Islanders on Rum have voted in a local ballot for the phased transfer of the island's assets to community control.

Environment Minister Michael Russell said: "This is an historic day for the Isle of Rum - the day residents took control of their community's destiny. This will provide a platform for the future development of a successful and sustainable community on Rum through development of improved facilities for visitors, and for generating revenue earning businesses on the island.

-- Advertisement --

Minister Russell spoke of the first phase of the transfer as a key step in the establishment of an independent community and economy for the island. He is confident that everything will be in place to allow the initial transfer of property to take place before the end of February.

"Much has been achieved in the last year by the Rum Task Group which I established, the Community Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage. But there is much still to be done to conclude the final arrangements and to build towards the transfer of other assets to community management in the future," he added.

(GK/JM)