If you have been searching for that perfectly eco friendly vacation, look no further. The Isle of Eigg, located in Scotland has been a fully sustainable island since 1997.
In the dark ages, this island was part of the Pictish Kingdom. After various kingdoms and reigns, it eventually became a recreational and sporting estate in the early 1900s’. After WWII, the Isle of Eigg was not really profitable anymore and it went through various owners until the islanders and partners of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust bought it over 10 years ago.
According to the Christian Science Monitor, all the electricity on the island is made locally. The electricity is made up of a combination of:
Solar panels
Wind turbines
Hydroelectric generator
The islanders are allowed a certain ration of electricity. If they exceed the amount, then they are required to pay $40 to get it turned back on.
To get to the Isle of Eigg, visitors must take a ferry boat. In fact, no vehicles are allowed on the island except for visitors or tradesman that have a disability permit. All of the accommodations are either in farmhouses, cottages, or camping grounds.
Once you are here, there are plenty things to do although bird watching is the premiere activity. With over 196 species, it is enough to keep any visitor occupied for their entire stay. May and Early June are considered the best times to bird watch. The official Isle of Eigg website shows which birds can be seen in various months throughout the entire year.
This island has also been called the “Island of Flowers”. There are over 500 higher plantlife species and a byophite list of over 300 species.
After 10 years of trying to get the entire island on green power, the dream had come to life. The island with 45 houses, 20 businesses, and six community buildings on entirely green power is quite the site to see. So, pack your bags for an exciting green vacation.
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