Examining the issue of population decline on the Scottish islands.

A remote Scottish island is offering up four homes to outsiders in an effort to help populate the island.

The ‘eco homes’ are up for grabs on the Isle of Rum in the Inner Hebrides, which has a population of around 30-40 people.

Newcomers will have to fill in an application form for one of the £450-a-month houses located just outside Kinloch - the only village on the island.

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Rum is 30 miles from the Scottish mainland and accessed via ferry from Mallaig near Skye.

The islands website reads: “These state of the art, two-bedroom homes sit on the edge of the village of Kinloch with clear sweeping views up to the majestic Rum Cuillin.

 

“These houses remove a major barrier to accessing the many working opportunities on the island. 

“The homes have been made possible with major support from the Scottish Government's Rural and Islands Housing Fund.”

The island is a National Nature Reserve and is roamed by wild red deer, goats and cattle.

The off-grid homes are powered via a hydro system and there is a compost system for disposing of waste.

They boast incredible views away from the hustle and bustle of the city plus clean living.

Construction of the houses has been delayed due to coronavirus, but the trust plan to have them ready for September.

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Local resident Lesley Watt said: "We have a population of around 32 people, including six children.

"With only one child in nursery and two in our primary school we need more families to fill our school as well as to be the next generation of islanders."

The main industries on the island include fish farming, food production, childcare and marine and mountain tourism.

The homes are being offered by the Isle of Rum Community Trust and interested tenants can find out more here.