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Solar ash dark pilgrimage12/28/2023 Walks around Laig Bay, with views across to Muck and mighty Rum, could be taken every day, and the ethereal interplay of sand, sea and sky would still mesmerise. The climb up An Sgurr is rewarded with one of the best views in the Highlands. A new (sustainable) shower block and cool camping pods (from £45 a night for four) by the pier opened last year, and the Isle of Eigg Brewery, a cooperative operating along impeccably green lines, will open in 2022. Next door to the cafe, the shop has a surprisingly eclectic range of goodies and essentials, and bikes to hire.ĭespite Eigg’s size (five miles by three), it has several places to stay, including a guesthouse and a great hostel, and campers are welcomed. Nowhere on Eigg is more than a two-mile hike and Charlie’s taxi is usually by the pier. The redeveloped An Laimhrig community hub with cafe – designed by Hebridean architect Will Tunnell, will open in time for the 25th anniversary of the community takeover this summer – and the annual celebratory party takes place on 12 June. No visiting cars or campervans are allowed, but it’s small enough for a day trip (from Arisaig on the mainland, a one-hour ferry ride). With empathy and commitment, the community has organised its island so that we can enjoy it too. Ownership of Eigg was transferred to a Heritage Trust in partnership with the Scottish Wildlife Trust in 1997, with contributions from thousands of members of the public. Even the solar panels on a flowery south-facing hillside look good. The wind turbines were positioned on the slopes of Eigg’s landmark mountain, An Sgurr, not only to maximise wind exposure and minimise turbulence, but to fit into the spectacular setting. By balancing solar, water and wind power, the community-owned Eigg Electric provides enough power all year round to supply the 100 or so permanent residents and the 10,000 visitors who come every summer. Eigg disconnected from the mainland back in 2008. In sustainability terms, it’s unique: the first island, indeed region of the UK, to be self-sufficient in renewable energy. In both ethics and aesthetics, Eigg is remarkable.
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