Holy Island

Holy Island (often called Holy Isle) sits just off the east coast of the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde, within North Ayrshire, Scotland. It’s a compact, low-lying island of dunes, rocky shores and pockets of woodland that supports rich seabird colonies, seals and a surprising array of coastal plants; there are visible traces of early Christian settlement linked to St Molaise, so it’s long had a spiritual as well as natural appeal.

Today the island has no permanent population but draws day visitors, naturalists and retreat-goers from nearby Lamlash and Brodick, combining conservation, low-key tourism and spiritual retreats rather than conventional industry. Its mix of archaeology, wildlife and contemporary retreat activity makes it a curious and quietly important feature of the Clyde islands.