A new chapter in the history of the Isle of Rum begins today as the community takes ownership of land, housing and other assets in Kinloch village.

The move comes after the agreed transfer of ownership of a significant area of land and property from Scottish Natural Heritage to the Isle of Rum Community Trust (IRCT).

SNH and the Rum community have worked together through a process agreed with the Scottish Government to identify the most useful and appropriate division of land and property to enable the islanders to plan and manage their own future.

That process has now culminated in the transfer of around 65 hectares of land into the ownership of the IRCT as an asset for its future development in the second phase of this historic event. A total of 35 hectares was provided in the first phase.

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Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham, who has been involved in the transfer process, said: "I am delighted to be able to announce the start of a new dawn for the people of Rum and the island. This agreement allows all parties to create a sustainable future and I am particularly pleased for the community which now sees the fruition of more than 10 years of campaigning and hard work."

Fliss Fraser, the IRCT spokesperson, said: "This is a day the community of Rum has been hoping for and working towards for more than 10 years. The land and property transfer now enables us to realise the plans which have been developed over many years and take decisions about how best to move our community and the island's economy forward. We are now building a new relationship with SNH as a neighbour on the island, rather than our landlord.

"Now we can work with SNH to ensure the fortunes of the community and the national nature reserve are promoted by a mutual interest in the future of Rum."

Formerly growth of individual and community enterprises was limited by the exclusive ownership of land and property by SNH. This historic second phase of land transfer adds houses, tracks, woodland and infrastructure to the croft land, camp site and village amenities previously transferred.

(GK)