Colonsay trying to recruit new GP to The Best Job in Britain"

IT comes with a newly renovated house which enjoys stunning views of the Paps of Jura -

and it is just a short stroll across the garden to "the office."

And with a salary of around £100,000 a year the resident doctor's post on the isle of Colonsay

- population 100 - is surely one of the best GP jobs in Britain.

Dr John Currie, who has held the post for ten years, confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that

he is quitting the job, to be nearer family on the mainland, opening the floodgate for applicants.

Situated on a spectacularly beautiful Hebridean holiday island, which is blessed with an array of white

sand beaches, the Colonsay post is expected to attract even more interest than the part-time GP

vacancy at Applecross attracted earlier this year. On that occasion, the many applicants even included

an American doctor who was so keen that he was prepared to commute 5,000 miles to work.

There are no such commuter problems on Colonsay as the surgery is in the doctor's garden.

Dr Currie, 58, said: "It is only a 10 second walk to the surgery and they have spent a fortune on the house,

it's a lovely, big, friendly, homely, house and it has absolutely stunning views overlooking the Paps of Jura.

"I will miss the place, the last ten years have given me a memorable experience."

Dr Currie, who is hoping to buy a bed and breakfast business and do some locum work on the Scottish

mainland, added: "It is time to move on after ten years. I will be 35 years' qualified this summer and I want to

be closer to my family and friends. I have another grandchild, Will, who was born on May 11 and I have family

in Edinburgh."

Argyll and Bute Councillor Robin Currie, (CORRECT) who represents Colonsay, said: "Colonsay is an ideal

holiday destination for many people, but it's also a very beautiful island to stay all year round. It's like staying in

a paradise holiday island 365 days a year, what more could you ask for?"

He added: "Colonsay is the ideal spot for a doctor with a young family. It has got a good school and it's a

very safe environment."

The island, which has a population of just over 100 permanent residents, has been trying to boost its ageing

population for some time, but the main stumbling block is the lack of housing and good jobs on the island. But

there is no such problem for the resident doctor.

Angus MacPhee, Chairman of Colonsay Community Council, said: "The four bedroomed doctor's house, which

has just been renovated, goes with the job and it has views to die for - stunning views towards the Sound of Islay.

"The surgery is in the garden and the doctor even has a big generator so that, if there is a power cut, as there

sometimes is in the Hebrides, his place is always lit up like a Christmas tree."

"We hope that good doctors will be queueing up to come here, this is an ideal opportunity for a young doctor,

with a family, although single applicants are welcome too."

Getting the right person for the job is essential as the doctor, who is on standby round the clock, is literally a lifeline

for those who live on the island, which is a two hour and 20 minute ferry ride from Oban.

Dr Currie said that the GP role of Colonsay was crucial to the island community, but added that it did not come without its

challenges. He said: "Colonsay has an ageing population and with age come problems, a doctor is definitely needed here."

A spokesman for NHS Highland said: "We are making plans to recruit a replacement as soon as we can."

Moira Kerr