October 16
Kinloch Castle (Scottish Gaelic: Caisteal Cheann Locha), located in the Isle of Rum, Scotland, was built as a private residence for Sir George Bullough, a textile tycoon from Lancashire whose father bought the Isle as his summer residence. Construction began in 1897, and was finished in 1900.
The castle features an interior filled with an assortment of gadgets, trophies and art that only a man of substantial means could afford.
This building is really just a magnificent hunting lodge and a self-serving monument of excess and a showpiece of ego. I spent 5 days in the hostel, located in the rear of the building, rather by coincidence. The ferry system from the islands to the mainland is by no means guaranteed, and travellers should be expected to accommodate their schedules to both the fickle weather and ferry operator's changing schedule as needed. Needless to say, the experience was one of a kind.
Whether walking the remote island roads, speaking to the residents of the island, viewing the wildlife, or eating the delicious meals prepared by Rachel, Rum left a lasting impression on me. There is definitely a romantic aura here where strong spirits thrive and the chaos of urbanity seems a million miles away.
