Kinloch Castle Friends Association was first established as a membership organisation on 26 July 1996 at Kinloch Castle on Rum in Scotland. The founders were Dr. Ewan Macdonald, the original and current Chairman, and George Randall, for many years the Secretary. George, who is now Vice Chairman, has moved from Scotland to the United States of America but is still an enthusiastic worker for the Association and a contact point in the USA.

The island of Rum, including the Castle, is administered by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). However, in 1996 it was obvious that SNH, despite every effort over the years on their part, did not possess the funding to maintain the 100 year old building which was not officially part of their mandate. George and Ewan decided that a "Friends" organisation, to work in partnership with SNH, could stimulate interest, help provide funding, and provide a valuable human resource for the future care of the Castle, contents and policies. They realised that the educational and research potential at the Castle was an important part of Scotland's non-natural heritage and should be conserved for casual visitors and serious students alike. Thus the Kinloch Castle Friends Association was born.

A major step forward was taken on 3 June 2000 when the Association became registered as a Scottish Charity with the Number SC 030201. The purpose and objectives of the Association were formalised as follows :-

"The purpose of the Association is for the benefit of the public, to advance education and restore, preserve and improve Kinloch Castle (situated at Kinloch on the Isle; of Rum) including its furnishings and fitments".

In furtherance with the above, but not otherwise, the Association shall :-

• Work in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage, as custodians of the Isle of Rum, individuals and organisations.
• Obtain funding to carry out the restoration and preservation work.
• Maintain the collection of objets d'art from around the world, furnishings of the time, plus original fitments.

Official Work Parties visit the island on several occasions each year to further the practical work of the Association. To help in this work members receive a 10% discount on accommodation costs at all times and official "out of season" Work Parties are accommodated free. Work Party members are privileged to take one dinner in the Castle Dining Room and use the Smoking Room afterwards.

Work Parties

The Association work parties have cleared overgrown gardens, replanted some original species, replaced the broken footbridge, repaired and replaced the weather vane, rescued and repaired the lead angel and generally carried out cleaning, painting and repair.

Newsletters

The Association produces a Newsletter at least twice per year. This gives details of developments, future working parties, and papers on the Castle, the Island and the former inhabitants.

If you are interested in joining the Association and furthering the work, either by direct participation or just as a supporter, application forms may be obtained by following the "Application Forms" link.