A TINY Scots island with just 40 residents has been named one of the best locations to stargaze in the world - thanks to its crystal clear night skies. Situated more than 20 miles out in the Atlantic ocean off the west coast , the Isle of Rùm has been named Scotland 's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International. 3 The Isle of Rùm has been recognised as one of the best places for a dark sky in the world 3 The island is thought to be one of the best places to star gaze in the world Credit: Getty 3 The island is the largest of the Small Isles part of the Inner Hebrides Credit: Alamy The island is accessed via ferry from Mallaig on the mainland and around 40 miles south of the Isle of Skye.
There are currently five locations in Scotland which are considered Dark Sky Places - meaning the area is protected from excessive artificial light - but Rùm is the first to meet the stricter night sky criteria. With its low level of light pollution , Rùm - known as ' The Forbidden Isle ' - joins just 20 other locations across the world considered to be dark sky sanctuaries. There is only one other sanctuary in Europe , Ynys Enlli in Wales , which received the accolade in 2023.
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