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Scottish island designated Dark Sky Sanctuary
“Rum is home to a significant breeding population of Manx shearwaters and these efforts will ensure that their habitat is protected for years to come” – Amber Harrison.
Manx shearwater population set to benefit.

The Isle of Rum has been declared Scotland's first Dark Sky Sanctuary, helping to protect wildlife on the island from light pollution.

Rum, which is designated a National Nature Reserve (NNR), hosts one of the largest breeding colonies of Manx shearwater.

Around 25 per cent of the world's breeding population visits the island each year and light pollution can have a negative impact on their welfare.

Fledglings are active at night and can be attracted to artificial lights. Light pollution can disorientate them when they are ready to leave the island, causing them to crash on land.

The Dark Sky Sanctuary designation was achieved following efforts by the Isle of Rum Community Trust and NatureScot to protect the island's nocturnal environment.

The island's 40 residents helped ensure that all lighting on Rum is dark-sky friendly and astrological events were held for the community, the local school, and visitors.

Certified by International Dark Sky Places, there are only 20 other Dark Sky Sanctuaries around the world. Ynys Enlli, or Bardsey Island, in Wales is the only other one in Europe.

Amber Harrison, the Dark Sky Places programme manager, said: “This certification represents the hard work and dedication of advocates, residents, and community officials who recognise the value of Rum’s natural and cultural resources and are dedicated to safeguarding them against human impacts into the future.

“Rum is home to a significant breeding population of Manx shearwaters and these efforts will ensure that their habitat is protected for years to come.”

Lesley Watt, NatureScot’s NNR manager for Rum, added: “This designation is excellent news as by protecting our night skies we can ensure the island remains a safe haven for these birds and the many other species that make Rum so special.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.