Island 84 - Erraid, Inner Hebrides

Erraid is a large tidal island linked to Mull at low tide by a sandbar of light yellow sand.  The island was bought by a Dutch family in 1977 and leased to the Findhorn Foundation: http://erraid.com/ 

The island was used by David and Thomas Stevenson as a base during their construction of the lighthouse at Dubh Artach 15 miles from Erraid.  Granite was quarried on the island for use in the construction of the lighthouse.  They built some of the cottages that are still in use on the island and which were used as the shore station for Dubh Artach and Skerryvore Lighthouses until 1952. 

Thomas Stevenson's son the author Robert Louis Stevenson visited Erraid during the construction work and his novella The Merry Men and part of his novel Kidnapped are based on the island.  There is a 'wishing stone' on the island, which is said to have been where Stevenson stood when he wished he would become a successful author.

Looking south down the east coast of Erraid

Looking north towards Fidden on Mull

House on the north coast of Erraid

Sheds on the north coast of Erraid

Former lighthouse shore station cottages

Quay on the north coast close to the shore station cottages

Former lighthouse shore station cottages

Buildings on the north coast of Erraid

Quay on the north coast of Erraid

Flag pole

Sandbar separating Erraid from Mull at low tide

Driftwood sculpture

Cottage on the north coast of Erraid