Findhorn: The World’s Largest Eco-Village

The sustainable Findhorn eco-village has proven to be unbelievably advanced. With hundreds of residents, Findhorn is possibly the most successful eco-village in the world. They utilize solar energy, wind power, use recycled materials for homes and even have their own Earthship in their community. Many residents of Findhorn, some who live in retired whiskey barrel homes, came to Findhorn after finding enlightenment during California’s hippie movement. After many decades of development the people of Findhorn seem to have found total happiness. Would you live here?

Where is Findhorn located?

The Findhorn Eco-Village is in Findhorn, Scotland. The village neighbors the larger city of Forres, Scotland.

How many people live in Findhorn?

While the neighboring city of Findhorn (not to be confused with the eco-village) has a population of around 890 residents, the Findhorn Eco-Village is home to around 600 residents. Source

When was Findhorn established?

Findhorn was unofficially created in 1962. However, Findhorn was officially registered in 1972. Source

How did Findhorn begin?

In 1962 Peter Caddy (a Brit), Dorothy Maclean (a Canadian) and Eileen Caddy (an Egyptian), were managing the Cluny Hill Hotel in Forres Scotland. This is where, while meditating, Eileen heard a voice in her head. Believing she was in contact with extraterrestrials, the three created a landing strip for UFO’s near Cluny Hill. 

The Hotel immediately fired them. With no money, and no home, Peter, Eileen and Dorothy drove their caravan to a trailer park near the town of Findhorn. Without jobs they began to grow their own food - which proved to have its challenges as the land was sandy and lacked nutrients.

During their time of growth, Dorothy realized that she could channel spirits. The angels, and devas as she called them, instructed her on how to grow a garden suitable for her and her family. Her yield? 40 pound cabbages. Locals from the surrounding community attribute this to the substantial piles of horse manure that the garden was planted on. Regardless, this attracted people to come live in Findhorn. 

Eventually, the trio bought their original place of work, the Cluny Hill Hotel. When the Findhorn Eco-Village took shape a global movement took off. Eco-Villages began to show up all over. Learn more in the video above

Is Findhorn a spiritual community?

In essence, Findhorn is a very spiritual place. However, no one is required to follow any particular practice. Many people are religious here, but not everyone. As stated on the Findhorn website, “The Findhorn Foundation welcomes all expressions of spiritual growth among ourselves and our guests.”