Most people preparing for retirement put their business on the market, but Alan and Vicky Mackinnon have chosen a very different way to hand over the life they have spent almost a decade building.
The Royal Navy veterans are offering one winner the chance to take over two former lighthouse keeper’s cottages and an established holiday letting business at Cantick Head on the island of Hoy in Orkney.
Alan and Vicky moved from the south coast of England to Orkney in 2017, searching for a slower pace of life, a stronger sense of community and a more outdoors focused childhood for their three sons.
They found it beside Cantick Head Lighthouse, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the entrance to Scapa Flow, where dramatic seas, open skies and regular wildlife sightings became part of everyday life.
Over the years, the couple transformed the Victorian cottages into a successful five star holiday business, welcoming visitors from across the UK and from countries including the United States, Canada and Australia.
Now, as they prepare for retirement, they have decided against a conventional sale and launched a prize draw that will give one winner ownership of both cottages and the business, with the alternative option of receiving £200,000 in cash.
Entry costs £5, with ticket sales closing on 10 January 2027 and the draw taking place the following day.
To get your tickets click here
The lighthouse itself remains operational, is owned by the Northern Lighthouse Board and is not included in the prize.
The business comes with its existing website, booking platform and social media presence, along with a wood fired hot tub, sauna and gym or workshop space.
One cottage alone currently generates more than £35,000 during a typical seven month season, giving the winner the choice of continuing the holiday business, creating a family home or embracing a quieter life on one of Scotland’s most distinctive islands.
Alan said:
“Cantick Head has been far more than a business to us.
“It has been our home, our lifestyle and a place where we have shared the beauty of Orkney with visitors from across the world.
“Moving here changed our lives completely and gave our two younger children an incredible childhood.
“When we started thinking about retirement, we realised we had the opportunity to create something positive that could also help support causes that mean a great deal to us.
“It felt like a genuine win win; giving somebody else the opportunity to experience this amazing place and lifestyle, whilst also raising money for charities we truly believe in.”
Ten per cent of ticket sales will be shared between RNLI Longhope, Longhope Lifeboat Museum, Sophie’s Legacy and The Scarlett Fund.
The charities all have close personal connections to the family, with Alan and Vicky both volunteering with RNLI Longhope and Alan also serving with the Longhope Lifeboat Museum.
For the Mackinnons, the draw offers a way to begin their retirement while giving somebody else the chance to continue a story shaped by service, family, island life and the wild Orkney coast.
Prize
• Two Victorian former lighthouse keeper’s cottages built in 1858
• A successful furnished holiday let business generating £35,000+ during a 7-month season from one cottage alone
• Wood-fired hot tub and sauna
• Gym/workshop space
• Website, booking platform and social media presence
To get your tickets click here
Key Dates
• Prize draw launch date: 01 June 2026
• Ticket sales close: 10 January 2027 @ 23:59hrs
• Draw date: 11 January 2027
• Winner announcement: On completion of the draw
Ticket Information
• Ticket price: £5
• Website: RAFFALL
• Bitly Code: Win 2 cottages
Charity Support
• Longhope RNLI
• Sophie’s Legacy
• The Scarlett Fund
• Longhope Lifeboat Museum
