About Holy Isle
Located off the west coast of Scotland, Holy Isle has an ancient spiritual heritage stretching back to the 6th century. Our summer season runs from April to October, and we welcome guests attending courses and day visitors during this time.
Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche
Lama Yeshe Rinpoche is the founder and Executive Director of The Holy Isle Project, and a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master in the Kagyu tradition. He is also Abbot of Samye Ling Monastery in Dumfries & Galloway, where he lives most of the year.
Under his guidance, Holy Isle has become a centre open to people of all faiths — an ecologically sustainable environment where individuals can develop and experience inner peace, regardless of their background or spiritual tradition. The Centre has become a focal point for interfaith work and retreat, and a peaceful refuge in this hectic modern world.
The Centre
At the north of the island, the Centre for World Peace and Health hosts a retreat and course programme. The Centre is run entirely by volunteers, dedicated to building community in accordance with Lama Yeshe Rinpoche’s vision of cultivating inner peace as a way of achieving world peace. Anyone willing to abide by the Five Golden Rules is welcome to participate in courses / retreats at the Centre or visit for the day during our season from April to October.
The Centre is closed during November and December and reopens in February for the Winter Retreat.
A closed Buddhist retreat takes place at the south of the island.
Five Golden Rules
- To protect life and refrain from killing
- To respect other people’s property and refrain from stealing
- To speak the truth and refrain from lying
- To encourage health and refrain from intoxicants (including alcohol and drugs, cigarettes and vapes)
- To respect others and refrain from sexual activity that harms others
Volunteering on Holy Isle
The Holy Isle Project is run entirely by a team of volunteers. Volunteering on Holy Isle offers a unique opportunity for skills development and personal growth — living and working in community in one of Scotland’s most beautiful and peaceful settings.
There is a daily meditation schedule which volunteers are welcome to join, and the chance to learn more about meditation and Buddhism if you wish. However, Holy Isle is not a Buddhist centre, and welcomes volunteers of all faiths and none.
To find out more, download our Volunteering Booklet or contact us at reception@holyisle.org to request an application form.
Explore Further
Buddhism on Holy Isle
Discover the spiritual traditions and Buddhist heritage of Holy Isle.
Environmental Stewardship
How we care for the island and its natural environment.
Wildlife on Holy Isle
Eriskay ponies, Soay sheep, rare birds and more.