A DIAMOND-SHAPED island with just 40 residents has been named one of the world’s best stargazing spots.
Earlier this year, the Isle of Rum in the Inner Hebrides, was recognised as having some of the best night skies in the world.
Located more than 20 miles off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Rum was named Scotland’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International.
While Scotland already has five international Dark Sky Places, the Isle of Rum is the first Dark Sky Sanctuary in Scotland because it meets stricter night sky quality criteria, such as lower levels of light pollution.
The only other place in the UK to have been declared a Dark Sky Sanctuary is Ynys Enlli in Wales.
When the news was announced in August, Amber Harrison, who is the programme manager of Dark Sky Places, said: “This certification represents the hard work and dedication of advocates, residents, and community officials who recognise the value of Rum’s natural and cultural resources and are dedicated to safeguarding them against human impacts into the future.”
In light of its stargazing status, work has started on several new projects, including plans to install telescopes at Kinloch Castle.
Plans for a camera and weather station have also been proposed as well as a year-round programme of astronomy events.
Designated a National Nature Reserve since 1957, the isle of Rum is well-known for its wildlife and natural landscapes.
One of the island’s biggest draws is its population of red deer, of which there are thought to be 1,000.
This means there are hundreds more red deer on the island than there are human residents.
The red deer herd is famous for its huge stags.
It is also home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Manx Shearwater (a medium-sized bird) and other bird species like white-tailed sea eagles.
With approximately 30 miles of coastline, there are plenty of exotic sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded coves on the island.
Covered with white sand, Kilmory Beach wouldn’t look out of place on an exotic island in the Caribbean.
Located on the northern tip of the island, Kilmory Beach has been praised by visitors with one person writing: “An absolutely stunning beach that literally takes your breath away”.
Another person added: “A lovely beach with great views”.
There’s also Guirdil Beach, which is a little trickier to reach.
Because of its shoreline, the island is a top holiday destination for kayakers and canoeists.
Earlier this year, the isle of Rum became part of the Small Isles Snorkel Trail – a self-guided snorkeling route that showcases some of the best spots on the Small Isles.
Another attraction on the island is Kinloch Castle.
The huge Victorian mansion was built as a summer home for textile tycoon, Sir George Bullough.
Kinloch Castle opens for tours during the summer – although these are subject to availability.
There are plenty of overnight accommodation options on the island, including hotels, B&Bs, campsites and bunkhouses.
A direct ferry service operates from Mallaig to Isle of Rum.
Journeys take roughly five hours, with one-way fares from £5.15.
HERE are two other little-known islands to visit in Scotland.
The Isle of Erraid, Scotland
The tiny Inner Hebridean Isle of Erraid is a tidal island, just off the tip of the Ross of Mull.
For an hour or two either side of low tide, the Isle of Erraid is linked to the mainland by a broad expanse of sand that you can cross.
But Erraid’s major claim to fame is its inspiration for the famous novel Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Erraid is one of the driest and sunniest places in Scotland, with less than 1,000 millimetres of rain and 1,350 hours of sunshine annually, so you’re virtually guaranteed great days out on the beach.
Unst, Scotland
Unst is roughly 178 miles away from the Scottish mainland.
There are thought to be just 600 people living on the tiny island, making it the most northerly inhabited place in the UK.
Unst has just one pub, one hotel, one school, three shops and a lone bus route.
Skaw Beach, the most northerly in the UK, is packed with golden sand, and it’s backed by a meadow that’s home to an array of wild flowers in the spring and summer.
Because of its shape, the beach is fairly sheltered from the winds.
There are limited facilities at the beach, so holidaymakers should aim to pack everything they need before visiting.
Despite its remote location, around 100 people have reviewed the beach on Google, with one person writing: “Wild and wooly, with nobody around. The water was freezing, as you would expect.”
It’s also a haven for birds including corncrake, lapwing, peregrine, hen harriers and sandpipers and you’ll also see plenty of deer, hedgehogs and Black Face sheep.
A Brit is the leader of a remote island in the middle of the ocean – and claims it’s the smallest country in the world.
Michael Bates became the leader of “Sealand”, a platform 7.5 miles off the Suffolk coast when his dad Roy died in 1991.
