Rum, an island in the Inner Hebrides, is one of the most isolated communities in Scotland, being home to just 35 people.

With each eco-home comes a plethora of opportunities, with numerous posts needing to be filled on the island, ranging from food production to childcare and house maintenance to mountain tourism.

Isle of Rum Community Trust (IRCT) thought up the scheme after taking over the land in the main settlement of Kinloch ten years ago following an agreement with the island’s owners, Scottish National Heritage (SNH).

The Isle of Rum had previously only been home to SNH staff and was once labelled “Forbidden Islands” because of the way residents would question any visitor who arrived uninvited at the pierhead.

IRCT is hoping to establish a community of island-dwellers and turn the island into a “jewel of the Hebrides” after having build three crofts, a bunkhouse and a campsite.

The construction of the new homes means the IRCY’s plans can take a further step by hopefully attracting families to move to Rum once again, The Herald reports.

A spokesman for IRCT said: “The inner Hebridean island of Rum provides a stunning location to live and work on Scotland’s west coast. For many decades, if not centuries, it has been difficult, if not impossible, to think of moving to live on Rum without a job offer and a home to move into.

“These state-of-the-art, two-bedroom homes sit on the edge of the village of Kinloch, with clear sweeping views up to the majestic Rum Cuillin. These houses remove a major barrier to accessing the many working opportunities on the island.”

Housing minister Kevin Stewart commented: “We understand the challenges of developing affordable housing in rural and island areas, which is why the Scottish Government has provided vital funding of £454,000 to the Isle of Rum Community Trust through our Islands Housing Fund to make this project a reality.”.”