Findhorn is known in two ways. For some it is synonymous with the ecological community of the Scottish north; for others there is a spiritual mystique about the place and stories of “something a bit different.” That ambiguity alone is enough to put many visitors in mind of making the journey. But what exactly is it? A commune, an eco-village, a wellness centre or a retreat?
The answer is yes, all of the above. The Findhorn Foundation is better described as a living community and educational centre built on personal growth and sustainability. There is no need to be a true believer to make an appearance. One can come for the unusual beauty of the setting, to attend an event or have a well-organised retreat.
In a way, it has a reputation. Since its beginnings in the 1960s, Findhorn has become one of the most renowned intentional communities in the world, long associated with communal living, ecological design and a brand of spiritual enquiry that makes an impression. Some will come with idealistic or mystical expectations. In reality the situation is far more practical and varied than the mythology might suggest.
Today the Foundation is part of a wider ecovillage where people live and work and host guests. Environmental responsibility is a given, but so too are the arts and education. It is not so much a fixed proposition as a set of values and activities that change with the season and who happens to be in town.
Many are drawn by the workshops. Be it a short course or something more involved, the topics run the gamut from permaculture and conflict resolution to meditation. Then you have sessions on art or inner development. The variety is the appeal. You can get some instruction and then reflect on it in surroundings that are unlike a conventional classroom. Here ecology is not just talked about; it is in the buildings and the gardens and in the day-to-day manner of things, a reminder that human activity and the environment are one and the same.
For those inclined to slow down, there are the retreats. Unlike a workshop which is for learning, this is a time to pause. Guests may spend a few days in rest or renewal, with some guided activity and some space to simply be. The atmosphere is calm rather than stiff. One can expect to share a meal and enjoy the landscape in a kind of middle ground that has none of the severity of austerity or the trappings of luxury. One is not expected to make a point of joining in with everything on the table at Findhorn, nor would it be fair to call it a spa resort. For the visitor with an inquiring mind it is ideal: there is some structure to be had but plenty of latitude to go at one’s own pace.
The retreats are well put together and of a piece with that approach. You may come across meditation or a focus on nature and seasonal rhythms, as well as creativity. Some have a deep-seated interest in the community’s values, while others are after something restorative and are drawn by the atmosphere.
Then there is the matter of culture, which has a distinct pulse here. Theatre and live music are not merely ornamental; they are part of the social fabric. The community has a long tradition of supporting artistic endeavour and first-timers can be surprised by it all. These are the means by which people put themselves out there and form connections.
What you will notice is an intimacy to the proceedings, a feeling that the performer and the audience are of the same circle. Be it an acoustic set, world music or a theatre piece with a strong narrative, one does not need to subscribe to any particular philosophy to enjoy it. In a way, the culture is a bridge with no strings attached.
The setting speaks for itself too. There is an ecological awareness in Findhorn’s ethos that you will see in the gardens and the buildings. Things are used with a care that suggests an imperfect but genuine human effort to align daily life with the environment. It changes the nature of a visit; one is entering a landscape and architecture built for a more sustainable existence rather than just showing up at a venue. Whether or not one is sold on the vision, it commands attention.
As for who is there, the mix is wide. One will see artists, teachers and facilitators, those in search of a spiritual or ecological fix, and locals who want to see what the fuss is about or are looking for a change of pace for the weekend. That variety is a quiet strength. No manifesto is required to attend a workshop or take a walk.
Findhorn has its reputation, but the most rewarding way to engage with it is to let go of preconceptions. It is not a closed spiritual enclave or some museum of counterculture but an evolving place where experiment and learning are in the air. For the curious rather than the committed, it is a good invitation to come and have an experience, to listen and rest and get a feel for things, without being sold an idea.