It is a place where the stars burn brighter than anywhere else in Scotland and the night sky can be viewed in all its majesty.
And that is now the official view - with the Island of Rum being named as the country’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary by governing body DarkSky International.
While Scotland has five ‘Dark Sky Places', the Inner Hebridean island is the first area to achieve the distinction of being named a Sanctuary, which places strict night sky quality criteria, reflecting its remote location far from the main sources of light pollution.
The designation recognises the efforts of the Isle of Rum 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.
There are just 20 other International Dark Sky Sanctuaries worldwide, with only one other in Europe – Ynys Enlli or Bardsey Island in Wales.
Rum joins places such as the Australian outback, the Pitcairn Islands, Nuie - the world’s smallest self–governing microstate in the Pacific Ocean - and the woods of northern Maine in the US on the list.
The recognition comes after a long period of sustained effort by the people of Rum. Over the past few years, the island’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.
As well as allowing unparalleled views of the night sky, Dark Sky places and sanctuaries are vital to wildlife whose breeding is attuned to the rhythms of the natural world.
Amber Harrison, the Dark Sky Places Program Manager, said: “This certification represents the hard work and dedication of advocates, residents, and community officials who recognize the value of Rum’s natural and cultural resources and are dedicated to safeguarding them against human impacts into the future.
“Rum is home to a significant breeding population of Manx shearwaters and these efforts will ensure that their habitat is protected for years to come.”
As well as the ecological benefits, being a dark Sky Sanctuary could bring an economic boost to the island.
The are plans to develop tourism around the distinction, with the establishment of a Dark Sky Tower in Kinloch village, where telescopes will be available to all to view the night sky and 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 Rum, 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.”
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Fliss Fraser, a director for the Isle of Rum Community Trust, added: “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 Rum is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), recognizing its internationally and nationally important natural heritage. Rum 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 Rum each year, representing around 25 per cent of the world’s breeding population.
Lesley Watt, NatureScot’s NNR manager for Rum, said: “Dark skies are vital for many species to thrive, and this is especially so for Rum’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 Rum 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 Rum so special.”
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