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Rum's future in hands of 17 islanders
Maxwell Macleod and Mike Wade
Columnists: The Times
Filed 27 Jan 09
©The Times
This article was originally published on 12th January 2009 in The Times.
It is reproduced here with the kind permission of its authors and of the newspaper
The voters number less than on most parish councils, but for the people of Rum, one of the most isolated of Scotland's islands, the next 24 hours promise to be epoch-making.
The electorate of just 17 adult residents, who have registered in time to vote, will gather at Kinloch Castle, the largest building on the island, to decide whether they wish to take responsibility for land and buildings worth £250,000.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the government-funded agency which, until now, has run the island, is holding a ballot tomorrow for a community buyout, with a view to passing ownership of the assets to the people of Rum, the largest of the Small Isles which lie to the south of Skye.
It seems likely that by suppertime, the residents will have control of the village hall and Rum's one shop and tearoom. From these commanding heights they will be able to decide what is built on parcels of windswept land, which could one day offer hostel and other holiday accommodation. The campsite boathouse will be in their possession, to do with as they will.
The Scottish government is convinced that this transfer of power will lay the foundations of viable island life for the population of 30, and thanks to the enthusiasm of Michael Russell, the SNP's Environment Minister, the result of the ballot seems a foregone conclusion. Mr Russell is confident that the new Rum can look forward to developing as “a thriving and sustainable” venture. Andrew Thin, the chairman of SNH, foresees the foundation of an independent community that will work with his organisation “to enhance the visitor experience” for the 10,000 birdlovers who visit every summer.
Supporters of the project argue that under a community buyout, Rum might emulate the success of other islands, like Eigg and Gigha, where ownership has passed to the residents. Others, however, argue that the comparison is misleading. Rum is significantly different from Gigha, the little island off the Mull of Kintyre, where relative prosperity has followed a similar buyout in 2002, with farm produce flowing out, and tourists flowing into the island from the nearby mainland.
Nor is it like Eigg, its close neighbour, where the population rebelled against a succession of unpopular landlords and voted for a buyout in 1997. There, a history of community activity has helped to transform life on a picturesque island whose little harbour is well served by a boat service from Arisaig.
By contrast Rum is remote and inhospitable, a volcanic mountain cluster which rises steeply out of the sea. There has been no native community here since the indigenous islanders were moved on in one of the most brutal of the island clearances in 1826.
For a century, a succession of landowners operated the island as a hunting estate, until it was established as a national nature reserve in 1950s. Since then its fragile economy has survived only because it operates as a “company-run” island where the sole business is nature conservation. Almost all the residents are employed by SNH.
Little of this makes for an attractive proposition to potential settlers. A report by Newcastle University found that, as housing is still tied to employment with SNH, it is difficult for incomers to open businesses. Nor is it practically possible to remain on the island beyond retirement age.
However, public officials believe there can be progress under a new regime. There are plans for five working crofts and SNH - which spends more than £1million a year on the island - has found £500,000 to improve the water supply and is investigating means of improving electricity.
Lesley Riddoch, the broadcaster who has advised the islanders, is optimistic that other revenue streams might open for independent community life.
“In these straightened times whilst it may appear to be safer to be under the paternal wing of SNH, quangos and private landlords can't access the cash set aside for community development in the way that communities can,”
she said.
Mr Russell was more cautious yesterday, saying:
“Much hard work has got us to this point and whatever the outcome of the vote those involved can take a great deal of pride in getting this far.”
©The Times
Further reading recommended by Land-Care
Editorial (2004). Strategic review of Scottish Natural Heritage.
See SOCIAL/ECONOMIC/POLITICAL HOMEPAGE, Filed 27 Aug 04, www.land-care.org.uk Click Here to View
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