Kinloch Castle Study: Final report

Executive summary

This report summarises the results of a Kinloch Castle Study carried out by analysts in the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) division of the Scottish Government between January and December 2024.

The aim of this study was to understand the views of Rum residents on the future of Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rum, and to reach consensus amongst islanders on an agreed list of suitable conditions of sale for Kinloch Castle. The research context is set out below.

Research summary

The study included a Round 1 survey, a Round 2 survey and a Round 3 in-person workshop. All adult residents were invited to take part at each stage. We have successfully taken views from the majority of the Rum community. During Round 1, we heard from 21 islanders, a response rate of over 90%. Whilst participation in Rounds 2 and 3 was slightly lower, we again heard from a range of islanders (see Figure 1). In Round 2, we also heard from wider stakeholders by surveying Kinloch Castle Friends Association (KCFA) members. Further detail on the research methods and response rates is set out on pages 12-14. The findings outlined in this report are based on what Rum residents told us during this study.

Figure 1. Kinloch Castle Study

A diagram showing each stage of the study:

• Round 1 survey (March-May 2024). Round 1 survey invitation posted to all residents. 21 islanders responded to the Round 1 survey (91% response rate). Survey deadline extended to allow more time for responses. Summary report shared with islanders and stakeholders.
• Round 2 survey (June-August 2024). Round 2 survey invitation posted to all residents. 16 islanders responded to the Round 2 survey (70% response rate). 57 Kinloch Castle Friends Association members responded to a separate survey. Summary report shared with islanders and stakeholders.
• Round 3 workshop (September-December 2024). Workshop information pack posted to all residents. 17 islanders took part in the Round 3 workshop, 8 in the drop-in session (some took part in both). In-person session held on Rum on 8 November 2024. Final report shared with islanders and stakeholders before publication.

Main findings

• 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, such as public ownership and use of the land and buildings.
• 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.
• For islanders, the most important aspects of a sale relate to: its contribution to the Rum community and nature on the island, adherence to the Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement and a long-term commitment to these issues.
• Community engagement will be key to a successful sale, and this should be based on the principles of direct, open and transparent communication.

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:

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

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

These areas are outlined in more detail on the next two pages. The main report then begins with an outline of the research context, study design and Rounds 1, 2 and 3 findings.

Conditions of sale

The 5 most important conditions of sale for residents of Rum:

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

This study sets out the 5 most important conditions of sale for Kinloch Castle as identified by islanders during the research. These conditions should be considered as part of any potential sale of Kinloch Castle. We have focused this list to reflect islanders’ priorities. It should be noted that the exact wording of these conditions may be subject to change during any sale negotiations between NatureScot, the community and a potential buyer, for example due to legal advice or requirements.

The following key considerations should, as far as possible, be taken into account in relation to each of the 5 conditions of sale:

Kinloch Castle and the Rum community

• Recognition of islanders as key stakeholders in the future use of the castle
• Regular, two-way communication between any buyer and islanders during and after a sale
• Community input sought and acted upon in redevelopment decisions
• Any future use of the castle to be sympathetic to daily life on the island and to make an active contribution to the community
• Islanders and visitors can continue to use an access road
• Details of proposed public access to building to be provided
• Appraisal of economic benefits from proposed use of castle (e.g. jobs, tourism)
• Inclusion of a visitor or heritage facility in the castle grounds

Kinloch Castle and nature on Rum

• Support for the island’s Dark Sky Reserve status application and compliance with any measures put in place as part of this process
• Consideration for other activities that take place on the island, and to promote sustainable use of the island and its natural resources

It should be noted that the current Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement has seven principles. It should also be noted that whilst NatureScot has stated that the access road will not be included in any sale, and islanders will still be able to use the road as they currently do, this is an important issue for islanders and should be addressed as part of any proposed sale. Islanders are open to exploring other options for the placement of an access road.

Principles of sale

This study has also gathered the views of islanders and wider stakeholders on how the sale of Kinloch Castle should be conducted. A set of core principles should be followed by all parties involved in the process to achieve a successful sale:

1. Direct communication with all island residents

2. Open and transparent communication

3. Communication in a range of ways

The Isle of Rum community has a range of views on the castle and its future role in the life of the island. Many residents feel a strong sense of stewardship over the castle and its associated land and will expect to be involved in any future developments.

All parties involved should remain mindful that whilst the majority of islanders are in favour of the sale of Kinloch Castle, and recognise the positive benefits it could bring for their community, any sale process could fail if not approached in the right way.

A successful sale will require building trust through community engagement in line with the principles below, including openness and regular updates. Following these principles will help to ensure that any new owner becomes part of island life. As noted above, the buyer will also need to be mindful of the Scottish Land Rights and Responsibility statement, and seek to abide by it in how they own and manage Kinloch Castle and its surrounding land.

Direct communication with all island residents

• Direct communication with individual islanders throughout the process – this should begin at an early stage with regular updates in a structured way
• A potential buyer should consider dedicating resources during the sale process to communicating with islanders, for example by appointing a person whose role is solely to get to know the residents and establish meaningful two-way communication

Open and transparent communication

• All communication should be open, transparent and accurate to build trust
• There should be recognition and respect for views held by all parties
• Islanders should be informed about the intended redevelopment and use of the castle and anticipated benefits, for example employment opportunities

Communication in a range of ways

• If a sale is proposed, all islanders should be kept informed and updated regularly on an individual basis by email and post
• Communication should be accessible and clear
• In-person meetings between Rum residents and relevant parties should also be arranged at an appropriate stage in the negotiations