A tiny remote island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides is looking for new residents

A remote island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides is looking to attract new people to live there, so if you fancy a change of scene, this might be the place for you.

The Isle of Rum is a tiny island with a population of between 30 to 40 adults and children, although it can fluctuate with seasonal workers. Its community trust is seeking applicants to affordably rent four new two-bedroom eco-homes, which are currently under construction on the edge of the village of Kinloch. It has been difficult up to now for people to move Rum without a job offer and a home, and these houses remove a major barrier to accessing the opportunities on the island in childcare, food production, house maintenance, fish farming or marine and mountain tourism.

At just eight miles from end to end, Rum was once known as the Forbidden Island. It was sold to the Nature Conservancy in 1957 and has since become a wildlife reserve with deer, wild goats, ponies, golden and white-tailed eagles, and a 120, 000-strong colony of Manx shearwaters. Kinloch, with its ferry landing, shop, post office and public telephone, is the island's only settlement, and the majestic Kinloch Castle is its principal attraction.

The trust is looking for dynamic individuals or families who are keen to fit in to the island way of life and help drive positive change for this young and growing community. All homes have high quality fibre broadband, and applicants with a trade, skill or other business that would help diversify and grow the local economy are welcomed. The deadline for applications is August 28 2020, and further information is available here.

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