Day 1

What better way to kick off Small Isles Week than with an afternoon of summer sports in the sunshine?

After being greeted by their Rùm friends, the children launched straight into a high-energy round robin tournament. Each station offered a different challenge, from the Space Hopper Dash (navigating a tricky cone course) to the Beanbag Target Challenge, Team Skipping, Sponge and Water Relay, and the ever-popular Hockey Smash, where pupils had to score a goal with precision and power.

Points were awarded not just for performance, but for effort, teamwork, and good old-fashioned encouragement – and the cheering from the sidelines certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

While the final scores were being added up, everyone took part in a just-for-fun obstacle course to round things off. It was brilliant to see every pupil involved, giving it their all and having a laugh along the way.

In the end, it was Team Yellow who took the win – setting a Small Isles record total of 155 points. But every single team had their moment, and it was clear that the real victory was in the fun we had together.

We ended the evening with some relaxed playtime, a top-up of energy with an amazing Bolognese dinner, and a special Small Isles quiz – a brilliant end to a brilliant start.

Well done, everyone.

Day 2

We headed over to the community hall where we were treated to the first of two incredible planetarium shows from Steve from Cosmos Planetarium. The morning’s show introduced the children to the concept of ecosystems – with a little help from some very friendly alien lifeforms. It was fun, informative, and packed with awe and wonder.

Afterwards, we took advantage of the sunshine with a beach play session, followed by an amazing healthy snack platter back at the hall. Then it was straight into a round of space-themed crafts, where the children made their own sundials, mixed up some colourful space slime, and added their creative flair to a set of cosmic colouring activities.

After break, Steve invited us back into the dome for another immersive experience – this time exploring the wonders of space and the wider cosmos. It was a huge hit with pupils and staff alike.

After lunch at the bunkhouse, the planetarium transformed into our very own cinema for a special screening of Inside Out 2, giving everyone a chance to relax and enjoy some down time together. During the same session, some Rùm residents kindly shared their poetry, and our pupils’ “My Island” posters were proudly on display in the hall for everyone to see.

We rounded off the evening with a delicious pizza dinner – lovingly made by the Rùm pupils and shared with their visiting island friends.

And just before our older children climbed into their bunkbeds, we had one final special moment: Rosalie from NatureScot joined us to help set up a moth trap near the bunkhouse. This will help us identify and study some of the fascinating moth species found on Rùm — a perfect way to end a day of cosmic exploration by turning our attention to the natural wonders right here on Earth.

Day 3

After breakfast, we set off for a visit to the NatureScot stables, where the children got to meet the Rùm ponies up close. The NatureScot team gave us a fascinating insight into pony care and stable life on the island – from how the ponies are groomed to the roles they play in managing the land. Pupils were able to ask questions, explore the equipment, and pet the famous Rùm Ponies. It was a brilliant, hands-on session and a lovely chance for the children to learn about some of Rùm’s most iconic residents.

Next, we made our way to the ferry terminal and boarded the boat for an exciting trip over to the Isle of Canna. Once there, we were welcomed by Tom Allen from the National Trust for Scotland, who led us in a butterfly and bee survey as part of a conservation ranger activity. Armed with bug viewers, and lots of enthusiasm, the pupils worked together to explore Canna’s rich biodiversity, learning more about pollinators and their importance to the ecosystem. It was a brilliant example of outdoor learning at its best, in one of the most beautiful spots in the Hebrides.

After arriving back on Rùm, we got a tour of Rùm Primary School, led by the pupils themselves. We were shown around the classrooms, shared spaces and displays – a proud moment for the Rùm children, who loved being able to share their school and their learning with their friends from the other islands.

Then it was back to the bunkhouse for a well-earned dinner – and this one was extra special. On the menu were venison burgers made with local Rùm venison, freshly pressed into patties by the Rùm Primary pupils themselves. Served with fries and salad, it was a delicious way to refuel after such a busy day.

To finish off an action-packed day, we gathered at the community hall for a Small Isles Disco, hosted by the amazing DJ Dave. There was music, dancing, laughter, and more than a few excellent moves on the dance floor. A proper celebration of the friendships and memories being made throughout the week.

Another brilliant day – and one we’ll remember for a long time.

Day 4

Our final day of Small Isles Week was packed with fresh air, discovery and a touch of Rùm magic.

We started the morning with a visit from Rosalie at NatureScot, who led a fascinating small mammal monitoring session. The children helped check ink traps set the night before and learned how conservationists track wildlife in subtle and ingenious ways. From tiny pawprints to field signs, there was plenty to investigate.

Then it was time for some light-hearted fun – a brilliant Midge Scavenger Hunt around Kinloch village. Pupils searched high and low for a collection of painted midge rocks, laughing and racing to tick them all off before time ran out.

Afterwards, we gathered in the community hall for a final workshop with Ali from NatureScot, who delivered a hands-on deer research session. Using real antlers, tracking props and field tools, Ali brought Rùm’s red deer story to life – a perfect way to round off a week full of learning about our islands’ landscapes and wildlife.

With belongings collected and bags repacked, we made our way to the pier for the final time. As the Sheerwater pulled away, there were waves, smiles and a few sleepy faces heading back to Eigg and Muck.

It’s hard to capture just how much was packed into four days, but what stood out most was the sense of togetherness, joy and island spirit that carried through every activity. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make it happen – staff, visitors, partners, and most of all, the children.