Appendix 15

KCFA Members Survey Results

Robin Patel, SKS Scotland CICVersion 1

Contents

Summary...........................................................................................................................................................1

Methodology & response rates.........................................................................................................................1

Survey results....................................................................................................................................................2

Q1: From your personal viewpoint, why should the Kinloch Castle building and grounds be saved?...........2

Q2: From your personal viewpoint, why should the Kinloch Castle object and archive heritage collection be saved?.......................................................................................................................................................4

Q3: Do you expect to be actively involved in saving the castle / collection in any way?...............................5

Q4: Do you have knowledge / records about the heritage you’d like to share with us?...............................6

Q5: Do you have any specific training in the care of collections or historic buildings?..................................6

Q6: Do you have any skills / knowledge / experience that are relevant to making the case to save the castle / collection?.........................................................................................................................................6

Q7: What would be your "vision" for sharing the Castle and collection with local people and visitors?.......7

Q8: How do you think your "vision" could be delivered?............................................................................11

Q9: In what ways could a KCFA / Kinloch Castle project contribute to the preservation and management of Rum's natural heritage?..............................................................................................................................13

Q10: Which of the following projects would you like to get involved with?................................................15

Q11: Do you have personal memories / connection to Kinloch Castle that you would like to share with us?.................................................................................................................................................................... 15

Q12: What age are you?..............................................................................................................................17

Q13: What gender are you?........................................................................................................................17

Summary

Respondents emphasised the importance for the future development of Kinloch Castle to provide local employment and to drive the local economy.

The significance of Kinloch Castle and its collection was repeatedly stated by respondents, indicating that preservation and restoration of its heritage will be essential to the delivery of economic outcomes for the island.

Vision: Members would like to see multi-layered / types of accommodation being developed within Kinloch Castle, whilst retaining its authenticity and integrity, alongside the development of visitor experience packages.

In order to deliver their vision, members thought that it would be essential for KCFA to undertake fundraising, strategic marketing / PR, community engagement and to launch the business plan supported by effective project management.

Members would like to be actively involved in future projects, but feel as though they lack necessary skills. This gap could be addressed by KCFA by more targeted recruitment.

Nature conservation: members felt that working in partnership with SNH would be essential when developing visitor packages which could be of mutual advantage to both SNH and KCFA.

Methodology & response rates

An online survey (SurveyMonkey) was distributed throughout KCFA’s membership. 40 responses were submitted to the survey from the 26th of June to the 20th of July, 2018.

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Survey results

Q1: From your personal viewpoint, why should the Kinloch Castle building and grounds be saved?

40 responses were submitted. There was clear support for the majority of reasons presented, however the “top three” focused on the potential for Kinloch Castle to provide employment, make a positive contribution to the local economy, as well as its heritage significance.

Why else?

Additional comments focused on the importance of preserving the castle and its collection as part of Rum’s story, its potential value as a community asset and as a contributor to the local economy.

Q1: why else?Accommodation allows larger groups from universities to study on the island. This will help develop tourism in the future.Any member of the KCFA will, or should tick all the boxes above, however one thing that has come to light on my frequent visits to Rum working for SNH is that the local community feel left out. Whether this is correct or not I don't know, but the members of the KCFA are seen as an elitist group that are doing things behind their backs, so if you require their support please engage with them.Beautiful buildings such as Kinloch Castle should not be allowed to deteriorate, they can never be rebuilt again, they must be saved for future generations.Could be used for parties of school children from inner city areas visiting, and providing a very different experience for the children. Also for final stages of rehabilitation of young people from difficult backgrounds, e.g. the Chance4Change programme.Having been left to the community by the Bullough family, the local and wider community should take responsibility for this house and ensure it is preserved for the futureI believe the castle is essential for the economy of the island. It sets Rum apart from other beautiful islands, is an

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Q1: why else?intriguing attraction for future cruise ships, yachts & tourism all of which have a huge potential for increase in a world which can afford more travel and wants unusual destinations.It is the right thing to do. It would be philistinism to let it deteriorate further or be demolished. Look what has happened to Glasgow’s school of art. Lost. Kinloch castle has international connections inside and historically from the past in its soul. This might add value to be connected from a small land to huge effect for coherence in the global world. Also has the potential for internationalization activities in future.Not all visitors are very interested in the wonderful wildlife, so this would offer them an alternative experience - to admire the extraordinary building and walk in the grounds if they can be re-created. The 8 pointers above cover all the important bits from what I can see—oh, as well as keeping the castle alive for future younger generations!This is a complete turn of the Century (last century) building, both inside and outside, which has its contents fully intact. One of the very few remaining properties that has this.Will increase the insight into Scottish history. Will help appreciate the Isle of Rum as an entity.Will keep memories of life in the past.Will retain a grand showpiece of gem Edwardian architecture. Will provide accommodation for visitors who want to enjoy the stay in a 1900 built Castle of the newly rich combined with walks over a very hilly scenic isle with no traffic.

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Q2: From your personal viewpoint, why should the Kinloch Castle object and archive heritage collection be saved?

40 responses were submitted. The “top four” results emphasise the importance for the heritage collection stories to be preserved as a contributor to the visitor experience and local economy.

Why else?

Comments focused on the integral nature of the castle and its contents, with Kinloch Castle’s significance being derived not from its architectural style, but the collections and the stories which it represents.

Q2: why else?The castle and contents have to be saved together as one informs the other and it is as a whole that it tells the full story. Visitors get the feel of what life was like for the family staying there. The castle has been ruthlessly ignored since it was sold out of the original family.The castle in itself is not an architectural gem, but it is unique and unusual. It's history and construction make it worthy of preservation alone, but without its contents - a fascinating example of Edwardian nouveau-riche living - it loses considerable, if not all, appeal. The synergy of this odd building combined with its bizarre contents and the wonderful stories of how they were amassed produces the magic of Kinloch Castle, out of all proportion to the sum of its individual features.The objects (furnishings and decoration) illustrate a long gone way of life, when the son of a highly successful Victorian entrepreneur can afford to build a shooting lodge of such extravagance, which was in use for only a few weeks a year. One may not approve of this, but that is how it was - part of our industrial and commercial history. They belong there. Look at Dumfries House. There the Bute family were intent on selling the contents and later getting rid of the house. Look what Prince Charles did in saving it all. The contents of Dumfries House were worth tens of millions on the open market. But they make the house for those who visit because they were made for it and have been there for centuries. Who would want to visit an empty house on an island difficult to get to? What would you fill it with if the contents were sold off? The current owners have not exactly kept the Castle in a really fit shape so should not benefit from selling the antiques. Without the contents the Castle loses a lot of its ability to explain its existence.

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Q3: Do you expect to be actively involved in saving the castle / collection in any way?

39 responses were submitted. The results were positive, with 69% indicating that they’d like to be active in saving Kinloch Castle and its collection.

If no, why not?

Distance and age were frequently cited as being barriers towards being involved in saving Kinloch Castle.

Q3: If no, why not?BUT as I live such a long way away it's difficult, but would be happy to go up to Rhum for a specific length at a time, say 2 weeks at a time and help with any research or documentation etc. Sadly I can't do heavy work any moreBut only, by helping towards the costs involved, given that I live in the south of England.I can make donations of money.I do not live nearby.I don’t feel passionate enough about the castle, I don’t have time to commit and I have other ‘causes’ I find it hard to get timeI live too far away and in my 80th year! I live too far away.I was active in the past but at 87years I would be more of a liability than a help!My age and location.Not sure what being involved with the Castle means?Other than financial involvement and social media participation, I lack the skills to actively help save the CastleToo far away.Too old and live too far awayWould love to be involved, but mainly in the winter.

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Q4: Do you have knowledge / records about the heritage you’d like to share with us?

See family details of Edward Bullough, laterI'd be happy to present all my research files for my book, 'Eccentric Wealth' to the castle archives.The Orchestrion inside the Castle was manufactured during the 1890ies in Germany. My email is known to Prof Macdonald.Nothing more than KCFA knows already, but have a contact who worked on Rum for SNH many years agoHave photos from 2006 onwards, showing how castle used to beI have a huge collection of photos, as well as a comprehensive catalogue of the library contents.

Q5: Do you have any specific training in the care of collections or historic buildings?

Three respondents indicated they had skills / training in collections care.

Q5: If so, please give detailsHave worked on 12th century castle—mainly pointing of stone work. I’m not sure what ‘collections’ mean.I used to meet a granddaughter at parties locally. she died about 5 years ago. I am a freelance collections care consultant who worked in historic houses for the NTS for ten years.But chartered librarianCare of books (long term local studies librarian at Accrington, part of Lancashire County Library service)

Q6: Do you have any skills / knowledge / experience that are relevant to making the case to save the castle / collection?

37 responses were submitted. The majority of respondents (73%) indicated that they felt they did not have skills, knowledge or experience for making the case to save the castle. This presents opportunities to further identify gaps in skills and knowledge and to target new membership according to these gaps.

If so, please give details

If respondents indicated that they felt they did have skills, these included heritage skills, fundraising and business management.

Q6: If so, please give detailsAs Secretary of the KCFA as well as holding various other roles including that of librarian/archivist I’ve built up considerable knowledge. I’ve recently been unavailable due to health issues but will soon hopefully be back on track to be able to contribute again.

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Q6: If so, please give detailsExperience as a museum curator, collections care consultant and interior designer.For what it's worth: As a native German speaker and with practical experience in translating from English to German or vice versa, I can provide translation services to help make the story of the castle and collection known in German speaking countries. Having been in business all my working life I could help on financial issues. I am Treasurer of KCFA and part of the Working Group set up to try to arrange the asset transfer. I have established two successful social enterprise organisations from scratch.I have initiated national and international programmesI have general renovation skills, having renovated my own Victorian villa some years ago.I have worked on the boards of charities and have gleaned a bit about fund raising. I am organised in a mild OCD way!I’ve worked on many Victorian buildings over a period of 30 yrs. and some Georgian. Skills are varied—plastering, stone work, including dry stone walling, pointing, general maintenance to most woodwork both internal/external, painting etc.I'm not sure! As the author of 'Eccentric Wealth' I once researched the history of the castle very deeply.Only goodwill, and a lawyer's mind for careful description and exact prose.Skilled at drafting bids for funding etc.Stayed in the castle 14 and 7 years ago, so know how well used the hostel was.Also know walking clubs who used it.

Q7: What would be your "vision" for sharing the Castle and collection with local people and visitors?

34 responses were submitted. Frequent themes included developing multi-layered / types of accommodation and retaining authenticity through the preservation and restoration of the castle, grounds and interiors. Other comments focused on developing activities from the castle, including tours, a base for activity across the island and the creation of visitor / tourist experience packages.

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Q7: Responses A castle which belongs to the nation and should be enjoyed by the nation Maintain a museum function But used by visitors and the community as well Providing much needed visitor accommodation Directly employing minimum 15 people when fully operational, and indirect employment of a further

local 15 people who provide ancillary and related functions , e.g. IT support , building and maintenance work, increased ranger resource, grounds maintenance , use of the walled garden for local production and sale of food, transport of visitors , outdoor pursuits business e.g. kayaking , sailing, and fishing.

Being the catalyst for much enhanced eco tourism , educational facilities , and outdoor pursuits , while in a way which does not adversely affect the NNR

Providing an offering which extends the former seasonal use , e.g. corporate and some high end facilities , while being accessible to all.

Establishing a reputation as a location and operation which does not damage the environment. Providing opportunity for the disadvantaged , e.g. low SIMD school children, recovering veterans ,

disabled , long term unemployed , limited outward bound function, and volunteers A great deal of hard work!! I am also aware that English folk must tread carefully and not be too vocal.

I am sure that the team in charge of K.C.F.A. have a good dose of common sense which is so important to feel their way to a clever outcome.

A proper schedule of tours so that visitors are not disappointed when they come to see the castle but find that tours are not as advertised (It happens quite a lot). The few tours that I led were much appreciated.

There are not enough places to stay on Rum now; this issue needs to be addressed. A quirky, unique collection from a bygone era. But important to balance with the social history of the

working islanders who serviced the rich. Also history of the island and its inhabitants (incl. natural history) before the castle was built. The island is more than the castle.

An essential part of the island's history As you can appreciate, it's difficult to give a vision to something or somewhere I have only visited once.

However, having been in the tourist business years ago, I felt Kinloch offered something very special indeed. When I wandered round I felt sad that a building and its content should be left to fade away.

Feel that as much as possible of the original house should be saved in whatever form. First, the building needs to provide two or three different types of accommodation for visitors (e.g. self-

catering, and bed and breakfast), with a dining-room for meals and a kitchen for self-catering. This will provide some employment for local people.

Second, the "stately" rooms of the Castle should be open for guided tours by visitors, to coincide with the ferry times (as in the past). The collection would be seen in these rooms.

Third, the grounds could be developed gradually, to enhance the visitor experience. The dining room could be used to provide teas for visitors, again to coincide with ferry times. Get it into a fit state to open with tours and accommodation and work parties to improve the estate. It

will need resident staff to keep it safe and secure. Involve the local community in every step. Increase the possibility of employment for them.

I liked the Castle as it was when SNH ran it as a hostel. I thought that this was the best use of the castle as it meant that people of all levels of income could stay and eat there and enjoy the experience of Rum. Perhaps some of the rooms could be available for up-market and high-paying guests. Yet I assume this was not viable in SNH's day and I don't know if anything has changed now that can make it viable. It's a short tourist season. I guess the key is getting publicity - the chief problem is that few people know about the unique experience of staying in the castle and on Rum.

I would like everyone local to be pleased with the saving of the castle and to realise that they will eventually benefit from an ‘open’ castle—which means more people, more money spent in the community and the castle becoming alive once more will help Rum in a positive way.

Kinloch Castle may represent a grossly unfair society, but it is history wither we like it or not. Make the castle a desirable place to visit (as it is) by advertising its existence and what it can offer. Have accommodation and food at various prices available to enable guests to experience the "Kinloch

Ambience" Have themed visits - various aspects of Rum and other topics of interest. Utilise the walled garden as a source of income and produce for sale/use on the island and elsewhere.

This could also provide employment that would sustain a family on the island. Perhaps a ferry and castle tour package ticket. Personnel with the right backgrounds and specific skills to be allocated responsibilities applicable to

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Q7: Responsestheir position - accommodation/ museum

Re-open the hostel and bistro to individuals and groups offering a high standard of accommodation and food. Have the castle collection available for all visitors be it those in the B&B, hostels, Cal Mac ships, yachts, etc and to be given a high standard informative guided tour. This to be available also to local residents, school children, etc. This should greatly benefit local cafe, craft business, etc. Range of Castle specific souvenirs could be developed to increase income.

Restored, affordable accommodation. Unique experience, and not in direct competition with Rum's other accommodation options.

Restoring the castle and accommodation to an acceptable level. Making it accessible to as wide a cross section of the population and overseas visitors as is feasible. Reinstating the bistro and bar, so that locals and visitors can have a better experience.

Sharing the treasures and history of the castle, leading to wider understanding of its role past and hopefully, in the present.

Restoring, at least in part, the gardens to enrich the environment around the castle.Provide employment on the island and beyond.

Restoring the castle and continuing to keep it as a time capsule, one of the most unique in Scotland and probably the UK. Restore the orchestrion. Save for future generations.

Some of the most important rooms should be renovated to display collection; a knowledgeable guide to bring the story alive; should be made more accessible and safe; ability to stay in the Castle.

Somehow, the local residents of Rum, must be persuaded that the Castle and contents represent an important facet of their futures. It’s paramount that they become involved in the project and as a result, ensure its longevity.

Stop further decay of the building and collection. Provide food and accommodation. Strive to re-establish exactly the arrangements that existed prior to the closure of hostel, bistro, and

bar. Pursue enquiries to restore the Orchestrion. Encourage local people to continue to be guides to the "museum" part of the building.

In other words, get back to "Aye been" The castle and collection should become much more of an integral part of the island and be seen as a

belonging to its (recent) history by locals and visitors alike. The Castle and its contents must be shared by all as it is part of Scotland's/UK's history. The correct

story of the Bulloughs must be told. The Castle and Rum can be a "boosting impact zone The castle could be let as a centre for learning about nature, nature conservation, and also astronomy

as the skies over Rum are brilliant. The castle could be used as a course centre, but also let the usual tourists in for guided tours.

The entire building and contents are like a time-capsule, representing a way of life that is unimaginable nowadays. It tells a story about the clearances, the association with Lord Salisbury, and the general turning over of the Highlands to recreation for the new industrial rich.

The building has to be used by visitors who will appreciate the glorious, wild isolation of Rum. I would like it to be a working, non-exclusive hostel for adventurous-minded visitors, as it was ten years ago under SNH.

The house and grounds saved and presented authentically, including attractive accommodation for visitors, possibly in the style of the Landmark Trust. The whole being a destination in its own right for visitors. Involve locals and interested people in all aspects of the restoration process through practical activity, social media and workshops. Seek out donations and sponsorship, possibly even crowd funding. Share the romance and excitement of this forgotten treasure house on an isolated Scottish island.

Ultimately, I would like to see the Castle and environs as a part of a vibrant forward looking island community, playing its part in helping to provide essential employment opportunities both within the castle but also related activities. I would love to see a whole mixture of appropriate activities both emanating from the castle (this to include specialist holidays such as painting, music, other arts) plus activities related to the national nature reserve both based from the castle but especially using the castle as just one option for accommodation. I would want to see opportunities for underprivileged or unemployed people to be given opportunities for new skills as well as their seeing a totally different environment from their norm.

Part of looking forward includes looking back to see what we can learn from the past and again I see a whole host of opportunities for learning skills, but also seeing what the past has given to our future.

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Q7: Responses Using the castle as a focus for accommodation and meals including a licensed bar. Offer extended

opening hours for castle tours Various grades of accommodation to suit all pockets. Bistro and bar etc which is suitable for visitors and

residents. Involvement of local people would be very important. Wonder if the Castle could be developed into a luxury hotel with features attached such as a museum /

resource centre and delicatessen / Scottish food shop. As a model there are top hotels in Canada and the States which are very welcoming to visitors and residents alike. Then just imagine offering luxury breaks with the romance of a ferry crossing.

Would ideally like to see local people heavily involved in telling the story of the castle and history of the island to visitors.

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Q8: How do you think your "vision" could be delivered?

32 responses were submitted. Frequent themes included the importance of fundraising and working to deliver the business plan for the castle. Other comments focused on the need for community engagement, project management and the development of a media / PR campaign.

Top 10 terms: castle (9); local (8); money (7); community (6); business (5); plan (5); essential (3); funding (3); high (3); manager (3)

Responses According to business plan put together by KCFA. Involvement of IRCT in castle development and

plans All of this will cost money to develop. I am not a businessman, but presumably a business plan will

have to be drawn up by those with the necessary expertise, and a project manager engaged. As a hotel with a god chef like the Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye. As in our own Business Plan. By fully renovating the castle to take overnight visitors. By getting as many grants/funding as possible so work can REALLY be given the go ahead. By making the castle less easy to "avoid" or disregard/overlook than has sometimes been the case in

the past. By tight and assertive project management, jointly with the community, and other stakeholders e.g.

SNH, HES and HIENT, Highland Council, local politicians and Scottish Government. Successful fund raising, Corporate sponsorship. Providing a high quality resource and product, operating with ISO 9000. Maintaining high standards of environmentally friendly operation (enhance the hydroelectric system

which can produce more power with minor modifications (see recent review), local production of food

Close and amicable communication with the local community as well as those bodies that regulate their presence on the island.

Effective fundraising as I appreciate the costs involved in such a huge project. The castle has sadly deteriorated significantly.

Once operational, a marketing campaign to spread the word and bring tourists back to Rum. Effective marketing campaign. Many people are unaware the Castle and its contents exist.

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Responses Essential that suitable experienced staff be recruited from the industry at the outset that are

committed towards working towards securing the future of KC. Local and volunteer support would continue to be another essential element.

For SNH to discuss it with the ferry operator. I am prepared, (if approved by KCFA committee) to approach all the Millionaires that I know, for large

donations of money or ongoing regular donations, in return for their name to be recorded as Patrons. Information panels in a museum type setting with opportunities to handle artefacts. Important to

emphasise the social context of one man’s indulgence - his privilege in a very divided society. International seasonal schools, workshops, close group meetings could be organized (academically or

being healthy mindful so on) It would be great to restore the castle to its original state and but is it realistic due to the amount of

money that would be involved, or would it be moral in a world with starving children? Keep the hostel simple. It creates a friendlier, less-themed atmosphere. Please no gastro-pub and

high-end B and B for people who want to treat it as a commodity experience. MONEY. Then a business and action plan. Regularly meet with the local community. Appointment of

senior manager to be responsible and resident on Rum ASAP when money allows. That post must be part of the funding request and business plan. This cannot be done by volunteers living on the mainland and in their own jobs.

Need to get local community much more on board. Maybe larger local population with Marine Harvest will assist with this. If local community see something positive happening, rather than just a plethora of different reports, that will help engender more enthusiasm.

Now you are asking. Open up a range of accommodation at the castle. Reinstate the accommodation and catering facilities. Have a manager that has the drive to get things done and can deal with many problems in a hands-on

way. Encourage volunteers to give of their time and expertise. Renovation experts; funding Sadly, it requires a lot of money...of English National Trust proportions See above. Greater publicity / promotion with Calmac for example Through presentations and involving the media. With patience, persistence, and with ensuring firm foundations as we go along. Good planning and

preparation is essential. Further than that demands an essay! With some difficulty with a building of this age, type of construction and situation. Significant money

and expert knowledge combined with a bit of luck would be needed. With support from government and other agencies. Spreading the word far and wide, including abroad. The castle could be a huge asset to the

community and Scotland as a whole. Visitors, especially from abroad, adore attractions such as the castle.

Would have to see if there were any interested hoteliers to begin with.

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Q9: In what ways could a KCFA / Kinloch Castle project contribute to the preservation and management of Rum's natural heritage?

32 comments were submitted. Emphasis was placed on working in partnership with SNH to reveal opportunities and scope visitor / group activities, and the potential for income generated by KCFA / Kinloch Castle to contribute to conservation projects across Rum. This would be to the mutual advantage of SNH, Kinloch Castle and would enhance Rum’s visitor offer.

Q9: Responses By bringing in valuable income to sustain the Rum community By bringing money to the island for the island. By increasing visitor accommodation By increasing visitor numbers the Island profile will increase. By providing an income for the local community through castle tours, refreshments in a local teashop, an

incredible place to stay for walkers, climbers or people studying the deer on Rum. By the above.

Utilising the grounds in an appropriate way to encourage wildlife proactively rather than passively as at present.By increasing visitor numbers and raising the profile of Rum, nationally and internationally, and increasing income generation directly and indirectly to the reserve.

Careful and mutual respect could enable the two groups to work collaboratively to meet these goals. Discussions with SNH would identify this. I first visited the island because of its natural heritage, without knowing anything about the Castle and its

collection. Once the accommodation and catering facilities are in place, it should be possible to attract more visitors to the island some of whom may be willing and able to help with the natural heritage.

I think Rum Natural Heritage should be preserved but we may have to accept a gradual deterioration in the castle.

Ideally, Rum's natural heritage and its built environment - with the castle featuring prominently here - would be seen as part and parcel of one and the same island experience rather than separate entities.

Increased visitor numbers and a boost to the local economy, would lead to an increased appreciation of the natural heritage.Visitors able to stay on the island would have time to find out more about all aspects of Rum, including the natural heritage

It difficult to say how more could be done, the local community now need to get on board and commit to a positive plan for the future. They need to ignore, short term strategies and concentrate on the long term picture for the island

It would bring the island alive ; bring money in and be self-funding. KC cannot in my opinion undertake everything but should focus first on the castle itself, then the gardens,

etc. The shearwaters, deer, etc are all important and KCFA should perhaps play some role but first secure the castle itself.

Kinloch Castle project would be improve the awareness of Rum's natural heritage, Thus self-sustainability would be possible

Kinloch is the natural place to begin mountain walks. I could imagine guides working from there. Bird-watching is important too. But please don't sanitise the glorious roughness of the place.Apart from the geology of the island's formation, there is also an interesting Neolithic story of very early human settlement after the ice-ages.

Lots of potential for “eco-tourism” type initiatives, with holiday packages arranged around natural attributes of the island, e.g. the Rum red deer rut, the Manx shearwaters etc.

No real idea as I do not know it but, if we have accommodation, then visitors will increase and many will be more interested in the natural heritage than the Castle and contents.

Raise funds for renovations, employing experts to do so. Rum currently lacks enough accommodation especially for larger university groups and others such as

botanists who used to visit regularly. The Kinloch Castle Project would provide this and Rum would once again be open for full business. There would have to be careful management and cooperation with SNH to ensure that proposed activities do not go against the NNR policies etc, but It was hoped that Rum would be a huge laboratory for study. This could once more be put into practice.

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Q9: Responses See Q7 response - the history of the castle needs to be set within the context of Rum as an island, its social

and natural history. The built environment would widen the interest of visitors....not just for those interested in natural

environment The castle has been sitting in Rums natural heritage for over100 yrs. and is part of Rum now. Once the

project is completed it will help to enrich the outlook over Rum, it will be one more step forward to help Rum blossom again!

The Castle is a time capsule, unique to Rum. Must not be lost. Main tourism attraction on Rum.More accommodation can draw more groups (educational, leisure, etc) to island.

The castle is unique to Scotland and a huge attraction on Rum. Losing it would be a huge blow to the island.Restoring and maintaining the castle and its contents will have a massively positive impact.

The ferry schedules do not necessarily give people the opportunities they want, to see Manx shearwaters or otters or other aspects of the island's unique wild life. The challenging walking is of interest to many, who need places to stay. There is not much point in preserving the natural heritage if it is not available for people to enjoy.

The main reason day visitor go to Rum is because of the castle, so the spin off's are obvious. The only way the castle can be preserved, in my opinion, is if some organisation which wholly believes in

the castle's future (which SNH never did - it's remit focuses on 'natural' Scotland, and the castle happened to be given to it as an unwanted present) cares for the place, maintains it, heats it, uses it and can somehow cover its costs while doing so. A tough one!

The reopening of the Castle Hostel would allow largish groups of Natural History and Geology students to resume visits to Rum, with consequent spin-off to the welfare of the natural environment. But, can the Laboratory be reopened as a meeting/lecture room?

Themed visits about the natural heritage.University visits.Accommodation for volunteer groups.

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Q10: Which of the following projects would you like to get involved with?

37 responses were submitted. The “top three” projects selected focused on conservation, restoration and interpretation of Kinloch Castle’s heritage.

Q11: Do you have personal memories / connection to Kinloch Castle that you would like to share with us?

Memories included visiting Rum for the first time, discovering the heritage of Kinloch Castle and becoming a member of KCFA.

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Q11: If so, please give details As members of KCFA we have enjoyed the working parties and opportunities to share a life style of a

bygone age As mentioned, author of 'Eccentric Wealth'. Catering at the castle 'between chefs'.

Catering at weddings, one in the castle, the other at the village hall.Catering for the visit of Prince Charles and his wife Camilla.

Childhood memories of visits to Island Finest holiday of my life in September 2009, staying in the Oak Suite, walking the Cuillin ridge, to Harris

through the interior, and over to Orval. Fondly remember visiting the Small Isles and the Castle with family. I hope it remains in all its glory for

future generations to enjoy. Four of us stayed at the Castle when it was a hotel and we were the only people staying at the time-a

magical experience.

I attended the formal KCFA dinners for several years, including, most memorably, the one where everyone dressed in Edwardian period costume.

I particularly remember enjoying a stay when the Castle was a Hotel!But, every other subsequent visit was enjoyable, apart from the midges. Years ago, I brought a group of friends for an Edwardian Weekend and, by good fortune, we were storm-bound for an extra day!I also brought a group of Tweeddale Ramblers to the Hostel for a long weekend walking.

I remember Lucinda Lambton's tv programmes during the 1990s in which she gave a passionate plea to save the castle. She had personal connections with the place as her grandfather married the Bullough’s' daughter who was his second wife and Lucinda used to stay with her at the castle when she was younger.

I visit the Castle during working party in 2015. Castle own history, inside and outside environmental history, global connection of people who lived there and the efforts of members of associations' in there really impressive. Personally, I am living from miles away (Turkey), but wanted to be a member and "connected international heart" for sharing their hearts and the soul.

I visited Rhum on four occasion. Two were day visits and two were longer. On a visit with John Muir Trust we were on a work party and we climbed Askival.

I’ve been visiting Rum nearly every year since 1998. I’ve built up a lot of contacts too. Memories have been shared already with KCFA. My connection with Kinloch castle began when I made enquiries of Accrington (Lancashire) library as I

wrote an obituary of Sister Mary Mark, the Dominican headmistress of St Dominic’s Priory School here in Stone Staffordshire. I knew that her father had been a professor at Gonville and Caius college Cambridge. They sent a copy of his obituary...Edward Bullough...Accrington family.... Kathleen Duckworth and other members of the Society hadn't known of this brother of George Bullough.I had family photos, many of which, with other information, I sent to Alistair Scott for his book. I know that Mr Krebs of Berne has followed this part of the story

My first visit was unforgettable, hearing the orchestrion stayed with me for a long time. I left the island feeling I must try to save this beautiful place and all its unusual contents.

My first visit, in 2011, was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I am only sorry that I did not discover Rum earlier.

My grandparents lived on Rhum and I also visited each summer holidays when my mother was alive. several visits both by ferry and staying (once in the "hotel") and by yacht. All splendid and remembered

for the long walks and skinny dipping in the bottle green cisterns ! Twice I met women who had come for the day but were so enthralled that they stayed in the castle

hostel. This was on two separate occasions. Neither had even a toothbrush or a teabag. They asked me for teabags and bought a toothbrush and food from the shop. One of them even sent her husband and young children back to Mallaig to wait for her return. This lady walked to Kilmory and Harris (on Rum). The other lady was American or Canadian I think.

Used KC as a wedding venue in 2006. Full facilities available including the hall, dining room, Orchestrion and the heritage bedrooms.Involved the community in wedding breakfast/barbecue and ceilidh in community hall

Would take too long to explain.

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Q12: What age are you?

40 responses were submitted. 81% of respondents were aged over 55, possibly suggesting opportunities to diversify the current age range of KCFA membership.

Q13: What gender are you?

Gender distribution appears to be fairly even within the survey sample.

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