Isle of Rum
About
The Isle of Rum is located in the Inner Hebrides off Scotland’s West Coast. It is part of a National Nature Reserve managed by NatureScot. The island, spanning 8 miles by 8 miles, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including an array of seabirds, golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles, Red-throated divers, as well as an internationally significant colony of over 120,000 breeding pairs of Manx Shearwaters. The island also offers spectacular geology and a natural landscape that draws scientists and researchers from all over the world. With no public lighting and a population of less than 40 full-time residents, this remote and rugged island offers unparalleled natural habitat and opportunities for stargazing and night sky conservation.
In 2022, advocates began a lighting inventory of all privately owned infrastructure and developed a lighting management plan following the International Dark Sky Sanctuary guidelines. Over 80 percent of the lighting on the island is now in compliance with the guidelines, with efforts underway to reach 100 percent soon. The community has embraced dark sky preservation, hosting educational events, partnering with experts from the Cosmos Planetarium, and educational programs such as a dark sky documentary set to release in 2025.
Plans for the Isle of Rum Sanctuary include the creation of an observing tower for enhanced stargazing, the installation of an all-sky camera and weather station for global viewing, and increased education and outreach programs for visitors and residents. The island also aims to increase small-scale tourism, particularly through the renovation of Harris Lodge, providing a secluded dark sky experience in the heart of the reserve.
Rum is accessible to the public on foot or bicycle via a ferry from Mallaig on the mainland. The unpaved roads privately owned and personal vehicles are only allowed through a special permitting system. There is no supermarket and accommodations are sparse, so plan ahead.
Area
104.6 Sq. Km
Designated
2024
Category
International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Address
Highlands and Islands,
PH434RR, Scotland
United Kingdom
Google Maps
Website
www.rumbunkhouse.com
www.isleofrum.com
www.nature.scot/enjoying-outdoors/visit-our-nature-reserves/rum-national-nature-reserve
www.visitsmallisles.com
Contact
Documents
Application
Announcement
Annual Reports
Weather
Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies near the Isle of Rum, Scotland (51.009, -6.274).
