Eigg, Island sanctuary in Highland Scotland.
Eigg is an island in the Small Isles of the Scottish Highland lying in the Atlantic between the mainland and Skye. A volcanic rock called An Sgurr rises over 390 meters (1,280 feet) and serves as a landmark across the entire island.
People have lived here since the Middle Stone Age and Irish monks built a monastery during the 7th century. The community bought the island together in 1997 and created one of the first resident-run islands in Scotland.
The Gaelic name means notch and describes the shape of this island. Small crofts sit scattered across the landscape and some residents still speak Gaelic in daily life.
Ferries run several times a week from Mallaig and Arisaig on the mainland and take about 90 minutes to cross. Weather can change quickly and a waterproof jacket is advisable all year.
Three wind turbines and hydropower supply all households with electricity without connection to the mainland grid. The community saves thousands of pounds each year through this self-managed energy supply.
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