A brief introduction to ourselves, Simon & Karen Helliwell

We came to Eigg 25 years ago , and as most people do, fell in love with the island. We have been here ever since! Our three children were brought up on the island and are now away from the nest, although they all get home for school and university holidays.

After many years spent building and re-furbishing other houses on the island, we had the opportunity in 1996 to buy the ruined barn that once belonged to the Church of Scotland manse. We had often looked at the solid stone walls, which was all that remained, and imagined rebuilding it into a field centre of some sort. Now we had our chance, and with generous financial assistance from our Local Enterprise Company, we drew up the plans and started work. The building took 18 months to complete, doing almost all the work ourselves or with the assistance of other islanders. A particularly challenging aspect of the project was the electricity supply, about which you can learn (if you really want to!) on another page.

In May 1999 we opened for business, and the first season proved a great success, with all our visitors having a thoroughly enjoyable time. This season (2000) has been even busier - we have had particularly good weather which has helped enormously. We have made many new friends and already have several repeat visits. You can read some of the comments from our guests in the 'News & Views' section.

We look forward to meeting many more people in the coming years and hope you will think about a visit yourself.