'''Holy Island''' [http://www.holyisland.org/] is off the coast West coast of Scotland, near the Isle of Arran.

Understand

Holy Island is home to a community of Buddhist monks in the Kagyu tradition on Tibetan Buddhism. Apparently a vision of the Virgin Mary persuaded the previous owner to sell it to Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, who is one the monks. There is a retreat center, monastery and an interfaith 'Peace Hall.' Note that if you get caught smoking, or if you get found with any amount of alcohol, drugs or tobacco you will be told to leave the island.

Get in

See the Arran page for more information on getting here

By road

Ardrossan, the nearest point on the mainland, is about ten miles north of Ayr. There are bus connections from Glasgow and Prestwick International Airport.

By Train

There is a direct train to Ardrossan from Glasgow Central.

By plane

The two nearest airports are Glasgow Airport and Prestwick International Airport.

By boat

From Ardrossan take a [http://www.calmac.co.uk/timetables.html/ ferry] to Brodick on the Isle of Arran - a journey of about 55 minutes. Tel:01294 463470. At Brodick take a ten minute ride on bus number 323 to Lamlash Pier. At the pier, you can board the ferry for another ten minute ride to Holy Island. It is advised to contact the boatman, Tom Sheldon, after 6 pm on the evening before your departure to check the times of tides suitable for sailing. Tel:01770 600998. Leaflets for the ferry are available all over Arran. Prices are __5 single and __9 return as of 2008.

Get around

This is a small island with no roads, so walking is the only way to get from place to place.

See

  • View of Lamlash and Mainland - especially beautiful at sunrise.
  • Buddhist Monastery - not accessible to the public as it is used as a place of retreat.
  • Sacred caves
  • Buddhist art
  • Wild ponies, Soay sheep and goats
  • The Holy Spring (and the infamous sign)
  • Do

  • meditate
  • relax
  • walk
  • volunteer to work on monastery gardens and building projects
  • get enlightened !!!
  • Buy

    There is a gift shop near the monastery, selling gifts, recipes and other things.

    Eat

    Meals are only available if you stay at the monastery. For all other things, you can go to the Co-op in Lamlash. Be aware that meat is forbidden to the Buddists, so only eat your meat in secret!

    Drink

    Alcohol is illegal on Holy Island, and '''will''' be frowned upon by the Buddists. If you get found with any amount of alcohol, drugs or tobacco you will be told to leave the island. On the other hand, you can get free tea and coffee at the gift shop.

    Sleep

    There is accomodation at the monastery. A bed in the dormitory costs __25 per night, a single room __45 and a double room __65. Two sea view rooms are also available, costing __75 per night or __50 for single occupancy. Prices include 3 vegetarian meals per day. A __20 deposit is required. If you volunteer on the island for 5 days, you get 25% off!

    Wild camping, although permitted, is strongly discouraged. You can camp at a few places on the island, as long as the Buddists don't see you! Be aware that pets and lighting fires are also forbidden on the island.

    Get out