Going back a few years, I was posted from Coningsby (living in excess rent accomodation in Woodhall Spa for £425 a month) to MOD where no quarters were available. I asked what rent ceiling I should look at for excess rent and was told they wouldn't bat an eyelid at anything up to £1,500 per month. Anything more than that would need the Land Agent to come and check it, but didn't rule it out. Luckily a MQ became available (for the MOD budget). This was all in about 1995 before the price boom.
Rent in the local market? Maybe in Stornoway, otherwise S........ is talkingout of his rear end again!