Kinloch Castle Study: Final report

Highlights

What is the report about?

This report summarises the findings of a study into the views of Rum residents on the sale of Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rum. The report presents an agreed list of suitable conditions of sale for Kinloch Castle and advice on how a future sale of the castle should be conducted.

What did we do?

The research collected the views of Rum residents through two surveys and an in-person workshop. Participants saw an anonymised summary of the survey responses at the end of each research stage. The study method was based on the Delphi technique.

What did we learn?

• The majority of islanders agree that Kinloch Castle should be sold, in order to be redeveloped and brought back into operational use.
• Many islanders feel that the sale, redevelopment and operational use of Kinloch Castle will have a positive impact on the Rum community.
• Many islanders recognise the need for a private sale to secure investment in the building, and for the future use of the castle to be determined by its buyer.
• A small group of islanders is opposed to the sale. They would prefer to explore other options for the future of the castle, such as public ownership and use of the land and buildings or managed decline.^[1]
• Any sale of the castle should contribute to the sustainability of the Rum community, recognising the reality of life on the island today. Islanders can see a range of potential social and economic benefits for Rum from a sale of the castle.

What happens next?

The findings of this study show support for the sale of Kinloch Castle among island residents in line with the conditions set out below. The study also indicates that not all island residents agree with a sale. A small group would like other options to be explored.

This study has identified two key areas to be considered by all parties in order to work with the Rum community to achieve the successful sale of Kinloch Castle.

These are set out on the following page.

1. Conditions of sale

The 5 most important conditions of sale as identified by islanders during the study are:

1. Contribution to the sustainability of the Rum community

2. Active community involvement

3. Contribution to enhancing nature on Rum, promotion and encouragement of its enjoyment, and interest in the island

4. Adherence to the Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement

5. Long-term commitment to conditions of sale

It should be noted that the exact wording of the conditions of sale may be subject to change during any sale negotiations between NatureScot, the community and a potential buyer, for example due to legal advice.

2. Principles of sale

These 3 core principles should be followed during the sale process:

1. Direct communication with all island residents throughout the process, and to begin at an early stage

2. Open and transparent communication

3. Communication in a range of ways, for example by email, post and in-person