The Kinloch Castle Friends Association was formed in July 1996 and reaches its 10th anniversary on 26 July 2006. It became a Registered Scottish Charity (Number SC 030201) on 3 June 2000. The purpose of the Association is "for the benefit of the public, to advance education and restore, preserve and improve Kinloch Castle including its furnishings and fitments".

The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay visited Kinloch Castle on 1 June 2006. Our Secretary met the Duke and Duchess during their visit. His report may be read by following this internal link.

Kinloch Castle is located on Loch Scresort on the island of Rum (Rhum) which is one of the Inner Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland. It was built for Sir George Bullough and completed in 1901 after three years of construction. Sir George and Kinloch Castle meant secure and paid employment to over one hundred individuals and their families on Rum all the year round. Today the Castle is almost unchanged and contains most of the original furniture and fittings.

The Island and the Castle are now in the care of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). However, in the 100+ years since its completion the fabric of the building has deteriorated to the extent that the contents, and even the building itself, are at risk. An appraisal of the condition of the building and contents was made by George Randall in 2002. A precis of this may be seen by following this internal link.

The Association aims to work in partnership with SNH to stimulate awareness, interest and funding for the care of the Castle. Members also undertake practical work to aid the preservation and restoration of the Castle and estate. To be effective the Association must maintain a healthy membership and new members are always welcome. The current UK membership subscription rates are £12 Single, £22 Family or £100 Corporate. The subscription rates for those outside the UK is £15 Single, £25 Family or £100 Corporate.

BBC Restoration Programme 2003

The existence of the Castle was publicised when it featured in the first BBC Restoration series in 2003. This was made for BBC Television and featured numerous buildings at risk in the UK. Viewers were able to vote for their preference in each of several regional heats with the winners from each going forward the final. The final winner won approximately £3,000,000 to take forward the restoration. Kinloch Castle won the Scottish heat to reach the final but was not ultimately successful. This means the house and contents are still at risk.

A SNH press release of July 2005 suggests some progress has been made but your support is needed to preserve this unique Edwardian time-capsule.