The small island of Eigg is community owned and nearly 100% powered by renewable energy, generated on the island

Eigg has the largest population of the Small Isles – although it’s still under 100 people! – and this community is thriving. Eigg is famous for its community ownership and self-sufficient renewable energy scheme, making Eigg home to the world’s first renewable energy grid. It’s a small and pretty island with a fascinating geological feature, spectacular white sand shores and unparalleled views out to Rum.

The Isle of Eigg is 100% community-owned by the Eigg Heritage Trust, having been bought out in 1997 from absentee landlords. From then on, islanders took control of Eigg, learning planning and development skills as well as how to create a renewable energy scheme to serve its population. The community therefore take great pride in their Eigg, and the result is a small but lively population of this pretty island.

Those who call Eigg their home live by ‘Eigg time’ – a slow, relaxed and peaceful way of life. There’s no rushing about here – and once you’ve spent some time here, you’ll see why. The island is served by one main road and a handful of ferries a day, so no one is getting anywhere fast! There are spectacular views to admire and beaches to enjoy, so just kick back and relax.

Eigg’s distinctive skyline – a long ridge when viewed side-on from the east or west, a ‘pillar’ shape when viewed from the north – is the result of a fascinating geological history. Once a basalt valley lined wither side of the ridgeline visible today. A volcanic eruption around 60 million years ago poured molten lava through this valley, solidifying as it filled the space between either side. Over millions of years, the sandstone on either side eroded, leaving the harder, igneous rock intact – the Sgurr of Eigg – and that’s what you can see today! A 5 mile, 4 hours walk leads you up to the top, which commands spectacular views of Rum and Skye.

The view to neighbouring Rum is beautiful, particularly when viewed from ‘the Singing Sands’. This beach, in the bay of Laig, is named after the sqeaking noise made by the quartz sand underfoot if walked on when dry.

The island was the site of a sad and violent massacre in the 16th century, when a clan feud led to the massacre of nearly the entire population (at the time, 400 people) of Eigg. This led to the naming of Massacre Cave, where many of the MacDonald clan hid before being discovered. The bodies were left behind and eventually interred in Eigg’s graveyard.

Eigg is a truly unique island with a thriving and lively community spirit. It may be ‘off the beaten path’ a little in comparison to its neighbours, Skye and Mull, but is well worth a visit!