The Isle of Eigg is a small yet forward-thinking island located in the Inner Hebrides off Scotland’s west coast. It is notable for its rugged cliffs, green pastures, and community-driven sustainability, which sets it apart from most islands in the world.
Part of the Small Isles, along with R?m, Canna, Sanday, and Muck, Eigg spans 8 kilometers by 5 kilometers, with a population of roughly 110 people. It is an isolated place reliant on a ferry that runs a few times a week for supplies and transport.
The island has a surprisingly long history, stretching from prehistoric times to the present, featuring early monastic settlements and periods of Norse influence. After centuries of private ownership and frequent land disputes, the island’s residents finally bought Eigg via a community trust in 1997. The island would go on to become a pioneering example of community ownership and sustainable energy management.
In 2008, Eigg became the world’s first community to operate a fully off-grid renewable electricity system, combining wind, solar, and hydro power. The move reduced the island’s dependence on diesel, lowered costs, and enhanced self-sufficiency.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor junior/1762393689/1613368124
1. What makes the Isle of Eigg unique compared to other islands in Scotland?
2. Why did the residents decide to buy the island and manage it through a community trust?
3. How does the island generate electricity without using traditional power grids?
4. What can other communities learn from Eigg’s approach to sustainability and self-sufficiency?
1. If you lived on the Isle of Eigg, how do you think island life would change your daily routine?
2. If your community owned and managed its own power, would you feel more responsible for conserving energy?
3. How do you think living without depending on outside power sources would feel?
4. Why do you think community ownership makes people feel more connected to where they live?
The Isle of Eigg is a small yet forward-thinking island located in the Inner Hebrides off Scotland’s west coast. It is notable for its rugged cliffs, green pastures, and community-driven sustainability, which sets it apart from most islands in the world.
The island has a surprisingly long history, stretching from prehistoric times to the present, featuring early monastic settlements and periods of Norse influence. After centuries of private ownership and frequent land disputes, the island’s residents finally bought Eigg via a community trust in 1997. The island would go on to become a pioneering example of community ownership and sustainable energy management.
