The economic, social and environment potential of the Isle of Rum was put under the spotlight today at a meeting aimed at developing a joint approach to realising the full benefit of the Isle's resources.

Minister for Environment Michael Russell led the 'Rum Summit' at Morar, near Mallaig, which was facilitated by journalist and broadcaster Lesley Riddoch.

The meeting involved community representatives from Rum and the other Small Islesand senior staff from Scottish Natural Heritage, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Highland Council, Historic Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Mr Russell said: "Rum has tremendous potential. It is unique in its geology and nature conservation interest and has untapped potential for sympathetic economic development, especially around tourism and land management.

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"The summit considered the full range of issues impacting on the future of the island and its community and I felt strongly that we should aim high. I want to see the various public bodies involved coming together to support community-led developments, including the examination of a shift towards community control."

A small taskforce chaired by Lesley Riddoch has been set-up to push things forward and a larger group will meet again in June on Rum.

All interested parties will have a chance to comment on future management of the island through SNH's consultation on the revision of the Rum National Nature Reserve Management Plan which is currently underway.

Rum has been owned and managed by Government conservation agencies since 1957. It passed from the Nature Conservancy Council to SNH in 1992. Rum was designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1957. In 1982 it was designated as a Special Protection Area for birds. It was re-notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1987 and is now also a Special Area for Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive.

SNH has 16 staff on Rum plus seasonal stalkers, ghillies, contractors etc. The current population of Rum is 28 people. The primary school has three pupils.

(GK/JM)