Great to see a story on Rum in the press -- but as Chair of the Rum Taskforce, it would be even greater to get across to the island itself! This weekend saw a trip cancelled for the third time since mid January -- Cal Mac only sail every other day and thanks to Force 7 winds (up to a Force 11 today!) the trusty rib of Knoydart man Iain Wilson couldnt set sail this weekend either.
It must be very frustrating for the Rumachs. Environment Minister Mike Russell announced the Taskforce to oversee a transfer of control on the Hebridean island from SNH to the community way back in December. And though we've had two Taskforce meetings on the mainland, no-one's managed to get across to spend time letting the 31 residents know what's possible and listening to their ideas and opinions about the future.
Anyway, we're aiming for a three day trip on March 7th -- giving these gales time to die down or giving the equinox time to start working its galeforce magic. Meantime, we've advertised for a Rum Development Worker http://www.isleofrum.com, Lochaber Housing have asked a designer to complete feasability plans on the Tattie House which will add a couple of new homes to the housing stock. and Drew Ratter, Head of the Crofters Commission hopes he'll be on the boat with me - to discuss the creation of new crofts.
So watch this space.
