Friends of friends get behind Kinloch Castle ownership bid

Kinloch Castle Friends Association are ramping up their bid to become beneficial owners of the 19th-century masterpiece on Rum, writes Fiona Scott.

Following the failure of their asset transfer proposal last year the group have been in talks with Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) to discuss the future for the castle.

SNH informed the charitable group that they were now seeking a beneficial owner that would contribute towards three key objectives and that any proposals from the Friends Association would be considered. The objectives are:

Cultural heritage: securing the conservation and preservation of Kinloch Castle;

Community: contributing to the socio-economic sustainability of the Rum community;

Nature and climate change: enhancing the natural environment on Rum, promoting its enjoyment and minimising the carbon footprint and environmental impact from the use of the Castle.

Following meetings with

Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) the group are now seeking funding to move a phased plan forward.

‘It has always been intended that green energy would be used as soon as possible but that there would be a time lag,’ said a spokesperson from the association. ‘We are confident we can demonstrate that we can fulfil the criteria.’

Proposals for phase one include creating bed and breakfast rooms in the former hostel, plus more bathrooms and restoring the bar and bistro.

The second phase is to work towards restoring the other better letting rooms, and the ‘museum’ rooms.

The group has the backing of Ian Blackford MP and Kate Forbes MSP who have both been supportive of the proposals.

Mr Blackford said: ‘Their proposals appear to meet SNH’s three key objectives for ‘a beneficial owner’ – securing the conservation and preservation of Kinloch Castle; contributing to the socio-economic sustainability of the Rum community; and enhancing the natural environment on Rum, while minimising the carbon footprint and environmental impact from use of the Castle.

‘The project seeks to bring much-needed additional employment to Rum as well as ensuring a viable and sustainable future for the castle.

‘I am happy to support any realistic plans that will ensure a viable and sustainable future for Kinloch Castle and wish the group well going forward.’

Ms Forbes commented: ‘Though the group was very disappointed with the asset transfer decision, they are continuing to work hard behind the scenes and I don’t think it is the end of the road for Kinloch Castle. I am keen to support Friends of Kinloch Castle, and met with them before the lockdown to look at this again and see if there is another way of achieving their aims.’

The association has also written to HRH the Prince of Wales and to Lord Thurso the chairman of Visit Scotland.