It is a tropical paradise, loved by the rich and famous. And now a Scots aristocrat is offering those with deep pockets a chance to live like the royals in his Caribbean getaway on Mustique.

Justin Maxwell Stuart has donated a week’s stay in his luxury villa, Cottonwick, for auction to raise cash to save Scotland’s wild salmon stock.

Bids starting from £10,000 have been invited for the break - with flights, transfers, food and drink excluded.

The stunning property on the island, which boasted Princess Margaret among its former residents alongside rock stars Mick Jagger and Bryan Adams, is close to Mustique’s airport, has winding steps leading up to the entrance with a central main pool, infinity edge and three cascading feature pools.

Its Great Room has a bar, dining table for up to 10 guests, sofas to relax on and an entertainment system while the three en-suite bedrooms are all air conditioned, the rearmost having access to a separate plunge pool alongside a veranda and outdoor dining area. There’s also a separate staff room.

With all money going towards the work by the Atlantic Salmon Trust, the week’s holiday has already attracted one bid.

The lot description for the rental property, which commands prices of around £8,500 a week during the low season, says: ‘Cottonwick is a gorgeous villa on the exclusive and world-renowned island of Mustique in St Vincent and the Grenadines, and it can be yours for a week.

‘You will be looked after during your stay by an outstanding chef/housekeeper whose culinary talents surpass the size of the villa alongside a fabulous butler/gardener.

‘You will have full use of both a six-seater Kawasaki Mule all-terrain vehicle, as well as a two-seater electric vehicle with which to explore the island. 

'Cottonwick was designed to be a wonderfully relaxing base for friends or families from which to enjoy everything that the incredibly picturesque island of Mustique has to offer. 

'Picnic on the amazing white sands of Macaroni, make use of the dive and water sports centre, enjoy sundowners at the Firefly and dance the night away at Basil’s Bar.

‘Best of all there are two dedicated and very friendly staff who will act as your cook, butler, and hosts throughout your stay. Expect exceptional cooking and service throughout.’

Mr Maxwell Stuart, who is based in London, is the son of shipping heiress Kirsty Maxwell Stuart who passed away in 2016 leaving behind a multi-million pound fortune.

He served for eight years as an infantry officer in the Scots Guards and spent two years on active service in Iraq and Northern Ireland.

In 2006 he set up a travel company offering ultra-fishing holidays across the globe.

His ancestral home is Traquair house in Peeblesshire, reportedly the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland, and a home to monarchs through history.

On Cottonwick’s website he says: ‘My parents first came to Mustique in 1969 at the invitation of Lord Glenconner, Colin Tennant, friend, founder and original owner of the island. 

'They stayed in the partially completed Cottonhouse, the only suitable accommodation on the island.

‘On the back of that first romantic trip to an unheard of Caribbean Island, complete with swamps, mosquitoes en masse, and wonderful memories, they returned to Scotland, promptly got married and set about building their Caribbean home which was completed in 1972.

‘Life was a succession or organised beach, tennis, house or drinks parties. It was not just that the whole island was invited; the whole island was expected to attend! Royal etiquette applied, you did not leave before royalty. As Princess Margaret, the islands most notable early visitor liked to enjoy herself... so everyone else followed.’

The late royal owned Les Jolies Eaux on the island for many years before giving the villa to his son, David, the 2nd Earl of Snowdon, who later sold it.

Prince William and his wife Catherine are also regular visitors to the Caribbean destination.

The auction, which has 96 separate lots, runs until November 24 and raises funds for the restoration of Atlantic wild salmon and its natural environment.