Ltd., and the Northern Lighthouse Board had completed the 2018~2019 renovation of both the privately owned buildings and the main, fully operational lighthouse tower.
^^ Noss Head Lighthouse Station ^^
After Renovation By Unique Property Bulletin
Wikipedia
Click Here
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^^ Unique Property Bulletin Desk ^^
^^ At Noss Head Lighthouse Station ^^
Real-World Adventures Are Part of What
We Do Here At Unique Property Bulletin
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The Future?
It is 30 years since we gave up the lease on this wee beauty (you can visit and stay here under the current owners)…
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^^ The Old Lookout ^^
^^ Davaar Island ^^
This video will give you an idea of the roots from where this Unique Property Bulletin emerged.
=> Our job is as per the strap-line on this item…
^^ Unique Property Manual ^^
This answered many questions from and for you guys.
Before anyone asks, the MANUAL is out of print as compters have made what we do… what is says on the cover for you, a LOT easier.
So we are rewriting this during 2024,
twelve years after the first edition.
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^^ Unique Property Manual ^^
Currently out of print.
Why?
Because we are rewriting it to take account of advances in HM Land registries etc., and so much of the what the strap-line on the cover includes.
Returning to where we started in 1985, the lease to the old Lookout was surrendered in the mid 1990s.
=> All going well, the Unique Property Bulletin will have a new home by Sumer 2024.
This will make it a lot easier for us to keep our promise to you…
=> “How to Find, Fund and Have Fun With Unique Property”
That is on the proviso that we are all still here?
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LATEST NEWS
For the most up-to-date news, please feel free to check and/or “follow” our social media pages (thank you for getting us to 7,500 regular “followers”)…
Click Here
If nothing else, please feel free to “follow” us on social media. It is FREE and you never know.. we could stumble across a building that YOU are looking for. Please remember, we are NOT an estate agency, just a group of eccentric friends who share detail of unique buildings with our fellow eccentrics.
Unique Property Bulletin
Social Media: Main Page
Updates Every Day Except Sundays
Click Here
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TO RETURN TO THE MAIN UNIQUE PROPERTY BULLETIN…
Unique Property Bulletin Home Page: Click Here
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TO RETURN TO LIGHTHOUSES FOR SALE OR RENT…
Lighthouses For Sale Home Page: Click Here
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TO RETURN TO GRAND DESIGNS FOR SALE…
Grand Designs For Sale Home Page: Click Here
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Unique Property Bulletin Ltd
History + Freelancers Wanted + New HQ Premises
Please note: Unique Property Bulletin Ltd., is a not-for-profit organisation. We are currently run by volunteers. However, during the past 22 years we have been working to ensure the publication purchases its own premises without needing a mortgage. The thesis is, once the candidate building is bought and paid for (we emphasise that is must be free of mortgage) then we shall be renting the spare parts out and utilise that income to pay for PAYE staff employees to cover Unique Property Bulletin editorial + admin., + IT. Thereby relieving some of the strain from the volunteers. During 2019 and 2020 the thee websites have had a much lighter amount of content, but once the new premises at Arbroath are opened and we revert to the full magazine format, the readership levels in the past that have ranged between 35,000 and 78,000 with a peak in excess of 186,000 readers for one particular article (here) shall likely be reinstated due to the full magazine type content.
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Please note, this Contact Page
is a work-in-progress.
We are aiming to place a short summary onto this page so folk have an idea to whom they are writing.
But this narrative has grown arms and legs.
So in due course, after the big move in 2024 and reboot of Unique Property Bulletin (already started on 1st January 2024 with our daily unique property features), we shall split this page into two pages. One for contacting us and the other to include the Who? What? Why? and Where?
Although for the time being…
Maybe Check Out
Our Daily Features?
Your next home might appear…
Click Here
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CONTACT
Unique Property Bulletin Ltd.,
Endeavour House, 1 James Street,
Arbroath, Angus, DD11 1JP.
Tel/Text: 0757 2768 795.
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To Return To The Front Page, Please…
Click Here
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