Welcome to Holy Isle

Located off the west coast of Scotland, Holy Isle has an ancient spiritual heritage stretching back to the 6th century. Visitors are welcome all year round.

The founder and vision holder of the Holy Isle Project is Lama Yeshe Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master in the Kagyu tradition. Lama Yeshe is also Abbot of Samye Ling Monastery in Dumfriesshire, where he lives most of the year.

At the north of the island there is the Centre for World Peace and Health where an ongoing retreat and course programme takes place. We also welcome guests to stay at the Centre for personal retreats or holiday breaks. A closed Buddhist retreat takes place at the south of the island.

As well as staying at the Centre, you are invited to visit Holy Isle for the day. The island is divided into several areas, some of which are reserved for birds and animals, others for our native tree planting programme. We request visitors to stay on the paths and not to bring animals onto the island.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES AND WORKING HOLIDAYS: We are looking for vegetarian cooks and organic vegetable gardeners.