Questions and Answers

Q. Can I take a car across to the island ?
A. No. You need good reason and a special permit. The roads are unsuitable for anything less than a 4x4. Some of the community do have there own vehicles across.

Q. What is the weather like and which are the best months ?
A. Generally very wet. May and June tend to have very good weather.

Q. Can I see eagles ?
A. The location of these protected birds is a secret but it is possible to see Golden Eagles in flight on a regular basis while on the island and if very lucky Sea Eagles from the ferry.

Q. Are there guided walks ?
A. Yes. The new Community Ranger is organising various walks, check the appropriate ranger pages.
Q. Can I visit the castle ?
A. Yes, there are guided tours most days in season. Times coincide with the ferry and day tripper's. The tours take around one hour.

Q. How many people live on Rum ?
A. The population of Rum sits at around 25 (including children). Although the number fluctuates when contract workers are on the island.

Q. How bad are the 'Midges' ?
A. Rum midges are notorious for being the worst on the west coast, take suitable precautions. For your head a midge net (available at the Community Shop) might not look the height of fashion but it will prevent you being eaten alive. 'Click' on the image to the right for a closer look. For exposed skin a product called Skin So Soft (not the cream) made by Avon is recommended.

Q. Can I moor my yacht ?
A. Yes. There is no harbour but the bay (Loch Scresort) is fairly sheltered and shallow. The new jetty is really only suitable for the Cal Mac ferry and the slip not ideal for tying up. The two older jetties and slips are a better option

Q. Who are SNH ?
A. Scottish Natural Heritage is a government organisation responsible for preserving and restating our natural heritage.

Q. Do people live on Rum all year ?
A. Yes. Permanent staff live on the island all year round.

Q. Are dogs allowed on Rum ?
A. Yes. Although visiting dogs are usually asked to be kept on a lead due to livestock being kept within the village. Dogs are not allowed in the hostel.

Q. Do you need permission to visit Rum ?
A. No. Visitors are welcome to visit any time.

Q. Do you have to book camping on Rum ?
A. No there is no need to book camp space but you may wish to know how busy the area is before you arrive and a quick call to the Reserve office will solve this. Picture below was taken during the music festival.

 

Q. Can you wild camp ?
A. Yes. We always advise people to leave route cards or inquire about stalking areas. Fires are not permitted when wild camping. Having a chat with the Reserve Officer is always of benefit before setting out to wild camp.

Q. Where are the Mountain Bothies ?
A. There are 2 Mountain Bothies. One in Dibidil (south) and one in Guirdil (west).

Q. Can you book the Mountain Bothy ?
A. No. The bothies are run by the MBA and have the same format as mainland bothies. They are very basic and require you to be prepared as if camping.

Q. Is there only one boat to the island ?
A. No. In summer there are a number of different boats to Rum from around the West Coast that can be booked in advance. The main Ferry comes from Mallaig.

Q. Are there limitations on access ?
A. No. Open access is in place on Rum. Although it is of benefit to visitors to enquire at the Reserve Office before heading out especially during stalking. Also note that the deer rutting season starts early September and lasting approx. six weeks, Kilmory and Kilmory glen may have restrictions in place to protect the general public.

Q. What else ?
A. BE PREPARED ! Rum, while wonderful can have savage weather (have suitable clothing and footwear); does have very rough roads (even within Kinloch they aren't great - take note child buggy pushers); in season midges really aren't a joke and can make your life hell, rain and a strong wind are the only things that will keep them at bay; 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.



text © George Logan.