A SCOTTISH island has been designated as Scotland’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
The Isle of Rum has received the recognition by organisation DarkSky International for the efforts of the Isle of Rum Community Trust and NatureScot to protect and promote the island’s special starry skies and nocturnal environment.
While Scotland has five designated International Dark Sky Places, the Inner Hebridean island – which has a population of just 40 residents – 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 (Bardsey Island) in Wales.
Over the past few years, Rum’s small population has worked 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 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.”
In the future, those working on the project hope to establish a Dark Sky Tower in Kinloch village with telescopes available to view the night sky and the island’s scenery.
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.
In spring and summer, the island’s mountain tops are home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Manx shearwater (pictured below).
More than 120,000 pairs descend on Rum each year, representing around 25% of the world’s breeding population.
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.”
Most of Rum is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), recognizing its internationally and nationally important natural heritage. It is run by NatureScot.
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.”
