 |
Isle
of Erraid |
Click on the images to enlarge
|
|
The isle of Erraid lies off the south west tip
of the Ross of Mull about five miles drive from Fionnphort. For an hour or
two either side of low water, the island is linked to the Ross by a broad
expanse of sand.
HOW TO GET THERE
Walking down the track from Knockvologan
Farm turn west (right) and cross the sand bank to Erraid.
However, please make sure that you get the tides right and that you get
local advice before going across. Good walking gear essential if you
are going "overland"
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. |
 |
|
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.
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
Rock" at the south west corner of Erraid, near Balfour Bay. It was
taken from my 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!! |
 |
Robert Louis Stevenson was brought up on Erraid. His father was
the engineer who quarried the islands grey granite for use in constructing
Skerryvore and Dubh Artach lighthouses. Visitors can see the disused
quarry and granite blocks and the magnificent stone cottages of the lighthouse
keepers.
Climb to the observatory, which was the only means of communication
between Dubh Artach Lighthouse (10 miles away) and mainland Erraid.
From here the views are stunning panorama of the surrounding area. |
 |
| |
|
Last amended
28/11/2007 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
