Rum Hill track upgrade

Main hill Track from Kinloch to Harris/Kilmory | January 2025.

Commissioned by NatureScot, the team was tasked with upgrading the main hill track leading from Kinloch village into the wilderness of Rum.

As the sole access
route connecting the island’s core, the track provides a vital link for staff, researchers, and visitors, ensuring safe and reliable passage to all corners of the
island. Its accessibility is particularly crucial for those involved in animal husbandry and the ongoing Red Deer research.
While the track was in reasonable condition, several trouble spots required timely intervention to prevent potentially serious issues. The project involved clearing vegetation from existing drainage ditches, installing new drainage features, and resurfacing approximately 1.5 km of hill track.
With over 1,200 tonnes of locally quarried materials needed, the task was no small feat. Working long hours, our dedicated machine operators tackled the challenge with efficiency, ensuring a swift and seamless process. Once the materials were in place, the road team set to work using a custom-built drag box, allowing for a smooth and timely resurfacing effort—to the great satisfaction of the client.
Executing a project of this scale on a remote island like Rum inevitably brings unique and unexpected challenges. Shortly before work commenced, the discovery of a Golden Eagle nest site near the quarry and construction area required strict compliance with Schedule 1 Raptor regulations. This meant our original six-week timeline had to be compressed into four weeks, with completion required before the absolute cut-off date in February. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of all involved, the project was delivered on time and within budget, achieving a high-quality finish that reflects both the teams expertise and dedication.