Work gets underway on an ambitious programme of projects spanning roads, housing, community facilities, tourism and visitor infrastructure.
The Isle of Rùm Community Trust (IRCT) is celebrating a significant programme of new funding, with work now getting underway on a range of ambitious projects across the island.
With a £350,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme 2026/27 and £50,000 from MOWI IRCT is progressing the Kinloch Village Road & Track Improvement Programme, a major investment in the island’s critical infrastructure. The project will deliver a comprehensive programme of improvements and upgrades to the roads and key connecting tracks in and around Kinloch village, improving access for residents, visitors and essential services.
A further £50,000 from the SSE Highland Sustainable Development Fund and £45,000 from MOWI is enabling IRCT to take its plans for a new community hub building through to the planning stage. Work on developing the project begins now.
The proposed hub will provide much-needed space for a new licensed café, new premises for the existing island shop, office space and additional facilities for visitors. Located closer to the ferry terminal, the new building will help create a more welcoming and accessible arrival point for people coming to Rum, while providing new and improved facilities for the island community.
Meanwhile, funding from The Rhum Trust has enabled preliminary repair work to begin on Harris Lodge, an historic former hunting lodge which IRCT is restoring to provide holiday accommodation and bring another island building back into productive use.
IRCT is also progressing plans for a feasibility study looking at the potential to return some older properties to its affordable rented housing portfolio. With a population of around 45 people, maintaining and increasing the availability of affordable housing is an important part of supporting a sustainable island community.
Other local funding is supporting improvements to the village hall and visitor centre, as well as the island’s Dark Sky Sanctuary events programme, with work on these projects also getting underway.
Together, these projects represent a significant programme of investment in the physical infrastructure, community facilities, housing and visitor experience on Rum.
Fliss Fraser, director of the Isle of Rùm Community Trust, said: “There is a huge amount happening on Rùm at the moment. These projects are about investing in the things that make island life work – our roads, housing, community facilities and businesses – while also improving the experience for people who come to visit.
“We’re a small community, but we have big ambitions. Securing funding for projects of this scale is a real achievement and reflects the hard work of our volunteers, staff, trustees and funding partners.
“It’s an exciting time for Rùm, and it’s fantastic to see work now getting underway across so many different areas of community life.”
Elle Hutchinson, Visitor services manager, said: “This is a really exciting time to be part of the Isle of Rùm’s journey. Rùm already welcomes a huge number of visitors each year, and it’s fantastic to see this investment recognising the importance of tourism to the island.
“We’re really excited about the package of projects now getting underway and the opportunities they bring to improve facilities and the overall visitor experience.”
For media inquiries, please contact IRCT on: info@isleofrum.com
