EIGG - The Island Success Story! Meet the Pioneering Islanders of this Stunning Hebridean Isle.

This film is both a short travel guide as well as a record of a major milestone in the life of the Island since the buy-out - the official opening of the new community hub An Laimrhig. Thank you to everyone who participated in the making of the film. Please leave comments!

The Isle of Eigg lies in the inner Hebrides, one of the Small Isles along with Rum, Muck and Canna. For all of its existence the island has been dominated by the volcanic outcrop known as An Sgurr. And for most of its existence it has also been dominated by lairds, private landowners, who have rarely cared much for the welfare of the islanders. The situation became more frustrating in the late 20th century with a succession of absentee landlords such as the German artists Schellenberg and Maruma. Investment was lacking and the islanders wishes were constantly blocked. In the end, enough was enough. In 1997 the islanders took their cause to the nation and with blood, sweat and tears achieved the impossible - a community buy-out. Eigg now faced different challenges but the future was much brighter.

Many new businesses have taken root since the buy-out, such as the community owned Eigg Brewery, tasty beer that’s handcrafted every step of the way from mash-in to labelling. A great way to recycle the abundant water!

On the day of filming the Heritage Trust officially opened the island’s new community hub - An Laimhrig, which in Gaelic means “safe haven, point of anchorage”. Before the ceremony I speak to Owain, the supplier of my electric bike, and one of the many tenants of the new building. The film then provides highlights of the key speeches and the cutting of the ribbon.

There is no airport on Eigg, all visitors arrive by boat. Options are the Calmac ferry from Mallaig, which might be substituted by a Western Isles vessel, or the Arisaig Marine passenger boat. Only residents may bring a vehicle. If the weather is clear you’ll see the mountains of Skye to the north, Ardnamurchan Point to the south, and An Sgurr straight ahead.

Filmed April 2024
Jonathan Wheeler
‪@eyescotland‬
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