An Unintentional Community

This is an example of the Position layout. This project explores community and sustainability on the Isle of Eigg, one of the four small isles of the Scottish Inner Hebrides. In February 2020 I visited the island and found a welcoming and determined community whose values align with much of what I feel is important. It is a community that harvests, respects the environment, is resourceful, and is considerate of others. Indeed, as we become more reflective on our way of life and consider the impact of our actions on our infrastructure and the environment, it seems we could all look to communities like Eigg as a source of inspiration. Perhaps now more than ever, considering the affects that Covid-19 pandemic is having on our society, we could benefit greatly from adopting a similar attitude to the people I met from Eigg. My interest in the island was sparked by my flatmate Rhona Brown, a product design student, who was researching Eigg’s ocean waste. The aim of her project was to empower the community by finding value in the materials that washed up on their shores. She had asked me to accompany her to document her trip (and probably provide a bit of moral support during the interviews she had planned!)

In February 2020 I visited the island and found a welcoming and determined community whose values align with much of what I feel is important.
I met Andreas, from Germany, who was working with Catherine and Pascal at their willow farm. Their craft sees them busy all year round, growing and harvesting willow to make into wicker baskets to sell internationally.
The island came to be community owned in 1997 after a crowd funding project and the support of a mystery benefactor. Since then, the island has developed the infrastructure to generate and supply their own energy.
One thing that resonated with me during a conversation with one of the islanders, is that most of the people who have moved there have not done so to live with the other individuals on the island.