Who owns the Isle of Rum?

The largest of the Small Isles off Scotland's west coast, Rum is a dramatic mountainous landscape with a great diversity of habitats. The reserve is an internationally important site for geological features, upland habitats, plant communities and breeding birds. NatureScot owns and manages most of the island.



The Isle of Rum (also known as Rùm) in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland is primarily owned and managed by NatureScot, the Scottish Government's nature conservation agency. The island was purchased in 1957 from the Bullough family by the Nature Conservancy (the predecessor to NatureScot) and was designated a National Nature Reserve. However, the ownership structure has evolved in recent years to include more community involvement. In 2009 and 2010, ownership of land and assets within Kinloch Village (the island's main settlement) was transferred to the Isle of Rum Community Trust (IRCT). This allows the small local population of about 40 people to have more control over housing and economic development. One notable point of contention has been Kinloch Castle; while it is currently owned by NatureScot, there have been ongoing discussions and failed attempts to find a private buyer or transfer it to the community to secure its preservation, as the maintenance costs for the historic building are immense.

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The island was purchased by the Nature Conservancy, a government agency with responsibility for natural heritage, for £23,000, and was designated a National Nature Reserve in line with Lady Bullough's wishes. Ownership of Rùm and Kinloch Castle passed to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on its formation in 1992.

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Still the Kinloch Castle's state is far from being perfect – it is suffering from leaks, damp, woodworm and dry rot. Although the price tag of just $1 may seem appealing the investment the future owner will have to make to revive the once glorious castle is likely to be staggering.

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The biggest inhabited Scottish castle is actually Floors Castle, owned by the Duke of Roxburghe. Located in Kelso in the Scottish Borders, Floors Castle is a stunning architectural gem that the family lives in permanently.

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The Castle of Mey was once owned by the Queen Mother Share this: As well as Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate, Prince Charles also owns a second holiday home in Scotland, Castle of Mey in Caithness.

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The Balmoral Estate began as a home built by Sir William Drummond in 1390. The estate was formerly owned by King Robert II (1316–1390), who had a hunting lodge in the area. After Drummond, the estate was sold to Alexander Gordon, the 3rd Earl of Huntly, in the 15th century.

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Hermitage Castle is found in a beautiful rural location in Liddesdale and its turbulent history has led to it being described as 'the guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain'. Partly restored in the 19th century, the castle was originally built by Lord de Soules in the 1240s.

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Castle Sween is thought to be the oldest castle on the Scottish mainland that we can date with any certainty. Architectural details show it was built in the 1100s and occupied for about 500 years. The castle sits on a low ridge looking over Loch Sween and out to Jura.

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