Kinloch Castle

 

The construction of Kinloch Castle started in 1897 using red sandstone imported from Annan, Dumfriesshire and took three years to build employing upwards of 300 craftsmen. Including stonemasons, carpenters, woodcarvers, stained glass makers and many other specialist trades. One in particular however was almost unique, that of electrician, as Kinloch Castle was the first private residence in Scotland to have electricity, with a dam constructed on the Coire Dhu burn for hydro generation.
The bill for this exceptional piece of grand architecture and bespoke decoration was approximately £15 million in today's money.
However Lancashire industrialist George Bullough (latterly Sir George) was not short of money. He inherited the island and most of his fathers wealth while aged 21.

George Bulloughs grandfather James Bullough started from a humble background but had an inventive mind and improved the power looms with which he was working. ('Link' for more detailed background information regarding James Bulloughs inventive abilities) With further improvements and new devices James along with a business partner John Howard revolutionised the spinning and weaving industry. The firm Howard and Bullough of Accrington concentrated on making highly efficient looms much to the dismay of textile workers whose jobs were ultimately threatened.
James's youngest son, John also had an inventive flair and an eye for business soon became the firm's senior partner. Particularly with a revolutionary new spindle the business went from strength to strength, sales coming from around the world. John's wealth and social standing was assured.
John rented Rum for a number of years before he eventually purchased the island as his own sporting estate from James Hunter Campbell (see 'Rum's past' section), he already owned Meggernie Castle and estate in Glen Lyon plus a mansion near his factory. John Bullough died despite numerous country pursuits from the effects of the London smog in 1891 aged 53. The island and considerable wealth fell principally to 21 year old son George, with his other son inheriting Meggernie.
It is said that James Bullough had the ideas, John made the money and as the castle demonstrates George spent it.

Kinloch Castle was built primarily as a grand hunting lodge replacing a much smaller lodge and not as a permanent residence. Besides two other residences (Meggernie Castle was inherited by his brother John 'Ion' Bullough) George owned a 221ft Clyde built yacht called the Rhouma. With the Rhouma he sailed around the world in particular to Japan where he had struck a friendship with the Emperor, as can be evidenced by the spectacular gifts (bronze Monkey Eating Eagle (pictured) and incense burners) given to him that can be seen in the castle to this day.
The Rhouma was given on loan and converted into a hospital ship during the Boer War and this was in part why George became Sir George Bullough.

George married 'society beauty' Monique Lily de la Pasture (latterly Lady Monica) a divorcee (George being named in the divorce proceedings) shortly after the castle was built. She in turn made her mark on the castle, with major redecorating adding a more feminine touch to certain areas of the castle.
The various shooting parties that visited the island at George and Monica's invite (uninvited visitors were promptly turned away) were not just the 'neuvo riche' of the day but also the aristocracy which George alluded to, for some 'entertaining' frivolity well known actors and actresses where also frequent guests. They enjoyed their privileged lives to the full. Besides shooting deer (all the Bullough's seemed to delight in killing anything with four legs or a fin) they also had the option of various other activities such as playing squash in the squash court, bowling on the bowling green or golf on the small golf course, and if the weather was particularly inclement a game of billiards would suffice.
When not on the island they had Grand National winning race horses based at Newmarket (link for 'racing details'), Crufts winning dogs and various hunting pursuits (Sir George was master of the Ledbury fox hunt) to help keep them amused.
However, the heyday of Kinloch Castle was relatively short lived as the Great War devastated those who would have visited the castle, of course it devastated 'all' social classes, so the Bulloughs staff would have been effected also. It is perhaps because of this that the castle and its contents became frozen in time.
(An interesting 'Link' regarding the Bullough factory in 1914)

The castle is very special and sets Rum apart from the other small isles. Its original Edwardian grandeur though much faded (literally) and walls and roof less able to keep out the rain still impress. From the Grand Hall with its magnificent bronze monkey eating eagle, Steinway piano, intricate woodwork, inglenook fireplace and stained glass windows. To sumptuous bedrooms with grand four poster beds, the cutting edge (for the time) bathroom fixtures and decorated silk wall-covering... Not forgetting electric light.

Amongst the many unique features (inc. air conditioning in the billiard room) is a very special music player called the 'Orchestrion' The Orchestrion is essentially an organ driven by electric motor that plays perforated card rolls. Only three exist and the castle example the only one that can be played. The sound is amazing. [how long this will be the case is uncertain for there has been a recent and bad attack of woodworm. This sadly has yet to be treated] If more formal entertainment was in order you could dress in your finest and have a dance in the golden ballroom (see pic below), with its sprung floor, minstrels gallery (musicians from the ''Rhouma') and stunning chandelier. The ballroom is in much need of restoration.

Sir George Bullough died in 1939 while playing golf in France, leaving the castle and island in trust with his wife Lady Monica Bullough. Lady Monica thereafter lived in the castle off and on but eventually past it (island, castle and contents) onto the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) in 1957 for £26,000, roughly £1 per acre. Rum then became a National Nature Reserve. The Nature Conservancy Council later combined with Countryside Commission for Scotland to form Scottish Natural Heritage.
Lady Monica died at her Newmarket home Warren Hill in 1967 aged 98 and is buried alongside her husband in the mausoleum at Harris.

Hostel

Kinloch Castle is also the location for the Hostel and Bistro. The Hostel is located at the back of the castle in what used to be the servants quarters. You can stay (see 'places to stay' section) as self catering or full board, dining in the Bistro. The Bistro is open to non residents but check with the castle in advance.

There is also the opportunity to stay in one of the Oak rooms added latterly by Lady Monica that have rather gothic style four poster beds and romantic paintings (left) at extra cost.
The Hostel and Castle are looked after by a very helpful and enthusiastic team during the the year They also form an important and often colourful element of the island community.
Guided tours given by the staff are available most days except Sunday. Ask at the Hostel reception or see notice on the front door. The tours coincide with the ferry and day tripper's are very welcome.

The Future

In 2003 Kinloch Castle was featured on the BBC 'Restoration' program and was one of the finalists. Much interest was raised and a determination to have it restored to its former glory. Until recently no restorative work had been carried out !
The image on the left shows some of the water damage in the ballroom. Effecting the plaster work and silk wall covering.
SNH did however commission the Prince’s Regeneration Trust (formerly the Phoenix Trust) to draw up a proposal and consultation study for a way forward with the castle.
A proposal was published, that included removing and converting the hostel area, changing its use into 'up market' rented units. With a new hostel being built in the walled garden. The required funding thankfully or regrettably depending on ones point of view from the Lottery fund was not forthcoming, plans fell through, leaving the castle in limbo as far as renovation was concerned.

Recent restoration has seen the oriel window, part of the reading room and an upper floor bedroom, to the rear of the castle saved from collapse. This has now been beautifully restored with only some internal plaster work (as of August 09) to be finished off.

Plans are also in place to repair the main tower and replace the old leaking water tank. Window blinds are being considered to prevent further fading of interior decoration has been recommended but this might divert funds targeted for restoration (inc. woodworm treatment) of the Orchestrion.

Plans to change usage and various aspects of the castle are again to the fore now the transfer of Kinloch village to the community (away from SNH) is complete.
These plans include converting some of the hostel and (amazingly) George Bulloughs library into self catering apartments. Installing a lift from the existing boot / drying room to the top floor and changing the current bistro into a cafe / bistro / bar / reception area.
For those interested in the castle 'The Friends of Kinloch Castle Association' have grown from a casual interest group to an authoritative body looking to steer the castles future.
The association welcomes new members.

Kinloch Castle is a unique building and one that despite the expense and problems of restoration should be treated with great sympathy, not subject to short term fixes that erode its features and character.

 

Mausoleum

The only part of the island not belonging to SNH besides Kinloch village is the Bullough Mausoleum (under guardianship of the Bullough Trust) over on the west side of the island at Harris. A dramatic Greek, Doric styled temple structure that faces the Atlantic Ocean and has a backdrop of the Rum cullin.
Originally Sir George Bullough had a mausoleum built on the nearby hillside with an interior of colorful Italian mosaic. Its told that one of his guests made a less than complimentary remarks about the structure, along the lines of 'looking like a gents lavatory', so Sir George had it blown up and the current more conservative structure built.
Having stood for just over one hundred years and endured the worst Atlantic weather, major repairs where required and have recently been completed. A report and images of the work can be found 'here'.

 

 

 

 

 

grand hall, bathroom, bedroom and mausoleum images © Lorne Gill / snh
all others and text © George Logan