The Isle of Rùm has been designated as Scotland’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International.
The designation recognises the efforts of the Isle of Rùm Community Trust and NatureScot to protect and promote the island’s special starry skies and nocturnal environment, as well as acknowledging its scientific and cultural importance.
While Scotland has five designated International Dark Sky Places, the Inner Hebridean island is the first area to be designated as a Sanctuary following stricter night sky quality criteria to reflect its remote location and naturally dark night skies. There are just 20 other International Dark Sky Sanctuaries worldwide, with only one other in Europe – Ynys Enlli or Bardsey Island in Wales.
Over the past few years, Rùm’s small population has been working to ensure that all lighting on the island is dark sky-friendly, as well as hosting astrological and educational events for the community, the local school and visitors.
Amber Harrison, the Dark Sky Places Program Manager, said, “This certification represents the hard work and dedication of advocates, residents, and community officials who recognise the value of Rùm’s natural and cultural resources and are dedicated to safeguarding them against human impacts into the future. Rùm is home to a significant breeding population of Manx shearwaters and these efforts will ensure that their habitat is protected for years to come.”
Future aspirations include the establishment of a Dark Sky Tower in Kinloch village with telescopes available to all to view the night sky and views of the island’s dramatic mountain ridges. An all-sky camera and weather station in the village is also planned to provide round-the-clock online viewing worldwide.
A year-round program of astronomy events and informative signs around the island will be put in place to educate visitors and locals alike on the importance of dark skies both for human health and for nature.
Alex Mumford, who led the Dark Sky bid while visitor services manager on the Isle of Rùm, said, “We are thrilled to become Scotland’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary and relish the prospect of the impact we can have far and wide. It has been a long process and a lot of hard work has gone into this and we hope to provide inspiration around the world for other small communities to do the same. The work now begins to put our exciting plans into motion and we cannot wait.”
Fliss Fraser, a director for the Isle of Rùm Community Trust, said, “As a small Scottish island with a resident population of 40, we are really proud to have achieved Dark Sky Sanctuary status. Along with all the benefits for our natural heritage, we hope to encourage visitors to enjoy our dark skies as part of our ongoing sustainable approach to tourism.”
Most of Rùm is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), recognising its internationally and nationally important natural heritage. Rùm National Nature Reserve is managed by NatureScot as a special place for wildlife and people.
In spring and summer, the island’s mountain tops are home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Manx shearwater. More than 120,000 pairs descend on Rùm each year, representing around 25% of the world’s breeding population.
Lesley Watt, NatureScot’s NNR manager for Rùm, said, “Dark skies are vital for many species to thrive, and this is especially so for Rùm’s population of Manx shearwater. Along with many birds, light pollution can have a really negative impact on these amazing seabirds, particularly for fledglings who are active at night and are attracted to artificial light. When it is time for the Manx shearwater fledglings to leave Rùm and make their first flight out to sea, light pollution can disorient them causing them to crash on land and never reach the sea or their destination.
“This designation is excellent news as by protecting our night skies we can ensure the island remains a safe haven for these birds and the many other species that make Rùm so special.”