Kinloch Castle, Isle of Rum, PH43

AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESTORE A MAGNIFICENT EDWARDIAN CASTLE IN A DRAMATIC ISLAND SETTING

Description

Kinloch Castle and its surrounding grounds, extend to approximately 18 acres. The castle is a Category A listed building approached via a tree-lined avenue from the Kinloch pier, set within formal gardens and parkland, with views across Loch Scresort and the surrounding hills.

Internally, Kinloch Castle retains many of its original features, including elaborate wood panelling, stained glass, and a rare orchestrion. The principal reception rooms are located on the ground floor and consist of a galleried grand hall, drawing room, dining room, billiard and smoking room, sitting room, ballroom and library, all of which retain the grandeur and craftsmanship of the period.

The upper floors contain bedrooms and former staff quarters, many of which offer panoramic views of the island and sea.

KINLOCH CASTLE
Approached via a coastal path from Kinloch Pier, the A listed red sandstone castle stands in front of Loch Scresort, surrounded by gardens, grounds, and woodland.

The principal entrance is accessed via a broad stone staircase and arcaded verandas. The galleried grand hall features large, mullioned bay windows, original wooden panelling and a balustraded gallery above. Under the Jacobean staircase lies a rare orchestrion - an electrically powered mechanical orchestra, one of only three ever made by Imhoff and Mukle of Germany.

The ground floor features a number of richly appointed reception rooms each retaining period features such as stained glass, ornate ceilings, and carved fireplaces.

The dining room, panelled in polished mahogany, retains original stateliness, while the smoking and billiard room offer a glimpse into its social past. Lady Monica’s Drawing Room, framed by classical pilasters and Adam-style fireplaces, leads to the Empire Room, once the library and later her private retreat. The ballroom with a sprung floor, minstrels' gallery, hidden drinks pantry and silk wall hangings, was designed for privacy and elegance, its high windows shielding guests from the courtyards view. The library is located at the end of the hall and was originally George Bullough’s Business Room.

The floor above has a series of bedrooms and bathrooms. The most notable is Lady Monica’s suite complete with a dressing room, en-suite and views over Loch Scresort. The castle features Victorian bathrooms with rare multi-function shower cabinets from Shanks of Barrhead, described as an upright jacuzzi with seven settings.

The uppermost level accommodates former staff quarters and service areas. Furthermore, there are several useful rooms and cellars used for storage located in the basement.

The floorplans provide detail of the full layout of the accommodation set out over four floors, including the basement.

CONTENTS
The contents in Kinloch Castle are a reflection of Sir George Bullough’s global travels and lavish taste. Between 1892 and 1895, he amassed an eclectic collection of treasures, most of which remain in the castle today. The galleried grand hall displays portraits of Sir George and Lady Monica, George’s painted by Hugh Riviere for his 40th birthday. In addition, there is a 1900 Steinway grand piano, Japanese lacquer cabinets, Indian brass tables, and towering incense burners adorned with dragons and eagles. The dining room incorporates crystal candelabras and Chippendale style chairs, while Lady Monica’s drawing room features silk wall hangings and a rare 18th century lantern clock.

Every room tells a story, from the Empire Rooms Napoleonic engravings to the library’s leatherbound travel journals and horse racing memorabilia. Even the guest bedrooms with their oak panelled four poster beds reflect the castles blend of comfort and opulence. Kinloch is more than a previous home; it serves as a living museum.

The contents are included in the sale and a full list of items are available from the sales agents.

GARDENS & GROUNDS
The grounds of Kinloch Castle are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. The gardens were laid out with great care and expense, with over 250,000 tons of topsoil imported to create fertile planting beds and lawns.

Located to the rear of the castle and partially enclosed by mature woodland, the walled garden was once a centre of productivity and display. It housed extensive glasshouses and even a palm house. Though now overgrown the garden retains the original walls and layout, offering significant potential for restoration. It could be revived as a working kitchen garden or adapted for use as an events space or accommodation, subject to the necessary consents.

To the south of the castle, formal terraces descend toward the loch, interspersed with ornamental urns, statuary, and exotic plantings. A Japanese garden and a bowling green once formed part of the estate’s leisure landscape, while a small golf course and squash court catered to more active pursuits.

The wider grounds comprise areas of mixed woodland, offering shelter and seclusion, and are home to a variety of native and introduced species. The setting is both romantic and wild, with the ever-changing light of the Hebridean sky casting a shifting mood over the landscape.

POTENTIAL
Kinloch Castle presents a rare opportunity to acquire a landmark Scottish castle with exceptional heritage value. Whether restored as a private residence, boutique hotel, or cultural venue, the castle offers a once-in-a-generation chance to breathe new life into one of Scotland’s most iconic buildings.

While the property has been partially restored in recent decades, it requires significant refurbishment to return it to full residential or hospitality use. Its setting scale and provenance make it a truly unique opportunity.

THE COMMUNITY
The community on the Isle of Rum albeit small is dynamic and collaborative with a strong sense of pride and purpose. The village of Kinloch and parts of Kinloch Glen are community owned, and residents work together on local projects and events, often in partnership with NatureScot.

A Scottish Government report published in May 2025 found that most residents support the sale and redevelopment of Kinloch Castle, believing it will bring positive change to the island.

The report also highlighted the importance of community involvement and alignment with the Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement.

We therefore ask that offering parties include a statement with their offer, which can be shared with the community. This should outline how they plan to use the castle and how they will support the nature, promotion, sustainability, culture and economy of the Isle of Rum.

Location

Kinloch Castle commands a dramatic position on the eastern shore of the Isle of Rum, the largest of the Small Isles in the Inner Hebrides. The castle enjoys a unique island setting, overlooking the tranquil waters of Loch Scresort, with a backdrop of rugged Rum Cuillin rising behind.

Rum’s story stretches back millennia. From Stone Age visitors and Neolithic farmers to Norse settlers and the powerful Lords of the Isles, each era has left its mark on the island's culture. Followed by small, scattered communities who sustained themselves through crofting and fishing, until the Highland Clearances in the 1820s.

In 1845, Rum was purchased as a private sporting estate. By the late 19th century, it became the domain of the Bullough family who commissioned Kinloch Castle and transformed the island into a luxurious retreat.

Today, the island itself offers a haven for those seeking nature, history, and an escape from city life. Most of Rum is designated as a National Nature Reserve, managed by NatureScot in collaboration with the local community. The island is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including red deer, golden eagles, and a globally significant population of Manx shearwaters. Conservation efforts continue to restore native woodland and protect rare habitats.

Rum is accessible by ferry from Mallaig, with a scenic 90-minute crossing operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. The island is car-free, inviting exploration on foot or by bike, with trails leading through the wild landscape and past historic sites. Kinloch village, a short walk from the castle, offers a visitor centre, post office, and seasonal accommodation.

The island’s small but vibrant community of around 40 residents plays an active role in managing Rum’s future. The Isle of Rum Community Trust owns and manages Kinloch village and parts of Kinloch Glen, supporting new crofts and local businesses.

Square Footage: 30,979 sq ft


Acreage: 18.28 Acres

Directions

To Mallaig from Fort William take the A830 North West, following this road for approximately 40 miles to Mallaig.

From Edinburgh the distance is approximately 184 miles. Head north on the M90, A9, A86 and finally the A830 from Fort William to Mallaig. From Glasgow the distance is approximately 152 miles. Head north on the A82, then north west on the A830 from Fort William to Mallaig.

The postcode (for sat nav purposes) is PH41 4QD (Mallaig Ferry Terminal).

what3words: workbench.player.passing (Mallaig Ferry
Terminal)

Travel Arrangements:
Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Mallaig to Rum (1.5hrs) operates year round several times per week in the summer and less frequently in the winter. Most travellers travel as foot passengers, though bikes are allowed with booking. Timetables are available on the CalMac website.

It is advised to book and reserve a place on each sailing in advance and vehicles travelling to Rum are required to possess a valid permit to travel from the Isle of Rum Community Trust. All cars must be at the ferry and boarded at least 30 minutes before departure.

Alternatively, travel to Rum can be arranged through a private charter with Minch adventures - +44 (0) or ( ).