A Scottish island out of season, really? Absolutely, especially when that glorious isle is Eigg! One of my favourite Scottish islands is no summer-only wonder that shuts up shop out of peak season. Far from it – I reckon winter is actually a brilliant time to visit with the ever-changing island light a photographer’s dream. This community-run isle rollicks on through winter and rewards those who think outside the box and visit then. Here are my nine reasons you should head to Eigg this winter. What are you waiting for?
1. It’s not over-Eigged
In winter the summer crowds and day trippers have gone, leaving this glorious isle for you to sweep around undisturbed. I’ve never been on Eigg when it’s too busy in summer – there are always places to escape for solitude – but it’s just a different island in winter in that sense and I love it!
2. Dark Skies
The neighbouring island of Rum has been awarded Dark Sky Sanctuary status. Eigg doesn’t need an official accreditation as it’s already brilliant for its night skies. And not brilliant in a literal way, which is the point – there is very little light pollution. That means that making out myriad stars and planets is so much easier. If you live in a city that experience will stop you in your tracks on Eigg as the galaxies are seemingly painted in. You’ll see satellites and shooting stars; if you’re very lucky even a meteorite or two. Then, of course, there are the Northern Lights, which explode across the heavens in these northerly climes.
3. More chance to meet the locals
In summer the super friendly locals can be a bit overstretched. When the summer season eases and people have a chance to catch their breath they have much more time to pass the time of day with you. This is a welcoming island where people love a wee chat as you’ll find – that human warmth really does warm the cockles on a crisp, clear winter’s day.
4. Life affirming walks
Eigg offers world-class walking. While Scotland’s higher mountains can be daunting in winter the walks here are gentler and less prone to extreme weather, though as always be careful when you’re hiking and take all the usual precautions. Let someone know where you’re heading too. The highest point, An Sgurr, is 393m. The views from the top are some of the finest I’ve seen from any Scottish peak with a glorious panorama opening up back to the mainland and out across the Hebrides. There is a whole sweep of walks to enjoy, whether you want to stretch your legs, or learn more about the island. Another great walk is out to the Massacre Cave, with its deeply dark history offering a window into Eigg’s brutal past.
5. Getting active
Forget hibernating in winter. Eigg is made for getting active. And it’s not just hiking, the cycling is great too. Check with Eigg Adventures about bike hire and e-bikes. Eigg has the first fleet of e-bikes in the world to be 100% powered by green energy generated on the island. The Eigg Guiding Company offer guided walks across Eigg as well as winter snorkelling and paddleboarding. All three open up the islands wildlife. They have special 5mm wet suits so people can stay warm while they explore the clear waters of Eigg. Selkie Explorers also offer winter sailing.
6. Winter wildlife
Scotland is renowned for its wildlife and winter is actually a good time to see catch it with less natural camouflage to hide in. The island is amazingly home to a trio of nature reserves (SSSIs) within a National scenic area. There are around 70 resident and migratory bird species from golden eagles and hen harrier, through to snipe and ringed plover. Marine mammals patrol the seas year round too and you can often spot them from the ferry. I’ve seen dolphins and porpoises; people I’ve met have reported whales too.
7. An Laimhrig
This brilliant community hub is something for Eigg to be deeply proud of, an example to other isles in many ways. Island-specialist architects WT Architecture have done stellar work on the hub as you’ll see. And, yes, it stays open in winter. There is a handy community shop and gift store. There is also the impressive Galmisdale Café and Bar, which is a great place to try the island’s beer. Eigg Brewery has special Tap Room nights over the winter. Galmisdale Bay Cafe and Bar itself is open most days, and in the evenings there is occasional music, board games nights, and pool competitions.
8. Beach bounty
I love a good beach and there is no better feeling than having one all too yourself. I do like the white sand wonders within strolling distance of the ferry pier. But I also love heading out west to the ‘Singing Sands’. The quartz is what makes walking over them sonorous. Laig Bay on the west coast is another stunner. Easing along here on your own on a crisp winter day under bright blue skies is a glorious experience. An experience that touches the sublime when you peer out over the cobalt waters towards the rugged Rum Cuillin, mountains that rise like giant leviathans across the water.
9. Getting Coorie
There are plenty of places to get all cosy for the night. Laig Beach Bothy reclines right on Laig Beach and is perfect for exploring the west side of Eigg, wild swimming and peace. St Franny’s Bothan tempts on the east side of Eigg if you’re looking to be closer to the shop and Galmisdale Bay Cafe and bar. For those on more of a budget, there is Eigg Organics Bothy and Kelpie Cabin in Cleadale, with croft tours and fresh veg and eggs on site. If you’ve a bigger family Lageorna sleeps up to six. It also has two guest house rooms and can do full dinner bed and breakfast. If you’re self-catering Eigg Shop take pre-orders and they’ll have everything organised in a box for you to just pick up when you arrive, including lovely fresh local produce.
*This blog comes in conjunction with The Isle of Eigg Community. All views and opinions expressed are our own. More information on the island at www.isleofeigg.org.
