LEARNINGCURVE
Eigg beach scene , in the shadow of An Sgùrr our training commitment did not permit us time to visit the seagrass beds which are close inshore between the old pier and Eilean Chathastall ( Castle Island ). For their final assessments , the group were able to demonstrate their snorkel guiding skills working through different scenarios , ranging from the troublesome 10-year-old to mature people from a visiting cruise ship ! This took place in sunshine from a delightful sandy beach alongside the new ferry pier . The whole group comfortably met the challenges ; they were available to guide real customers from June this year .
We celebrated the success of the week with a meal and the obligatory ‘ wee dram ’ at the Tea Room , part of the new facilities building at An Laimhrig . These facilities include The Green Shed and in Unit 4 the Eigg Guiding Co , run by Kat and Jonathan ably assisted by Jonesy , their very friendly part Vizsla dog . Eigg Guiding offers guided walks , including a hike up the famous An Sgùrr , stand-up paddle boarding and now guided snorkel excursions . Check out eiggguiding . org and you will see proudly displayed snorkel excursions guided by BSAC qualified Snorkel Guides .
Snorkel Guide training is a significant new course , which can bring our organisation to the attention of a new audience . It is important as BSAC members that we keep ourselves well informed about developments in water-based activities and in our organisation outside the normal branch structure .
A model for renewable energy
The name ‘ Eigg ’ may ring a bell . The island achieved worldwide fame in 1997 when the residents raised 1.5 million pounds to buy the island . Today , it is owned by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust , who manage it on behalf of the community . The Trust has responsibility for stewardship of the island , its buildings and natural heritage , and for supporting future development .
Launched in 2008 , Eigg was the world ’ s first community to launch an off-grid electric system powered by wind , water and solar . The three systems complement each other , so that almost any weather condition is conducive to producing electricity .
For heating , most of the island currently uses wood-fuel stoves . Eigg runs a sustainable forestry project to ensure supply . To aid the reforestation , a tree nursery has been set up for new trees to replant native trees where the old trees are cut down . Some will be used for wood fuel , and some will be retained for wildlife .
Eigg is reached by ferry either from Arisaig or Mallaig , operated by CalMac ( calmac . co . uk ). Service times vary through the year . Access is for foot passengers only - cars cannot be taken . During the summer months a private foot passenger ferry runs each day except Thursday from Arisaig , about nine miles south of Mallaig . This ferry will stop when whales or dolphins are spotted . �
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Good Eiggs : Kat , Jon and Jonesy