The Island

Holy Isle has a long spiritual history, stretching back to the 6th century. Visitors can still visit the hermit-cave and Judgement Rock of St Molaise and an ancient healing spring. There is evidence of a 13th Century Christian Monastery.

In 1990, Lama Yeshe was approached by Mrs Kay Morris, who owned Holy Isle together with her husband. Mrs Morris offered the island to Lama Yeshe because she felt that its future would be best taken care of by ‘the Buddhists from Samye Ling’ as a place for peace and meditation. 

The asking price appeared to be an impossible sum for Lama Yeshe to find but he visited on the winter solstice of 1990 and became determined to buy the Holy Isle. Thanks to the help of many people around the world, Lama Yeshe managed to raise the necessary funds by April 1992.

After acquiring the island, there was much work to be done. The buildings both at the north and the south end had been uninhabited for years and were in a semi-derelict state. It took many years of hard work by dedicated volunteers to make the facilities what they are now. Read about the recent history of the island.

At present, there are three types of large mammals living on Holy Isle: the Eriskay ponies, Soay sheep and Saanen goats, and a rich variety of wildlife...

The island can be ideally explored by foot. Read here about the walks you can make.