(Gaelic name meaning… Notched Island)
EILEAN EIGE
The distinctive silhouette of Eigg is dominated by An Sgurr, a rocky outcrop with commanding views across the Small Isles. Down at the pier the views are great too; up to the Sgurr, across the sandy shores and out towards the sparkling sea.
Stepping ashore as you arrive on Eigg you are already in a fantastic position for spotting, in fact the community are setting up a regular whale-watch from this very spot. Look out for the fleeting backs of harbour porpoises as they dart amongst the waves. On special days bottlenose dolphins come right up to the pier, and you might spot minke whales from the ferry in the summer.
The atmosphere of the island is magical; the contrasts of rock and sand, the sense of place and the sense of community, and the clear sea air that fills your lungs.
A bit about the site
The pier where the ferry comes in is a great place to spot whales and dolphins and is situated right next to the community cafe and shop that has lots of information for your visit. Eigg is a community owned island, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust employ a seasonal ranger who provides guided walks and nature activities in the summer. See the pier noticeboard for more information.
Getting here
Ferries from Mallaig or Arisaig
Visitors cannot bring cars to Eigg
Accessibility
The pier and community building are fully accessible
Useful links
Isle of Eigg
Visit Scotland
Visit Small Isles
WDC Shorewatch
Responsible Access
Wondrous creatures in the waters
Look out for
Harbour porpoises
Common dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins
Minke whales
Basking Sharks
Killer whales (Orca)
Sea eagles
Oystercatchers
Kittiwakes Terns Curlew Shags Shelducks Eider ducks
Check out the latest sightings on HWDT Whale Track
Small but mighty
Harbour porpoises when fully grown have an average length of 1.5 metres, which is a foot smaller than the average man in the UK. They can be quite tricky to spot, especially if the sea is a little rough, as they disappear amongst the waves. Look out for a dark back that seems to roll through the water, with a small triangular fin in the middle of their backs. These are the most frequently spotted species here on the west coast, and with the highest concentrations in Europe, the Hebrides has been designated a Special Area of Conservation for the harbour porpoise. The Small Isles are a hot spot, with huge numbers of these small but mighty creatures.
Green credentials
The Isle of Eigg is a community owned island with its own renewable electricity supply. You are unlikely to encounter a more environmentally friendly and just plain friendly bunch than the people that call Eigg their home. There are plenty of opportunites to get involved when visiting Eigg; guided walks, whale watches, beach cleans, singing groups and the occasional ceilidh. Meet Norah the ranger at 2pm every Monday during the summer for a guided walk and whale watch starting at the Pier.