Welcome to
The largest of the Small Isles, Rum is also the least populated with only 30 full time residents. It’s this remote nature that draws visitors to the island.
Nature & wildlife
Walking
History & heritage
Rum has furnished researchers with some of the earliest archaeological evidence of human occupation in Scotland, it has been a battleground between feudal clans, the centre of a thriving kelp industry, viciously cleared to make way for sheep then later turned into a sporting estate.
Today Rum exists as a National Nature Reserve. This history has left its mark on the island in many different ways, no more ostentatious than the grand Kinloch Castle. But it is the natural beauty of the island that draws visitors back, a place of unending charm untouched by human intervention.
Built in 1900, Kinloch Castle is the eccentric building that looms large over the island. Constructed as a luxurious retreat by former island owner John Bullough, its unconventional design and opulent interior stand as testament to his colossal wealth. As a building conceived to entertain the castle was fitted with the finest furniture, a sprung-floor ballroom, four poster beds and – bizarrely – a family of alligators. The house has since fallen into disrepair, but the exterior can still be appreciated by an imaginative visitor speculating on the parties that must have occurred inside during its heyday.
Like its more famous sister range across the water in Skye, the Rum Cullin is a mountain range of outstanding natural beauty waiting to be conquered by experienced climbers. Blessed with old norse names like Hallival and Trollval, these five peaks run some 20km across the South of the island.
At 812m tall, Askival is the highest point on Rum and provides an imperious outlook over the island and beyond. Traversing the entire range can take some 12 hours so many climbers choose to rest overnight in Dibidil bothy, taking refuge in this classic stone cottage.
Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland’s #RespectProtectEnjoy
VisitScotland | Responsible Tourism
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs.
RNLI | Safety tips
