It has been a very busy summer here on Eigg with the welcome return of tourists and work progressing at pace on the An Laimhrig redevelopment. The first phase is now complete and Taigh Nighe, the Wash House, is ready to open. The new building will cater for campers, day visitors and guests in our camping pods and boasts all new shower and washing facilities, all powered by our biomass boiler which is fuelled with wood from Eigg’s very own forestry plantation.
Contractors Compass have been going flat out since the spring and the workers have settled in to the community – especially during the European Championships when matches were shown on the Small Isles’ new mobile cinema screen.
Now that Phase One is complete, work has began in earnest on Phase Two. Unfortunately, this has meant an early closing for the tearoom which will now be refurbished and extended in time for opening in spring 2022. The shop will remain open while the extension to the building is built and work is expected to progress quickly as Milligan Transport’s landing craft Spanish John continues to ferry building materials to the island.
We were also treated to a visit from the Highland Council leadership who were excited to see how the new development is progressing and spent time with islanders discussing a range of issues. As a partner of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust it was a great opportunity for the council representatives to see just how much progress is being made as Eigg looks to build a sustainable future for its population.