Kinloch Castle Study: Final report

Round 2 Q&A sheet

This paper addresses questions we have been asked during Round 1. If you would like further information about any of these issues, please get in touch.

Q. Will the views of islanders be outweighed by members of the Kinloch Castle Friends Association?

No, the main focus of this study is on bringing the Rum community to a consensus on conditions of sale. Whilst the Kinloch Castle Friends Association have around 100 members, their responses will not outweigh yours. We are including them in Round 2 as we have been asked to take all stakeholders’ views into account, but we will report the results separately.

Q. Will you speak to islanders of all ages?

The Rum Community Association asked if residents below the age of 18 can take part in the study. We have considered this, and agree it is important to hear from islanders of all ages. We will arrange an in-person session for young people and perhaps children and their parents during our visit so that all residents’ voices are heard as part of this study. We will be in touch to discuss this nearer the time.

Q. What will happen with this research?

Our aim is to produce a list of conditions of sale based on community consensus, and for these to be used during any future sale. We will also make recommendations for different groups, based on the research findings, including the Scottish Government, NatureScot and Rum residents. We hope that our objective study supports progress on the future of Kinloch Castle, and benefits the island community by providing a clear way forward.

Q. What do you mean by consensus?

We are using the Delphi method, which does not have a set definition of consensus. Whilst it is unlikely we’ll achieve 100% agreement, we will try to get as much consensus on the main issues as we can. Anything over 50% will be considered a consensus.

Q. Why does the castle need to be sold?

Kinloch Castle requires significant investment, regular maintenance and specialist input to be brought back into use. As a Grade A listed building, with historical and cultural importance to the Isle of Rum and Scotland, the castle offers a unique opportunity to be part of Scotland’s heritage. Despite considerable investment over the years by the Scottish Government and NatureScot to maintain the fabric of the building to the best possible standard within available resources, it has been clear for some time that a greater level of investment is required to secure a sustainable future for the castle.

As legal custodians of the castle, NatureScot have taken the operational decision that they have no use for it as part of their estate. They have been tasked with identifying a new beneficial owner to support its development, sustainable future and contribution to the wider island community. Private sale is considered the only feasible option to secure the necessary level of investment and deliver best value for the Scottish taxpayer.

NatureScot and its partners will adhere to the Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement and other statutory responsibilities.

Q. Have other options for the castle been considered?

A lot of work has been done to explore options for Kinloch Castle since 2000, including research, options appraisals and proposals. These include:

• A 2008 planning application by the Prince’s Regeneration Trust to develop the castle into tourist and private accommodation, with an educational centre, 41-bed hostel and staff accommodation on the castle grounds
• A 2016 report by Savills on the option of developing a museum, residential and tourist accommodation within the castle building. This included a business plan, and had an estimated cost of around £13 million
• A 2017 proposal by the Kinloch Castle Friends Association which set out a plan to restore the castle and provide visitor accommodation
• A 2021 list of key objectives produced by NatureScot to assess proposals as part of a process to find a beneficial owner for the castle

All of these options have required substantial funding, and as this was not available, they have not been taken forward. A list of these reports is included at the end of this paper. If you would like to see a copy of any of the reports please contact us.

Q. Is managed decline an option?

As a Grade A listed building, managed decline is not an option in order to avoid legal action for breach of statutory responsibilities.

Q. Is community ownership an option?

Private sale and transfer to the community has been considered by NatureScot, however this has not been achieved to date. Mechanisms for transfer to community ownership remain in place assuming the necessary requirements can be met, including current and future financial obligations.

Q. What will happen with the access road in front of the castle?

The access road will not be included in any sale, and islanders will still be able to use the road as they currently do (see Round 1 map, which excludes the road).

List of previous reports

Page and Park Architects (2002) Kinloch Castle, Isle of Rum, Conservation, Management and Business Plan Proposals relating to Proposals for the Future of Kinloch Castle

Prince of Wales’s Phoenix Trust (2005) Kinloch Castle, Isle of Rum, option appraisal, prepared by James F Stephen, Chartered Architects, Landscape Architects and Interior Designers

The Prince of Wales’s Phoenix Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage (2006) The Green House Activities Centre: proposed residential and educational activity facility at the former hot house complex adjacent to Kinloch Castle, Island of Rum Inner Hebrides, November

Scottish Government (2007) Social Capital on Rum and the Small Isles

Princes Regeneration Trust (2014) Kinloch Castle, Isle of Rum: Sumptuous Eccentricity in an Archetypal Scottish Hunting Lodge

Savills (2016) Kinloch Castle Feasibility report

Scottish Natural Heritage (2016) Proposal for a sustainable Future for Kinloch Castle presented to the Board

Kinloch Castle Friends Association (2017) Preliminary Proposal

Hugh Garratt, Smith and Garratt (2018) Initial Report on Kinloch Castle