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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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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.