At Rum, we had hoped to see David and Stroma (and young Jamie) who are
the island managers for Scottish Natural Heritage, but they were away on
holiday. We walked in to the centre of the island but did not have time
for the extra six miles required for a visit to the old village of
Kilmory. Kinloch Castle, at the head of Loch Scresort, built at the turn
of the century by Sir George Bullough, whose father made the family
fortune designing milling machinery, is an extravagant monument to
Edwardian opulence. Turtles and alligators were kept in heated tanks, a
pure white Arab stallion was imported to improve the stock of native
ponies, and two Albion cars were used to transport guests. Today, in
faded grandeur, it provides B&B and hostel accommodation and hosts a few
weddings. We had a grand sail from Rum down to Ardnamurchan point and up
the Sound of Mull to Loch Aline – wind and tide with us all the way. Now
in Oban, we will restock and prepare for guests joining us for the weekend.
Had a good camping holiday on Rum near to Kinloch castle. Did all the munros and tops.
Kinloch castle is a fascinating place and contains many examples of what are regarded as modern devices which were powered by one of the earliest hydro-electric systems in the world.
The devices include an electric organ which could be loaded with perforated tape inorder for it to play ‘pre-recorded’ tunes. The original dam which supplied the water for the hyro scheme was built bu Irish labourers who were paid extra to wear kilts as they worked. This was to maintain the ‘Scottishness’ of the landscape. Unfortunately the dam burst only days after it filled up and another scheme had to be devised to supply the water.
Excellent Skipper…some great shots and snappy reviews of the travels – well done.