The Isle of Rum – the largest of the Small Isles – was once known as the Forbidden Island. Its crofters were cleared in the early 19th century to make way for sheep. From 1886 to 1957, it was the private sporting estate of the Bullough family, who made their fortune in the textile industry.
The island was sold to the Nature Conservancy and designated a National Nature Reserve in 1957. It is noted for its red deer, wild goats, ponies, golden eagles, white-tailed eagles and an estimated population of more than 120,000 breeding pairs of Manx shearwaters. Its dramatic rocky mountains – known as Rum Cuillin for their similarity to the peaks of Skye – draw hill walkers and climbers.
The Isle of Rum is a hidden gem which is a must see on yours tours of Scotland.
