July 15-16 Rumline's Rhumbline to Rum

It was a goal to sail Rummy to her namesake Isle, Rum. We make it and despite a weedy poor anchorage, Rumline dug her anchor in with determination and happily sat in the water of Loch Scresort with Belloch Castle overlooking the loch.  It is an unusual island as it is a nature reserve and is not farmed. As a result eagles fly, otters swim, ponies and red deer graze the grasses. It is wild, remote and unspoilt.
The castle is now open to vistors. It is no longer lived in but provides an insight into the eccentric and extravagant lifestlye of a rich Edwardian industrialist. My impression is a hollywood horror film set come mausoleum, very strange but interesting. It also is home to a hostel which provides a bed as well as showers to visitors. There is a great bar where you can spend time playing games, chatting and relaxing with other guests and the local caretakers of the island.

The Loch

View from The Castle

The Glen

Village Mall

Weird interior lots of dead Heads

The Ranger led us on a walk up one of the glens and we spotted a golden eagle soaring above the peaks. We were lucky to see it. In the tiny village hall he later lectured us on the island's delicate balance. It is a special place. We had a delicious Barbeque and one sailor began to play the bagpipes as it poured down with rain and the wind howled. All talk was where each boat was planning to go as the weather is deteriorating and shelter will need to be sought. So bailing out our dinghy on a very wet ride back to the boat our thoughts began to focus on leaving and where to go next?