A radical religious group led by London-based preacher Sheikh Yasser al-Habib has raised over £3 million to buy the Scottish island of Torsa and create a closed community practicing sharia law.

The 271-acre island, located 20 miles south of Oban, is listed for offers over £1.5 million by Savills.

Al-Habib, founder of the Mahdi Servants Union (MSU), which runs military-style training camps and a Shia Islam TV channel, has been in advanced talks to purchase the island.

The MSU has a history of attacking foreign embassies on religious grounds, the National has reported.

Al-Habib, who was granted asylum in the UK two decades ago, seeks to negotiate with the UK Government to allow Muslims worldwide to obtain visas to live in this new “homeland.”

He envisions building a large mosque, school, and Shia seminary on Torsa. The island features a three-bedroom farmhouse currently used as a holiday getaway.

Written by B.C. Begley