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.
Walking down the track from Knockvologan Farm
turn west (right) and cross the sand bank to Erraid.
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
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