Reconnect with nature’s rhythms
Welcome to Erraid!
Erraid is a tiny island in the Inner Hebrides, off the beautiful west coast of Scotland. It’s a wild and majestic place, within sight of Iona.
Week-long retreats on Erraid offer an opportunity to rest and reconnect to the land in the fresh sea air of this beautiful coast. Slow down to live in rhythm with the island’s seasons and tides.
Apart from a single croft and the cluster of stone cottages managed by the Findhorn Foundation, the island’s only inhabitants are wildlife and the ubiquitous sheep. Its rolling hills are fringed with rocky coves and white-sand beaches, surrounded by crystal seas.
Small Eco-Spiritual Community
You’re invited to join the small eco-spiritual community, part of the Findhorn Foundation, whose members look after the island.
There are two ways to visit. On a Retreat Week, you’ll be part of the community circle, joining in with meditations, sharings, meals and other whole-community activities. The rest of the time is spent as you choose – exploring the island, taking dips in the sea, or relaxing in your cottage in front of the fire!
On a Love in Action Week, you’ll join in with the working life of the community, such as helping in the garden, with meals or any other tasks that make island life possible.
Be sure to visit the Wishing Stone – where, as the story goes, Robert Louis Stevenson wished he’d one day become a famous writer …
Erraid and Robert Louis Stevenson
The island was once the home of the Stevenson family, a legendary dynasty of lighthouse keepers and builders of many of Scotland’s lighthouses.
They built the cottages on Erraid, as well as the outhouses and lighthouse observatory up the hill.
Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island and one of Scotland’s most famous writers, was so inspired by the wildness and peace he found while visiting his father there, that he set part of his novel, Kidnapped, on Erraid.
Prices and Accommodation
Erraid is open to guests most weeks of the year, with special themed retreats on the Celtic festivals.
Prices include the full week on Erraid, your accommodation and three daily meals – mostly vegetarian and largely local and organic.
You’ll share one of the cottages and have your own bedroom – please know that some bedrooms are inter-linked.
Prices are on a sliding scale from £600 to £300 per week, with three suggestions:
- A basic price, which covers the pure costs of your visit and is intended for those with limited resources.
- A middle prices covers your basic costs and contributes to the maintenance of the island.
- Above the middle price contributes to large investments that are needed, or to a bursary fund to help others with limited funds enjoy Erraid.
A non-refundable deposit of £175 (Retreat guest) or £125 (Love in Action guest) confirms your stay.
We look forward to welcoming you to Erraid!
