 The entire island is owned and managed as a single estate by Scottish Natural Heritage ( SNH ) . As noted above , the island has a transient population comprising employees of SNH and their families , researchers , and a teacher . Until recently SNH have been opposed to the development of the island as a genuine community , but there has been a change in approach since the beginning of 2007 . Di Alexander , development manager for the Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust has said : " It has been clear for many years that the small community on Rùm needs to increase and diversify its housing supply away from exclusively SNH @-@ tied housing . Even a couple of new rented houses could make such a difference to the community 's wellbeing . " 
