Island Focus, the Isle of Eigg

Isle of Eigg, the Small Isles, Inner Hebrides

The Isle of Eigg dominated by An Sgurr

The Small Isles

Between the largest Inner Hebrides islands of Skye and Mull lies a group of magical islands known as “The Small Isles”.  The Isles of Canna, Rum, Eigg and Muck are equally fascinating, each with its own unique beauty, atmosphere and scenery. 

The isle of Eigg

Glebe Barn Hostel

The Isle of Eigg is the second largest and most populated of the island group.   It is community owned with a vibrant population of 100 residents. Eigg was bought by the Eigg Trust in 1997 - a partnership between Eigg's residents, the Scottish Wildlife Trust, and Highland Council. Eigg’s pioneering community buy-out ushered in land reform in Scotland, giving islanders control of their future for the first time.  Among other achievements, Eigg now has the first completely wind, water and sun-powered electricity grid in the world. The Isle of Eigg was cited as one of the Scottish Herald's Top Ten Scottish Islands to visit this spring.

Laig Bay

Glebe Barn Hostel: special offer April

Go now and stay at the Glebe Barn Hostel, on offer with up to 25% discount in April for individual or group bookings, www.glebebarn.co.uk or contact  for further information quoting "SIH" with your enquiry.

Glebe Barn Hostel is a charming and characterful conversion of a 19th century building. The accommodation has a relaxed and homely ambience with breathtaking views.

Minke whale off Eigg

 Situated only one mile from the pier, where there is a licensed cafe/ restaurant, shop and craft shop, the Glebe Barn is ideally located for exploring the island.

The Heritage and Wildlife of Eigg

Eigg lies ten miles off the Scottish mainland coast and is very beautiful. The Eigg skyline is dominated by the remarkable vertical pitchstone ridge of An Sgurr, the largest in Europe. Laig Bay in the north is famed for its wide curve of sand with a stunning outlook over the Cuillins of Rum.  Nearby are the Singing Sands, a stunning musical quartz beach which squeak as you walk and which are surrounded by outstanding geological formations.  Eigg has many cultural and historical attractions: Picts and Vikings have left their mark, and its rich history is steeped in clan warfare and the crofting way of life. 

Eigg is an Island with a rich, diverse habitats supporting a wide variety of wildlife. The Island's bird life reflects this diversity with around 70 species breeding each year and many more occurring as passage or winter visitors.In the waters around the island, otters, seals, dolphins and whales are regularly spotted.

Travel to Eigg

The mainland ferry terminals of Mallaig (Caledonian MacBrayne) and Arisaig (Arisaig Marine) are about an hour from Fort William on the A 830, the famous 'Road to the Isles'. The total journey time from Glasgow is about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, and from Edinburgh about 4 to 4 1/2.

There are only a very few miles of road on Eigg and the only vehicles allowed will be those of islanders (with permits) and service vehicles.

The ferry to Eigg from Mallaig is with  Caledonian MacBrayne , or from Arisaig on the Shearwater.  Caledonian MacBrayne operates all year round while the Shearwater sails only in the summer months.