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

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After a successful inaugural event earlier this year, we are delighted to share that the Isle of Rum’s Dark Sky Festival will return next year from February 6th-8th.

The weekend’s timetable is yet to be released, but you can expect expert guided stargazing, sessions in a mobile planetarium provided by Aerospace Kinross, as well as astrophotography and arts workshops.

We are incredibly excited to announce our 2027 guest speaker, Professor Catherine Heymans, Scotland’s Astronomer Royal.

Professor Heymans said: ““I’m ever so excited to be joining the Rum community for their Dark Sky Festival.  

“I’ll be crossing all my fingers and toes for cloudless nights so we can gaze up at Rum’s pristine dark skies and see our cosmos just teeming with stars.  For this city-dweller, I know it will be an unforgettable experience.”

Admission to the Isle of Rum Dark Sky Festival is free, and accommodation can be booked at Rum Bunkhouse, campsite & camping pods, Ivy Cottage, and Harbour BBQ Hut.

To enjoy the entire weekend, ferry travel is possible on Saturday morning from Mallaig, returning on Monday afternoon.

The post Isle of Rum Dark Sky Festival 2027 first appeared on Welcome to the Isle of Rum.

Experience this rare and fascinating event surrounded by the wild beauty of Scotland’s Dark Sky Sanctuary. As the moon passes in front of the sun, we will gather as a community to watch the changing light, share the moment, and learn more about what is happening in the sky above us.

Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be available on site for a suggested donation of £1. A solar telescope will also be set up for safe viewing, giving you a closer look at the eclipse as it unfolds.

Whether you are a keen stargazer or just curious, this casual gathering is for everyone.

Safety is important when viewing a solar eclipse. Please do not look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Only use certified eclipse glasses or the solar telescope provided. Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing the sun.

We’ll have seating available and some marshmallows over a toasty fire – wear something weather appropriate, possibly a midge net, and enjoy an unforgettable evening with neighbours and visitors alike.

No booking required – just come along and be part of it.

Fancy joining the Isle of Rum Dark Sky Association and being the first to hear about events, news and updates on the sky above us? Join our mailing list

The post Solar Eclipse Viewing Party first appeared on Welcome to the Isle of Rum.

The Isle of Rum will host its first-ever Dark Sky Festival from 14–16 February, inviting visitors and members of the press to experience an unforgettable weekend of astronomy, community, and island life beneath some of the darkest skies in the UK.

Recently awarded International Dark Sky Sanctuary accreditation, Rum is recognised globally for its exceptional night sky quality and its commitment to protecting the natural darkness through responsible lighting and community action. Dark Sky Sanctuaries are among the most remote and pristine dark sky locations in the world, offering outstanding conditions for stargazing while promoting environmental education.

The festival marks a major milestone for the island and the Isle of Rum Dark Sky Association, bringing together astronomers, families, creatives, and visitors to celebrate Rum’s extraordinary skies.

Festival Programme

Saturday 14 February
Visitors will arrive on the Isle of Rum via ferry from Mallaig and settle in for a weekend under the stars. The evening begins with an introduction to the Isle of Rum Dark Sky Association and a discussion on reducing light pollution. Guests can enjoy sessions in the pop-up planetarium and learn to identify constellations and planets with experts from Cosmos Planetarium. As night falls, guided stargazing sessions using smart telescopes will take place. Food and drink will be provided.

Sunday 15 February
The festival continues with an afternoon of creative and educational activities. Crafting sessions will be held at Rum Bunkhouse from 2pm, suitable for both children and adults. Alongside this, astronomy experts will deliver workshops on astrophotography and the use of solar telescopes. In the evening, participants can put their new astrophotography skills to the test at a communal bonfire and BBQ, followed by further stargazing, weather permitting.

Monday 16 February
Guests can return to the mainland after a spectacular weekend of astronomy and community, or choose to stay a little longer. Children-specific planetarium sessions will run during the day, and if skies are clear, there will be additional casual stargazing opportunities for adults in the evening.

How to get here and where to stay?

Come to the island via ferry at Mallaig on Saturday, and depart on Monday. There are still beds available at Rum Bunkhouse, Ivy Cottage and Harbour BBQ Hut for the duration of the festival. Please note, if you choose to stay at Rum Bunkhouse, some events will be taking place in the main living space during the day.

The post Isle of Rum’s first Dark Sky Festival first appeared on Welcome to the Isle of Rum.

This year, the village of Kinloch on the Isle of Rum celebrates 15 years of community ownership.

We’re marking the milestone on Friday, May 9th with a day packed full of activities celebrating the island’s past and future. In the afternoon, we’ll be exhibiting our achievements and future plans in the village hall, with a talk from some locals old and new about what community ownership means to us.

In the evening, there’ll be a community ceilidh and food supplied by the community – entry will cost £10pp and is payable by cash or card at the door. Our village shop will remain open, offering a variety of drinks and snacks through the evening.

More details to come – keep an eye on our website and social media for event updates and information. And if you’re planning on stopping by, let us know! #Rum15

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