Island residents 'to vote on self build'

Inhabitants of the island of Rum are set to make a vote on land transfer proposals that include a number of self build plots.

The 30 islanders will vote next month on the issue of whether to accept a transfer of land and property worth about £250,000 from the Scottish government.

About 20 self build plots and renovation schemes are included in the proposed transfer, with the island home to some 26,000 acres of land in total.

It is hoped that the transfer, if it goes ahead, will help the island to increase its population to a target of 70 people.

Environment minister and head of the Rum Task Group Michael Russell said that the transfer "will create opportunities for local enterprise while improving the facilities and services available to visitors to the island".

The Rum Task Group is a temporary advisory body looking into ways in which Rum's community can be further developed.