Islanders approve takeover plans

Rum has been owned by government conservation agencies since 1957

Residents on Rum have voted in favour of taking community ownership of buildings and land on the island.

The ballot of 17 adult islanders passed the asset transfer by 15 votes to two.

The move is part of the Scottish Government's plan to transfer £257,000 worth of assets to the community from Scottish Natural Heritage.

The community hall, village shop, tea room, campsite and land in Kinloch Village and Glen on the west coast island are expected to be transferred.

Community Trust director Fliss Hough said the vote marked a totally new era on Rum.

The island has been owned by government conservation agencies since 1957.

It passed from the Nature Conservancy Council to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in 1992.

The move should also open the way for crofting to take place on Rum for the first time.

Up to five crofts would be created to help encourage more people to move to the island.

Last December, a meeting of the Rum Task Group, which aims to identify ways of developing less reliance on SNH on the island, met Environment Minister Mike Russell on Arisaig.

Mr Russell said at the time the planned transfer of land would provide a platform for the development of a "thriving and sustainable" community.

The population of Rum peaked at 443 in the early 19th Century.

In 1826, the island's owner cleared Rum of its 350 people after they fell behind on rent payments despite their best efforts and were replaced by thousands of sheep.