Isle of Rum
Rum's name may derive from the Norse “Rom oe” meaning Wide Island, the island measures 8 miles by just over 8½ miles. Rum has a varied geology with the northern part consisting of Torridonian Sandstone; the west is Basalt and on the east and in the centre the mountains are composed of Plutonic rocks.
The mountain mass (the remains of an ancient volcano), to the south of Kinloch Glen containing the Rum Cuillins, occupies almost half the island. Askival, the highest point of the island, reaches 2,659 ft! In fact, three of the island's peaks exceed 2,500 ft; Askival, Ainshval and Sgurr nan Gillean.
At Bagh na-h-Uamha there is a Norse double stone burial cist and, in a cave nearby, a Norse ivory playing piece from the 13th century, decorated with interlacing patterns, has been discovered. This now lies in the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland, in Edinburgh.
There are various ruins spread around the island and in the old hamlet at Kilmory lie the remains of a chapel. After Nature Conservancy acquired Rum in 1957, they discovered a hard sandstone Latin cross that had fallen over and restored it to its upright position. There are also various remains of Black Houses and other dwellings dotted over the island in small hamlets. However, the most impressive building, by far, is the imposing Edwardian Hunting Lodge “Kinloch Castle” built at the start of the 20th century.
For over a century, from 1845 until 1957, Rum was a private sporting estate. Kinloch Castle was built by wealthy industrialist George Bullough, who inherited Rum from his father. Work started in 1897 and continued for roughly three years with approximately 300 workers involved in its construction. No expense was spared, with the latest technology being implemented throughout the Castle.
It boasted central heating, double glazing, air conditioning and power showers! It even had its own hydro electric power station. The lavish grounds included an orchard, Italian and rose gardens, heated turtle ponds, glass houses and various woodland paths.
The Castle was furnished in full Edwardian splendour with many artefacts from around the world, many collected whilst he was touring on his 221-foot yacht, Rhouma. The ballroom was host to many lavish parties until the outbreak of war 1914-1918, after which the family and guests only visited for a short time during the summer months. Following George’s death in 1939, the Castle was rarely used and the grounds fell into disrepair.
Nature Conservancy purchased the island in 1957 and Lady Bullough gifted the entire contents (with a few exceptions) to them. John Bullough and Sir George & Lady Bullough's remains are interred in the Bullough Mausoleum at Harris.
Today the island is used mainly for botanical / geological research and deer studies. It is also home to one of the largest Shearwater colonies with approximately 120,000 birds. Other species of interest include Golden Eagles, Peregrines, Ringed & Golden Plovers, Razorbills, Red Throated Divers and Starlings.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the Castle which is like taking a step back in time and is quite breath-taking. The Castle is fully furnished, complete with photo albums of the Bullough's foreign travels! The Sheerwater travels to Rum on a Tuesday & Thursday all season and also Saturdays in June, July & August when tours are timed to coincide with our visits. The Castle also offers hostel accommodation for groups of up to 45 and plays host to many weddings.
Close sightings of Whales, Porpoises, Shearwaters and Dolphins are regularly made on route and have been known to upset the schedule!
Kinloch Castle can be contacted on 01687 462037 and the SNH Reserve Office on 01687 462026.