Kinloch Castle, Isle of Rum, Scotland is For Sale With Savills
Our Description:
Kinloch Castle is an extraordinary Edwardian landmark set in a dramatic island landscape on the Isle of Rum. This remarkable Category A listed property, standing proudly above Loch Scresort, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore one of Scotland’s most iconic castles. With its rich history, magnificent interiors, and extensive grounds, the castle has the potential to be transformed into a prestigious private residence, boutique hotel, or cultural venue.
Key Selling Points
The Property
Approached via a coastal path from Kinloch Pier, Kinloch Castle commands a striking presence on the eastern shore of the Isle of Rum. Built from red sandstone and completed in the early 20th century, the castle was designed to impress and entertain, reflecting the lavish tastes of its commissioning family, the Bulloughs. Its architecture blends grandeur with craftsmanship, and many of its original features remain intact, offering a rare glimpse into Edwardian opulence.
Inside, the castle retains an extraordinary array of period features. The galleried grand hall, framed by mullioned windows and carved panelling, lies at the heart of the building. Reception rooms include the dining room panelled in polished mahogany, the ballroom with its sprung floor and silk wall hangings, and Lady Monica’s Drawing Room, richly decorated in classical style. The castle is also home to a rare orchestrion – an electrically powered mechanical orchestra of which only three were ever made. Bedrooms and suites on the upper floors enjoy sweeping views across Loch Scresort and the surrounding hills, with many still containing original furnishings and Victorian bathrooms with highly unusual multi-function shower cabinets.
The gardens and grounds extend to around 18 acres and are themselves of historic significance, listed in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. Once meticulously maintained, the gardens were laid out with imported soils, exotic plantings, and elaborate features such as a Japanese garden, bowling green, and terraces descending towards the loch. The walled garden, though now overgrown, still holds immense potential to be restored as a productive kitchen garden or reimagined as a unique events or leisure space.
Kinloch Castle is far more than a building – it is a piece of living history. The contents, gathered during Sir George Bullough’s global travels, remain in situ and include treasures such as a Steinway grand piano, Japanese lacquer cabinets, and portraits by noted artists. Every room tells a story, from the grandeur of the reception rooms to the personal memorabilia that reflects the Bullough family’s life on Rum. For the right purchaser, this property represents a unique opportunity to revive and safeguard an irreplaceable part of Scotland’s cultural heritage.
As per the agent's listing:
“The community on the Isle of Rum albeit small is dynamic and collaborative with a strong sense of pride and purpose. The village of Kinloch and parts of Kinloch Glen are community owned, and residents work together on local projects and events, often in partnership with NatureScot.
A Scottish Government report published in May 2025 found that most residents support the sale and redevelopment of Kinloch Castle, believing it will bring positive change to the island.
The report also highlighted the importance of community involvement and alignment with the Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement.
We therefore ask that offering parties include a statement with their offer, which can be shared with the community. This should outline how they plan to use the castle and how they will support the nature, promotion, sustainability, culture and economy of the Isle of Rum”.