Situated off the western shores of Scotland, the Isle of Rum is a captivating, diamond-shaped island that is home to a small community of just 40 residents. Spanning 40 square miles, the island features a stunning landscape of mountains, peat bogs, and heath, with most inhabitants residing around the picturesque Kinloch Bay to the east. Notably, Rum is devoid of artificial lighting; it lacks streetlamps, brightly lit sports fields, neon billboards, or any industrial illumination that might disrupt the tranquil night sky. In the chilly days of January, darkness falls quickly, enveloping the island in a profound blackness that makes the stars appear almost suddenly at twilight, while the moon shines intensely enough for navigation.

This unique characteristic has led to Rum’s recent recognition as Europe’s latest dark-sky sanctuary. This prestigious title has been awarded by DarkSky International, a nonprofit dedicated to combatting light pollution, and it places Rum among only 22 other global locations with this distinction. With the rising trend of nighttime artificial lighting, locations like Rum that offer clear views of the night sky and ancient celestial wonders are becoming increasingly scarce. This achievement is the outcome of a thorough and dedicated campaign led by the Isle of Rum Community Trust. Key figures in this initiative included Alex Mumford, the former tourism manager, and Lesley Watt, reserve officer for the island, along with the contributions of Steven Gray and James Green, two astronomers behind the Cosmos Planetarium, which provides immersive virtual experiences of the night sky. As Mr. Mumford eloquently stated, Rum symbolizes a greater purpose and seeks to be “a sanctuary for those wishing to embrace the darkness and marvel at the Milky Way.”