Fresh start on the Isle of Rum

Stuart Mckie and Jennifer Thompson were living in Glasgow where they both worked as medical professionals when they saw an unusual job advert in April 2023 that offered a complete fresh start on the remote Isle of Rum. Keen for a change from their jobs and city living in the aftermath of Covid lock downs they immediately threw in their hat for the job advertised by the Rum Community Trust to run the island’s only General store.  

Beating off competition from 30 other applicants Stu and Jennifer moved to Rum and embraced island life. In the past 12 months they have already  transformed the store with fresh stock, hot food and Glen Lyon coffee. Much more than a shop their business Wild in the Wilderness is an essential hub for island’s small but growing community, currently with a population of about 40 permanent inhabitants.  I caught Stu and Jennifer at their shop in the village of Kinloch on Rum to find out what inspired their move, the challenges of running a business in such a remote spot and what is like to be pioneers in this fragile community.