The “overwhelming” response has led to 430 firm applications for the homes from people looking to start a new life in the remote island community, which currently has a population of just 32.

Prospective renters have contacted the Isle of Rum Community Trust (IRCT) from across the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Argentina, Morocco, South Africa, India, the Philippines and Australia in the hope of moving to the island. 

The four two-bedroom houses on the edge of Kinloch, the island’s only village, are being offered by the community to help sustain the population.

Just six children live on the island and there is just one child in the nursery and two in the primary school, The Press and Journal reports.

Steve Robertson, Trust development officer, said: “We’ve had at least 3,000 inquiries, which is incredible. We weren’t trying to gild it and say Rum is a perfect place to live, it’s hard work like any small community. But if people don’t know what Scotland is like, and don’t know what small islands are like, then their imagination might run a bit wild.

“There seems to be an appeal to escape, to start a new life and the package we are offering ticks a lot of boxes for people.”

He said there appears to be a link to COVID-19, adding: “I suspect some people have thought about it, and why not? No one knows what the future is and if people want to think of the future with further lockdowns it might appeal to them.”

Mr Robertson said the response has challenged the volunteers on the trust who are still receiving applications several days after the deadline.

He continued: “It’s a welcome challenge and there are some very good applications. We want dynamic people, jobs, kids, things that are essential for communities and we need people with energy to make things work.”

The new homes have largely been funded by the Scottish Government, with support from fish farm company Mowi and hotel firm, the Crerar Trust. They will be completed this month and it is hoped the new occupants will arrive by November.

Until then, the trust will break down the list of potential tenants who will be interviewed online before visiting Rum ahead of allocations being decided.