| Porthole 19 Feb 26

LET’S hope none of those greedy, private island-hogging cruise lines are aware of Sweden’s new offering.

Members of the public now have the chance to adopt one of Sweden’s many islands.

One of five untouched islands is up for grabs, as part of a promotion running in the UK but you can’t actually buy it.

Rather, an island can be adopted, with Brits offered a one-year right to use one of the five selected islands, a diploma certifying the winner as official island custodian, a trip to Sweden, and a contract outlining basic responsibilities.

Each location is secluded, yet close enough to a local community for essentials.

Don’t worry if you don’t win one though – Sweden has more than 250,000 islands spread along its coast, more than any other country, and about 30,000 more than Norway.