Isle of Erraid

Erraid lies off the south west tip of the Ross of Mull. Five miles drive from the Fionnphort.  For an hour or two either side of low water, it is linked to the Ross by a broad expanse of sand. 

The image to the right shows the beach area that dries out at low water.  However, please make sure that you get the tides right and that you get local advice before going across.  Good waking gear essential if you are going "overland"

At the north end, the expertly built houses, outhouses and pier are constructed of Erraid granite.  This was the land base of the construction of 'Dhu Heartach' Lighthouse and became the lighthouse keeper's and families homes till the completion of the Lighthouse.

Behind the houses, on the hill, the renovated disused signal station for the lighthouse, provides the spectacular panoramic views of Iona an the Ross of Mull to the north and the Torran Rocks to the south.  On a clear day, you can see the 'Dhu Heartach' lighthouse, 10 miles away to the south west, standing 126 feet high, marking a dangerous rock.  
The author Robert Lewis Stevenson was raised on Erraid, being a member of the great Stevenson Family, renowned for lighthouse engineering.  

In Stevenson's "Kidnapped", the hero, David Balfour is shipwrecked and comes ashore on the south coast of Erraid (Balfour Bay) at a sandy bay. In "Treasure Island", Jack Hawkins chart bears a resemblance to Erraid. If you are interest in exploring Erraid, please ask John for advice 
OS Map Pathfinder 22/32 

To the right is an image of the "Hanging Stone" at the south west corner of Erraid, near Balfour Bay.  It was taken from a local fishing boat.  By boat, is a very good way of seeing these features as access by foot is tricky!

Erraid is now owned by a family from overseas, but is used by the Findhorn Community for most of the year.  This group runs course and "retreats" (for details go to their website by clicking here) and grows a large proportion of its soft fruits and vegetables.  These gardens have now been expertly managed, on and "organic" basis for years and are of a very high standard indeed.  
 
In creating this webpage I must personally put in a request.  The community, although set up for running courses and dealing with specific enquiries about running these activities, is not set-up for dealing with an influx of the general public. I therefore request that if you have a particular reason for wishing to visit the community that you contact them and arrange a visit via their website.  These are some of the most friendly individuals that you could ever wish to meet, but we should respect their privacy!!

Erraid website http://www.erraid.fslife.co.uk