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

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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.

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IRCT own the village of Kinloch and surrounding land and assets on the Isle of Rum in the Small Isles, and work in partnership with the island’s other owners, Nature Scot to secure a sustainable future for the island and its community.

IRCT have a Board of Directors mostly comprised of community residents, with additional Director roles being available to Nature Scot, MOWI and the Highland Council.

More information about IRCT can be found here. In recent years the Trust have undertaken several major development projects including the development of a 20 bed bunkhouse through its subsidiary Rum Enterprise, and developed 4 new houses which has brought new people to Rum and protected key services on the island. The island population is c40. It is currently engaged in projects to develop a community hub and build more new housing to continue to grow the
population.

More information about Rum can be found here.

The Chair role

IRCT have an active Board of Directors supported by full and part time staff. This team work closely together in the running and shaping of the activities of the Trust towards our goal of supporting and developing healthy community life in the village of Kinloch on the Isle of Rum. Since its founding, IRCT has often had an off-island director who has acted as an independent Chair. Day to day operational decisions are usually led by island directors and operational staff. The Trust currently employs one full time Development Officer based off island, and one part time Administrator/Company Secretary who is an island resident. We also contract two financial/bookkeeping advisors who are based on mainland. The Chair role is to lead the team of directors, staff and other contractors/advisors, ensuring robust decision making and good governance, and to provide skills to support the Board/staff team and to act generally as an ambassador for Rum and the Trust.

Directors have line management responsibility for staff. Currently, a Director also acts as Treasurer and liaises with the off-island bookkeeper and accountant.

What skills will a Chair have?

As a small organisation, this role would be excellent grounding for someone wishing to gain Board experience in community and business development. The following skills would be useful, although not essential.

1. Experience and understanding of supporting and leading a team comprising of a voluntary Board and full and part time staff

2. Experience at managing meetings, setting agendas and working in a Board situation

3. Experience of running a small business, social enterprise or community development trust

4. An understanding of accounts (noting IRCT employ a book keeper and accountant.)

5. An understanding of rural development and the issues facing communities like Rum

6. Experience of rural housing development and management

7. A good network of contacts in Scotland and the ability to act as an ambassador for Rum

We are looking for a Chair who is articulate, passionate and engaging and can represent Rum to a range of stakeholders. This includes the community on Rum. They must be able to work collaboratively and consensually.

Time commitment

The Chair role would require the equivalent of 2 days per month, but this could be spread over the month. This could include travel to Rum for which expenses would be paid. However, as is usual today, most meetings are undertaken remotely. Board meetings are held every 6 weeks or so. The Chair would be expected to travel to Rum at least 3 times a year.

The role is unpaid although reasonable travel and subsistence expenses would be paid.

For expressions of interest, please send us an email here.

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