“You’re going to Erraid” !

 

In December 1977 my wife Alice Rigan and I were reaching the end of our five-month work exchange programme at the Findhorn Foundation.

One morning I heard the words, “You’re going to Erraid.” It was more a thought than an actual voice. Since I didn’t know what an Erraid was, I thought nothing more of it … until a few days later. This time, I was just coming out of the Park Sanctuary after morning meditation and I heard the same thought, ”You’re going to Erraid.”

On my way to my work department in the Universal Hall I overheard someone say that Peter (Caddy) had just returned from Erraid. I decided to get some insight about the word. Babs, our mentor told me that members were going to check out the Island of Erraid, near Iona, for a caretaking assignment. I told her I had heard You’re going to Erraid. She said the minibus was full, but, if it was meant for me to go, I should be ready at Cluny reception at 5:30am on the morning of departure. I was packed and ready as people began to gather for the bus from The Park. Word came that Dutch Michel was ill and couldn’t go, opening a space for me.

The three days I spent on Erraid led Alice and I to return to Findhorn after a short break, take up the members’ orientation programme and move to Erraid in May 1978 as Erraid Pioneers.

Terry Ryan