Isle of Rum Contact and Links. FAQ's, Further Reading, SNH.......
Isle of Rum Community Trust and the Community Ranger
Urras Choimhearsnachd Eilein Rùime / Neach-glèidheidh an Eilein
For enquiries about the community trust, crofts, village land and building plots, the village campsite or other general questions about Rum, please feel free to contact us
**Please note that Georgina and Mike will be out of the office from the 30th of Jan to the 5th of March on Annual leave - if your enquiry is urgent, please contact Vikki **
Isle of Rum Community Trust Office Isle of Rum, PH43 4RR, UK
The Isle of Rum Community Trust is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, established in 2007. Follow this link to the recent history page where the main aims of the trust and its origin are explained in detail. The trust is made up of a board of directors from both on and off island and from a range of different backgrounds. These individuals all volunteer their time and expertise to the benefit of the community.
On-island directors include: Fliss Fraser – Rum Primary School Secretary, Small Isles Community Councillor and budding entrepreneur, with Isle of Rum Crafts in her repertoire. Sean Morris – Reserve Support for SNH, Treasurer of the Rum Community Association and bird monitoring expert. Jinty Crocket – Owner of Rum Shop and Postmistress, with a passion for gardening and bee-keeping.
Off- island directors: Allan Henderson - Councillor for The Highland Council for Ward 12 – Caol and Mallaig. He is also the Provost (civic leader) of Lochaber. Charlie King (Chairman) - Former councillor at the Highland Council. He has also been a director in Knoydart Foundation and Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust. John Hutchison - SNH representative - Chartered Civil Engineer by profession and is the chairman of the John Muir Trust, the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust and a semi-fluent Gàidhlig speaker.
See Vikki's blog on the Community Land Scotland website here
Join the 'Friends Of Rum'
The Friends of Rum are a committed group of supporters who help the Isle of Rum Community Trust to achieve our objectives by providing an income for projects, sharing their skills, and through in-kind donations.
Friends of Rum:
Receive 2 newsletters per year with updates on what we’ve been doing
Get a 10% discount on IRCT accommodation (just the campsite at the moment)
Have achance to be part of Rum’s development by putting forward ideas and providing valuable feedback
Enjoy opportunities to join our special Friends events
Are able to volunteer for specific practical projects and become part of the community
Demonstrate their commitment to the vision of the Isle of Rum Community Trust
Annual subscriptions are £10 for an individual or £20 for a family. Download a membership form here. Simply send a cheque made payable to Isle of Rum Community Trust with the completed form or you can contact the Office if you would like to pay by standing order. We prefer to send communications by email, so please indicate if you would prefer to receive updates by post – remember to tell us if the subscription is a gift for someone else!
Scottish Natural Heritage - Reserve Office
Dualchas Nàdair na h-Alba - Oifis
The SNH Reserve Office is located in the Whitehouse which is at the road junction next to the wooden information shelter about a 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal.
Please contact us if you have any enquiries about the Rum National Nature Reserve.
SNH Rum Reserve Manager – Richard Kilpatrick
SNH Reserve Office The Whitehouse Isle of Rum, PH43 4RR, UK
The village shop and Post Office is located in the Village Hall - about a 25 minute walk from the ferry terminal. Please check noticeboard for the shop and Post Office opening times as these change depending on the time of year.
Rum Shop / Rum Post Office Isle of Rum, PH43 4RR, UK
A. No, there are no access restrictions on Rum anymore so you can visit Rum and walk to any part of the island at any time of year. Notices of deer stalking are posted in the village so you will be aware of these activities and it is recommended that you do not get too close to rutting stags (around October). See www.outdooraccess-scotland.com for info about your rights and responsibilities.
Q. How long does it take to walk from the ferry terminal to the places in the village?
A. From the ferry terminal, it’s about a 10 minute walk to the Visitor Centre, toilets and village campsite, then a further 10 minute walk to Kinloch Castle and a further 5 minutes to the Village Hall - where the village shop, Post Office, Teashop and toilets are located. The village road is only about 1 mile long and is a mainly flat, unsealed surface. Here is a PDF map of the village that you can download and print -Map of Kinloch Village
Q. Where are the public toilets on Rum?
A. There are two public toilets at the Village Campsite which is near the Old Pier and Visitor Centre. These are a 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal. There are also toilets in the Village Hall. Please note that there are no toilets at the ferry terminal so don’t get caught short while waiting for the ferry! The Isle of Rum Community Trust are planning to build a compost toilet at the ferry terminal in 2012.
Q. Can I take my car to Rum?
A. No. The roads are privately owned by the Isle of Rum Community Trust and you need a good reason and a special car permit. Please contact the SNH Reserve Office for more info about car permits. The roads are unsuitable for anything less than a 4X4 and the speed limit is 15 miles per hour. People generally leave their cars parked at Mallaig or Arisaig while they visit Rum. Campervans are not permitted.
Q. Can I take my bicycle to Rum?
A. Yes! Rum is a good place for bicycles and they are carried free on the ferries. Please see our Cycling section for some suggested routes.
Q. Are there internet facilities on Rum?
A. There is wireless available in Kinloch Castle hostel for guests and there is also coin-operated internet access in the Village Hall. We are currently trialling a faster broadband scheme with an Eigg-based company called HebNet. The trial is going well and we now have very fast access in the trial houses - speeds of up to 8mb! The next step will be to make the set-up more permanent and robust and this is planned for 2012.
Q. Will I get any mobile phone reception?
A. There is limited reception on Rum. Most people can get a small signal standing outside the front of the Kinloch Castle or at the shop or ferry terminal. Sometimes walkers can get a signal from the tops of hills but don't rely on it!
Q. Are dogs allowed on Rum?
A. Yes, although you must keep your dog under control at all times and make sure they do not worry livestock or ground nesting birds. Please pick up your doggie doody as well - the village shop sells doody bags. See www.outdooraccess-scotland.com for info about your rights and responsibilities.
Q. What is the weather like and which are the best months to visit?
A. May and June tend to have more sunny calm weather than the rest of the year. June, July and August are also fairly warm but with more possibility of wind and rain. Have a look at this weeks weather forecast on the Met Office site here.
Q. Can I see eagles?
A. Nest locations of these protected birds are secret but it is possible to see golden and white-tailed sea eagles in flight over Rum especially on warm sunny days when they like to ride the up-drafts.
Q. Is there a shop?
A. Yes, there is a small but very well stocked shop in the village called Rum Stores. It sells a wide range of items including bread, milk, veggies, fruit, eggs, meat, toiletries, batteries, alcohol, and several kinds of midge repellent. There is also a Craft Shop selling locally made goods. Check out the Services pages for more info.
Q. Is there an ATM on Rum?
A. There aren't any ATMs on Rum - but there are some in Arisaig and Mallaig. You can get cash withdrawals at the Rum Post Office but please note that only certain types of cards are accepted in Post Offices - so please check with your local Post Office to see if your card will be accepted here too.
Q. Are there guided walks?
A. Yes, the community ranger has a programme of activities and you can check it out on the ranger pages in the Wildlife section.
Q. How many people live on Rum?
A. The population of Rum is about 37 although it can fluctuate with seasonal workers.
Q. Is everyone on Rum Scottish?
A. No. There is a mix of people from the UK and other countries with a fairly high turnover of people. The longest resident has been here for around 22 years.
Q. Do people live on Rum all year round?
A. Yes, most of the residents live on Rum all year although there is a small number of seasonal staff and volunteers.
Q. What do people do in winter?
A. Much of the same. Deer stalking takes place from July to February. There is usually maintenance work carried out over winter so there are visiting contractors to take care of. Winter is also a good time to catch up on paperwork, projects and craft making.
Q. Is there a school?
A. Yes, there is a school and nursery although there are currently only a couple of students. High school age students go to Mallaig high school and come home every second weekend. Here is a link to the Rum Primary School's own website.
Q. Does everyone live in Kinloch Village or are there other villages on Rum?
A. Everyone lives in Kinloch Village except one hardy soul who lives at Kilmory working on the red deer research project. There used to be other settlements on the island years ago – see the Heritage link for further information about Rum's past.
Q. Where does the electricity on Rum come from?
A. Scottish Natural Heritage has a small hydro electric scheme on Rum and the water comes from a small dam up Coire Dubh. This means that electricity is limited so most households use energy efficient light bulbs, have oil heating and use gas for cooking. Too many high drain appliances will short out the supply - this means that electric heaters are not used on Rum and too many hair driers on at once can cause a blackout!
Q. Where does the drinking water in the village come from?
A. Rum gets plenty of rainfall and the water system is fed from the same water intake as the hydro electric scheme. All the water supply in the village first gets chlorinated before being piped to buildings. This ensures that the water pipes stay clean and free from nasties such as E. Coli and the Highland Council tests our tap water regulary to make sure it's safe to drink.
Q. How bad are the ‘Midges’?
A. Rum midges are notorious for being some of the worst on the west coast, so take suitable precautions. The village shop sells midge head nets/jackets, a range of different insect repellents, mosquito coils and incense sticks. Midges usually start to appear at the beginning of June and disappear with the first frosts around October. They don’t comeout when it’s windy and if you walk at a brisk pace, you will be too fast for them. For more information see www.midgeforecast.co.uk
Q. What else?
A. BE PREPARED! Rum, while wonderful can have savage weather (so have suitable clothing and footwear); does have very rough roads (even within Kinloch they aren’t that great – take note child buggy pushers); in season midges aren’t a joke so take precautions; rough weather can cancel the ferry for days, perhaps great but slightly inconvenient if stuck on the island, very disappointing if trying to get there.
Kinloch Castle 1999 SNH and RCAHMS booklet and visitor guide
Labels for Thirty-three oil paintings in Kinloch Castle - written and researched by George W. Randall (2012) - as written for the Public Catalogue Foundation
Click on the book image to see the book for sale online. If there is a book that you think should be featured here, please contact the IRCT office.
"Bare Feet and Tackety Boots: A boyhood on the Isle of Rum" - Archie Cameron
In this text, the last survivor of those who were born and raised on the island of Rhum before World War I presents a social history and personal anecdote of a way of life gone not long ago but already almost forgotten.
For sale in the Rum Craft Shop
"Rum: A Landscape without Figures" - John A Love
This is an account of Rum, one of the Hebrides and the people who contributed to its story. The site of some of the earliest settlements in Scotland, Rum's history extends back to the Mesolithic period. It was also an isolated haven for the early Celtic Church in the figure of Beccan the Solitary, and later formed part of the territories of the Vikings and Clanranalds, and ultimately the Macleans of Coll. Its population were driven out to North America between 1826 and 1828 and the Bulloughs, a family of Lancashire industrialists, bought the island towards the end of the nineteenth century and left a bizarre legacy of Edwardiana in the form of Kinloch castle and its grand contents. This work paints a picture of the island as a rich cultural and natural heritage that eminently justifies its status as one of Scotland's finest nature reserves.
"Rum: Natures Island" - Magnus Magnusson
A fascinating story of the Hebridean island of Rum, from well-known broadcaster and writer Magnus Magnusson. It moves from the earliest times, through the clearances and its period as a sporting playground of the rich to its rebirth as a National Nature Reserve. Thoroughly researched and written in a lively, accessible style, it includes comprehensive coverage of the island's geology, wildlife, plants, and people. With practical information for visitors on accommodation, walks and heritage trails
"Eccentric Wealth: The Bulloughs of Rum" - Alastair Scott
In Eccentric Wealth, Alastair Scott traces the life of Lancashire industrialist Sir George Bullough in this absorbing biography which explores his family's connection with the Hebridean island of Rum, particularly the building of Kinloch Castle, the most intact preserve of Edwardian high-living to be found in Britain. Based on new information, the book offers a fascinating insight into the life and times of one of the great eccentrics of his age, including the Bullough myths and scandals which continue to make extraordinary reading more than a hundred years later.
For sale in the Rum Shop
"Aspects of Accrington Discovering Local History" - Editors Susan Halstead and Catherine Duckworth
Aspects of Accrington takes us from the story of Accrington Stanley to the experiences of Local Lads in the Boer War, from Natural History to Hyndburn's War Memorials. We find ourselves Posted to Accrington Grammar School after enjoying a Royal Visit. Travelling on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, we explore Huncoat and are then whisked off to the Island of Rum. We meet local Musicians and campaigners against Easter Dues, whilst Henry Pilkington features in another "Soap".
"Walking on Rum and the Small Isles" - Peter Edwards
(Released in Jun 2012) A new guide to walking and backpacking on the Small Isles in the Western Isles of Scotland - Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna, Coll and Tiree - including a tough 55km backpack around the coastline of Rum, a challenging round of the Rum Cuillin and an ascent of An Sgurr on Eigg. Easy routes exploring Rum's National Nature Reserve and the other islands.
"The Small Isles: Canna, Rum, Eigg and Muck" - Denis Rixson
'We had near us, on the west, the high and wild mountains of the Isle of Rum on the north, the fine mountains of the Isle of Sky, with their tops covered with snow. The sea rolled its high billows, and broke against the rocks whilst innumerable flights of seagulls, penguins, and other birds inhabiting the icy seas, were swimming, plunging, and flying' - Necker de Saussure Voyage to the Hebrides, 1807 This is the first book ever to be written on the collective history of the little group of islands between Ardnamurchan and Skye. As some of the best known Hebridean islands, Canna, Rum, Eigg and Muck have a long and varied history, but are also amongst the least documented. Rum was the playground of the Macruari kings of the Northern Hebrides; Eigg was the island meeting point where their descendants conceded primacy to the Islay Macdonalds, while Muck and Canna were the property of Iona, spiritual nerve centre of the west. With reference to both the extensive material remains on the islands and rare original source material, this book is a dynamic and wideranging account of the Small Isles and their history.
"The Flora of Rum" - Pearman, DA. Preston, CD. Rothero GP. Walker, JP
This new flora provides a detailed account of the stoneworts, bryophytes, ferns and flowering plants of the island. It's oceanic climate and nutrient poor but varied soils encourage a distinctive flora, rich in bryophytes and an unusual mix of flowering plants, with some rare species elsewhere being more abundant here and vice versa. Includes background material on climate, geology, vegetation and the history of Rum. The book is based on a critical assessment of historical records, work initiated by Nature Conservancy and it's successors, as well as a recent survey at the tetrad (2 x 2 km square) scale.
"Rhum: The natural history of an island" - T.H. Clutton-Brock
This book reports on much of the scientific work carried out on Rhum (published 1987): studies of the volcanic events that established its physical structure, its flora, the attempt to recreate its ancient woodlands, the deer population, the invertebrates and island birds (including sea eagles and Manx shearwaters, the hill ponies, Highland cattle and feral goats. Illustrated in black and white.
OS Landranger Map 1:50,000 Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna Sheet 39
OS Explorer Map 1:25,000 Rum, Muck Canna and Sanday Sheet 397
"Destination Rum" - W.R. Mitchell
Bill Mitchell connects Accrington in Lancashire, with Rum in the Hebrides. Amusingly, he recalls visits to the island and the impact made by George Bullough, who spent some of his textile fortune on a dream house on the island, with turrets and battlements, importing all the stone from afar.
"Rhum - Mesolithic and later sites at Kinloch excavations 1984-86" - CR Wickham-Jones
This volume is the report of the archaeological excavations that took place on the island of Rhum between 1984 and 1986. The text not only contains details of the stratigraphical remains on site, and in particular the large body of mesolithic material recovered, but also describes the approaches that were taken to the excavation and to the associated analyses. Further sections of the volume describe these detailed analyses of the artifactual assemblages as well as the environmental and geophysical studies that were carried out in conjunction with the excavations. There is a section on the use of raw materials in the west of Scotland taking the picture beyond Rhum and the final section presents an interpretation of the site and of its place in the early settlement of Scotland.
"A Rum Affair: A True Story of Botannical Fraud" - Karl Sabbagh
The mysterious Isle of Rum off the west coast of Scotland is the site of British botanist, John Heslop Harrison's discoveries of rare plant species which helped make him the outstanding scientist of his time. Many botanists, suspicious of the evidence, were unable to prove anything as all investigations were buried deep in a university library. A Rum Affair is not simply an investigation about one particular gentleman in one particular field of science, it is about the history of amateur scientists, the times in which they lived & the clashes of egos in the arcane corridors of British universities during the 100 years in which Charles Darwin's theories shocked the world & scientific hoaxes were the talk of the town. Be prepared for a humorous & learned read. Set a match to the fire, put the kettle on & the cat out, brew a pot & settle back into your highback wing chair because A Rum Affair will take you to one of the most bleak, treeless, monotonous places on earth where a handful of mysterious & rare plants were "discovered" in the 1940s & were never seen again. A Rum Affair is for everyone who loves a good yarn about the humans who trample upon the natural world & the lengths to which they'll go to become immortals in their field! Fascinating!
"Geological Excursion Guide to Rum: The Paleocene Igneous Rocks of the Isle of Rum, Inner Hebrides" - C.E. Emeleus
This pocket-sized, flexi-back guide gives an overview of the geological evolution of the island of Rum and provides a comprehensive selection of excursions illustrating Rum's Paleocene igneous rocks. It gives advice on travelling to the island, accommodation, weather conditions - and midges.
"Dibidil: A Hebridean Adventure" - Irvine Butterfield
The book tells the story of one of the early MBA work parties- to restore the ruins of Dibidil cottage on the Isle of Rum for use as an open shelter. It describes the story of the restoration project from its original conception in 1968 through the planning and organisation to the landings of material in near-gale force winds at Easter 1970 to the final successful work party of July 1970 accompanied by midges, clegs, and, inevitably for one of the wettest places in Britain, rain.
"The Island of Rhum: A guide for walkers, climbers and visitors" - Hamish M. Brown (1988)
This is a guide for walkers, climbers and visitors. It departs from most climbing guides by giving information on a range of topics. Rhum, being an important National Nature Reserve, is different from (and finer than) most areas where we perform our rock antics, and as such should appeal to a greater range of visitors. The Inner Hebridean Island of Rhum is still an island of mystery to many people, perhaps because the memory still lingers of former landed gentry who discouraged visitors by every means possible. It is an island which delightfully combines interest for both climber and naturalist. The Nature Conservancy Council bought the island in 1957 and now manages it as a National Nature Reserve.
"Hebridean Island Hopping: A guide for the independent traveller" - Martin Coventry
The concept of island hopping conjures up visions of freedom and adventure, whether it is on the sunny Greek Isles or in the lush surrounds of the Caribbean. The Western Isles offer Scotland's unique take - large skies, crashing seas, beautiful beaches and a diverse landscape. Each island has a unique and individual character, landscape and history which have attracted and intrigued travellers and visitors for hundreds of years. "Hebridean Island Hopping" covers everything needed to get the most from a visit to any of the Western Isles, all packed into one handy volume. Illustrated throughout with photographs, maps, and ferry points with a comprehensive index, this is an eminently practical, portable and essential guide for the independent traveller. Previously published by Polygon, this is a completely rewritten and updated version of a bestselling book. The islands covered include: Outer Hebrides - Lewis; Great; Bernera; Shiant isles; Harris; Scalpay; Taransay; St Kilda; North Uist; Berneray; Baleshare; Benbecula; Grimsay; South Uist; Eriskay; Barra; Vatersay; and Mingulay/Berneray. Inner Hebrides include: Skye; Raasay; Rona; Summer Isles; Isle Martin; Rum; Eigg; Canna; Muck; Coll; Tiree; Mull; Iona; Ulva; Staffa; Treshnish; Earraid; Lismore; Kerrera; Seil; Easdale; Luing; Shuna; Colonsay/Oronsay; Jura; Islay; Sanda; Gigha; Bute; Cumbrae; Arran; Holy Island; and Ailsa Craig.
"Macc and Other Islands" - Graham Wilson
In Macc and Other Islands, Graham Wilson explores some of the remotest, most spectacular parts of Britain — the Hebrides, Orkneys and a couple of deserted Atlantic outposts. Landscapes, people and snippets of history are recalled with wit and affection: Rum, Eriskay, Mingulay, Jura, Sula, Arran, Hoy, Skomer and, above all, Barra. Reaching even the inhabited islands is not always straightforward, especially if you forsake the car for the sake of the planet, are encumbered by a young family and have rashly decided to revisit scenes of summer pleasure in the depths of winter. Other islands, like Sula, are only visited by those driven by religion, ancient tradition or economic need.
"The Scottish Islands" - Hamish Haswell-Smith
Fully revised and updated, this is the only book with detailed information and maps on every Scottish island. With the author's own paintings liberally illustrating it, this beautiful guide will take you everywhere, whether by armchair or yacht. From the abandoned crofts of Mingulay and the standing stones of Orkney to the white beaches of Colonsay and the spectacular Cuillins of Skye, this is the first complete gazetteer to cover all of Scotland's many hundreds of islands, including those which are uninhabited and those which are notoriously difficult to reach.Packed with information on access, anchorages, points of historical or natural interest and things to do and see, this fascinating compendium provides indispensable information for touring, for browsing, for reference, and for all of those travellers who wish to experience some of the most beautiful and remote places in the world. No other book begins to emulate the range and depth of the information contained in "The Scottish Islands". Illustrated with full-colour illustrations and relief maps of all the main islands, this is both an impressive work of reference and a fascinating personal view of Scotland's distant outposts.
"The Western Seaboard: An Illustrated Architectural Guide" - Mary Miers
Drawing on a lifetime's knowledge of this wild corner of Britain, Mary Miers takes us beyond the familiar sounds and scenery of the West Highlands and Islands to uncover an extraordinary record of human settlement, from the earliest 'terraced' houses on the machair of Bronze Age Uist to Scots Baronial piles set amid semi-tropical gardens. On the way she encounters the shrines and stongholds of medieval Gaeldom; planned fishing stations, canals and railways; houses ranging from the fashionable to the vernacular and the Highland urbanism of Portree, Fort William and Stornoway. This richly illustrated handbook reveals how the architecture of the Western Seaboard has transformed itself through at least four cultures - a compelling story of survival and revival. It is a story of holy men and holiday-makers, seafarers, warriors and crofters, and of the enduring infulences of relition and clanship in the face of repeated waves of modernisation. This is the ideal accompaniment for anyone withing to visit some of the most haunting landscapes in the world and learn something of those who inhabit them.
Isle of Canna - Canna is a great place to go for a day trip from Rum as the ferry links are ideal - check out their great restaurant : www.cannarestaurant.com
Here are links to people's own online photo galleries and videos. Please contact the IRCT office if you would like to add your own Rum gallery link
Flickr group called 'Isle of Rum' that has started showcasing images of Rum Here. Many excellent landscape images
Have a look at this gallery by George Logan after his trip to Rum in October 2011.
YouTube video about Rum - In April 2010 six wildlife and media students form the University of Cumbria headed off to the Isle of Rum for ten days of Sunshine and Wildlife Filming. This film was submitted as part of their Expedition Planning Module at the University of Cumbria.
The website upgrade was facilitated by the volunteer website steering group from Rum
The Gaelic translations were kindly undertaken by our neighbours on Canna - thank you.
All photographs are copyrighted and this will be shown when hovered over with your mouse. The photographs used in our rolling header section are copyright of: Ian Bolas, Martyn Baker, Laurie Campbell, George Logan, Georgina McMillan and Sean Morris.
For enquiries about the community trust, crofts, village land and building plots, the village campsite or other general questions about Rum, please feel free to contact us
A. No. The roads are privately owned by the Isle of Rum Community Trust and you need a good reason and a special car permit. Please contact the SNH Reserve Office for more info about car permits. The roads are unsuitable for anything less than a 4X4 and the speed limit is 15 miles per hour. People generally leave their cars parked at Mallaig or Arisaig while they visit Rum. Campervans are not permitted.
Q. Are there internet facilities on Rum?
Q. Are there guided walks?
A. Yes, most of the residents live on Rum all year although there is a small number of seasonal staff and volunteers.
Q. Where does the electricity on Rum come from?
A. Rum midges are notorious for being some of the worst on the west coast, so take suitable precautions. The village shop sells midge head nets/jackets, a range of different insect repellents, mosquito coils and incense sticks. Midges usually start to appear at the beginning of June and disappear with the first frosts around October. They don’t comeout when it’s windy and if you walk at a brisk pace, you will be too fast for them. For more information see www.midgeforecast.co.uk
PDF Downloadable Booklets / Leaflets / Online Resources 
Rum and the Small Isles - A landscape fashioned by geology 2004 SNH booklet
Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises SNH booklet
.jpg "The Flora of Rum")
