Couple buy Castaway pod

Castaways Liz Cathrine and Dez Monks are also buying a pod

A couple have bought one of the accommodation pods used in the BBC's Castaway programme, planning to turn it into a house.

The pod was one of four featured in the programme, which followed 36 people as they lived on the remote island of Taransay, off the Western Isles in Scotland, during 2000.

A total of 29 people stayed on the island until the series ended, when the pods were put up for sale for between £20,000 and £30,000.

David and Anne Jolly, of Reading, Berkshire, have applied to Western Isles Council for permission to turn the pod into a two or three bedroom house and relocate it on the neighbouring island of Harris.

The pods were inspired by Viking boat hulls

The council's principal planning officer, Alastair Banks, said: "The application has been submitted and is being looked at by a planning officer.

"There has been a planning application for a house already on that site, although that was never acting on and it has since expired.

"In general terms, what they are proposing and what they want to do with the site would mean it would be OK."

The couple are not keen to elaborate on their plans until they know whether planning permission will be granted.

The pods - inspired by the Viking tradition of sheltering in the upturned hulls of their boats - were constructed from oak arches.

Pods snapped up

The other three pods have also been sold.

Castaways Dez Monks and Liz Cathrine, who stayed on the island until the end, will have one.

The couple are hoping to relocate to the West country to try to persue a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Architect Andy McAvoy, who designed the pods, is also taking one.

The third has gone to a Scottish charity, Outside the Box, which provides accommodation for artists who want to work in locations outside a studio.