Andrew with his poncho blowing in the strong winds of the West Coast of Scotland

Andrew Powell, our Education Director, shares about the magic and mysteries of the Isle of Erraid, where a small community lives and works in harmony with the rhythms of the land and sea. Embodying the core practices of the Findhorn Foundation, they invite guests for retreats and Love in Action weeks. From 2025 we are planning to start holding Experience Weeks on Erraid, bringing the spiritual essence of our core programme out to the West Coast of Scotland.

The old lighthouse keeper’s cottages on the tiny Isle of Erraid, where our community lives and works together

Step into the Mystical Embrace of Erraid

Imagine an island where time slows, where the whispers of the sea and the call of the wind carry echoes of ancient Celtic mythology. This is Erraid, a rugged jewel nestled on the edge of Scotland’s wild west coast, a haven of natural beauty, community, and spiritual renewal. Here, amidst the timeless dance of waves and the steadfast embrace of solid stone, you are invited to rediscover yourself.

A Land Shaped by Elemental Magic

As you arrive, let the earthy scent of salt and soil greet you. Feel the firm footing of slate and rock beneath you, shaped over millennia by the hands of nature, and the hearts of those who called this place home. Sheep roam freely, a gentle reminder of the simplicity of island life, while the rhythmic tides beckon you to reconnect with the flow of creation.

Erraid’s landscape is a hymn to nature – bold, raw, and tender all at once. Its mossy greens stretch to the horizon, punctuated by the hardy silhouettes of stone cottages, lovingly built and maintained by generations who understood the sacred balance between humanity and the earth.

The wishing stone near the highest point of the island - many a wish made on this rock has been granted…

Community Rooted in Love and Tradition

At the heart of Erraid is its people – a vibrant community that lives and breathes the ethos of shared purpose and mindful connection. The Findhorn Foundation invites you to be part of this rhythm, where each day is a celebration of life, love, and Spirit. You’ll find joy in the rituals of daily life – tending gardens, preparing meals, or simply sharing stories around a warm hearth. Every moment is infused with intention, weaving a tapestry of belonging.

A Journey Within and Beyond

Spending time on Erraid is more than an escape, it’s a homecoming to yourself. Over the course of a week, you will experience the profound simplicity of ‘Work as Love in Action’, as well as engaging in meditation, sacred ceremonies, and creative expression. Let the stillness of the land guide you to a deeper listening – a chance to hear the quiet wisdom within, and align with the elemental forces that surround you.

The Mystical Call of Erraid

Erraid is steeped in spiritual and mystical heritage. Here, the veil between worlds feels thin. The legends of Celtic mythology seem to come alive in the misty mornings and star-filled nights. This is a place to honour the unseen, to celebrate the ancient, and to awaken to the beauty of now.

Looking out to sea on a wild Sunday walk

Your Invitation Awaits

Come, join us on Erraid, where every step is a pilgrimage and every breath a prayer. Whether you seek solace, inspiration, or simply the peace of living in harmony with the earth, this week-long retreat offers the space and support to uncover your essence. Allow the island’s enduring spirit to nurture your own.

Step into the story of Erraid – let its stones, waves, and skies embrace you, and discover the timeless connection to the soul of Scotland and Spirit within.

Balfour Bay on a still and chilly winter’s afternoon just as the sun is setting

Discover our Erraid Experiences

Join remote island life on the west coast of Scotland and take part in one of our Love in Action weeks, Erraid retreat weeks or Experience Weeks. You can also join one of our seasonal Celtic Festival Weeks, celebrating the cycles of nature on the island.

Welcome to the Embrace of the Isle of Erraid