At 5 miles long and 3 miles wide, Eigg is the second biggest of the Small Isles and the most populated with just over 110 residents. It has a thriving green community producing around 90% of its electricity from renewables. The island has a fascinating history with plenty of sights to explore - from the Singing Sands beach overlooking Rum in the north to the massacre caves and dark cathedral on the south coast. An Sgurr peak (the rocky peak), the largest pitchstone ridge in Europe, provides the island with its distinctive outline and makes for a great walk with far reaching views over the other Small Isles and beyond.
Arriving in Eigg
The ferry docks at the pier right next to Am Laimhrig (Gaelic for anchorage or safe haven) the community building which hosts the shop (with post office), Galmisdale Bay Cafe & Bar and Eigg Adventures. Public toilets and showers are available in the newly built Wash House - Taigh Nighe.
A range of accommodation is available on Eigg from camping pods and yurts to cottages and b&b’s. There is even the opportunity to tour the Small Isles on a boat. For more information on what’s available check out this page.
Some accommodation is walkable from the pier but if you are staying on the other side of the island, you can phone Charlie Galli on 01687 482404 for a taxi or check with your accommodation provider for other options.
Eigg Highlights
There is an incredible amount to take in on the Isle of Eigg. Below is just a flavour of some of the highlights. Please also visit the Isle of Eigg website for even more suggestions.
Wildlife
The coastline around Eigg offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting with the waters around the pier one of the best locations for whale and dolphin spotting. Minke whales are regular visitors between July and September. Further exploration of the coastline with its hidden beaches around Galmisdale Bay and Kildonnan are possible with kayak hire from Eigg Adventures.
Scottish Wildlife Trust employ a seasonal ranger who provides guided wildlife and nature walks and activities throughout spring and summer. See the pier noticeboard for more information.
Eigg has a fantastic variety of birds and plant life. May, June and October are some of the best months for birdwatching but there is something of interest every month of the year.
Walking/ Climbing
The shop sells packs of postcards illustrating waymarked walks on the island.
Walk or hire bikes from Eigg Adventures and head over to the Singing Sands on the north-western part of Eigg. Listen to the quartz sand sing underfoot on dry days and enjoy a picnic whilst marvelling at the views over to mountainous Rum. If you fancy something a bit more challenging head up Sgòrr an Fharaidh and the Finger of God and enjoy the views of Laig Bay and the Singing Sands and out towards Rum and Skye.
Climb An Sgurr on the Isle of Eigg (5 miles) for amazing views over the Small Isles and beyond. Allow 3-4 hrs for the 8km walk.
Eigg Adventures can provide guided walks on the island. They also offer bike, e-bike and kayak hire, can provide archery lessons and organise sailing trips.
History
Visit the Cathedral cave and Massacre cave on the south of the island and learn about how the entire population of Eigg was massacred in the 16th century (visitors are advised to not enter the cave due to the risk of falling stones).
Take a trip to the crofting museum at Cleadale and explore what living in a croft house was like.
Read more about the island’s geology and archeology here.
Find out more about the island's historic community buyout in 1997 here.
Biking
Cycling is a fantastic way to get about the island with one single paved track across the island and very few vehicles.
Check out the off road Gruilin Track which leads out to the ruined settlement of Gruilin overlooking the Isle of Muck.
Bike hire starts at £20 per day per adult and £15 per day for children with discounts for hires of more than 3 days with Eigg Adventures.
Food
There are lots of places to get food on Eigg:
Close to the pier - Galmisdale Bay Cafe & Bar serves up excellent home made food set against a stunning backdrop.
Lageorna Restaurant on the north-west side of Eigg offers a set price menu, made with the finest local produce (fruit, game, lamb and fish from Eigg, Muck and Rum). It’s not open every night, so booking is essential; call 01687 460081.
The Isle of Eigg shop has a range of fresh and baked goods, fish, meat, tinned food and general supplies. If you are visiting the island you can email a food shop order to orders@isleofeiggshop.com (preferably 10 days in advance) to pick up when you arrive on the island. There is a £5 charge for a pre-order/ delivery service.
Pick up free range eggs and organic fruit and vegetables from Eigg Organics.
Rest and Be Thankful - This patio tea garden in Cleadale serves very tasty home-baking.
Laig Bay Brewing Co - pick up a locally brewed beer from Galmisdale Cafe.
Crafts/ Events
Eigg is home to a wide range of creative practitioners and events. From photographers and musicians to artists and craft makers. There is a web of creativity that connects and surrounds the island. Below gives you just a flavour of what is available
Sign up for Eigg Feis. Held every year at the start of July, the Feis is a 3 day celebration of Gaelic culture. This family event offers children the chance to receive expert tuition in a variety of instruments (experience not always necessary). The festival ends with a family ceilidh where you can dance the night away.
There are regular and impromptu traditional music sessions held at Galmisdale Bay Cafe and Bar in the summer months.
Basket making tuition is provided in small tutored classes by All About Willow.
Creative residencies are available year round at Sweeney’s Bothy - a bespoke, small-scale, off grid bothy that looks out across the Bay of Laig to the island of Rum.
Visit the craft shop at Galmisdale to support local artists and makers on Eigg.
Go on a croft tour at Eigg Organics and find out more about the history of crofting on Eigg, what a croft is and what Eigg Organics does. (£10pp/ children free).
Good to know
Refuse - Please dispose of all refuse at the large container located at the pier. There are also recycling facilities for plastics and bottles located here. Please note that there are bins placed around the island for any plastic you see whilst you are out and about.
The pier is usually a hive of activity when the ferry arrives - supplies and deliveries arriving and residents carrying out essential duties. Please be mindful of this and observe all signage/ guidance.
Visit the Isle of Eigg website for information on facilities, accommodation and activities.
There is no public transport on Eigg but you are only ever a couple of miles from anything. Consider hiring a bike from Eigg Adventures or calling Charlie on 01687482404 for a taxi.
From Eigg you can take a day trip on the MV Sheerwater to:
Rum on a Tuesday (2.5 hrs on Rum) or
Muck on Wednesdays and Saturdays (as well as Mondays throughout July and Aug). This allows for 3hrs on Muck.
Please note that sailing times are subject to change. Check here for the most timely information on departures.