Editor’s Note: This post was initially researched for a different story but was not included there in the end. We offer it now as part of the community consultation, CHI’26 Storyfest 22-24 Sept 2026 in the Moray Art Centre (MAC).

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April 2021

For over fifty years, the Sanctuary at the Ecovillage Findhorn had been its spiritual heart; a small, homely shed where thousands of residents and visitors had gathered to pray and meditate daily. It was here that Eileen Caddy, one of the founders, meditated each morning. As the Community grew, the seemingly crazy idea that this was to be a centre of light for the world gradually became felt and visible.

Now, it was nothing more than a smouldering heap of wet, black ash. Nearby, the Community Centre, where meals had been shared and laughter had echoed through decades, had also been torched. That Spring morning, the sun rose on a scene of devastation. Steam curled into the air from a crater of charred timber and stone. The heart of the Ecovillage Findhorn Community was gone.

Community Centre fire aftermath photo Lorenz Gramann

The fire was enormous. Five engines were called to the scene in the early hours. People woke up to loud bangs and engine noises. The bangs sounded like explosions. In fact, the main tree columns supporting the buildings were exploding, caused by the heat of the fire. Many residents simply stood there, shocked. It was a clear, starlit night, and very cold. Sparks from the burning buildings flew up and drifted slowly eastwards.

Park Ecovillage Findhorn after the fires 2021 photo Mark Richards

That the flames did not spread further was entirely due to the work of the firefighters, who were the heroes of the night.

Firefighters at the Community Centre photo Mark Richards Aurora Imaging

Nobody was physically harmed, but the psychological toll was significant. Trauma rippled through a community already threadbare from losses of recent years. Brexit had severed the international lifeblood of the Community, and COVID had ravaged its economic foundation. Staff were laid off. Programs were suspended. Visitors, once the heartbeat of the place, had disappeared. Now, with the fire, even the symbols of spiritual resilience had vanished. What followed was a time of tremendous change.

Community Centre bench after the fire 2021 photo Mark Richards Aurora Imaging

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Top image by Lorenz Gramann

COIF TEAM

Inspired by CommUnity, a group of NFA volunteers, manages this website. Hearing each others stories, and learning about the history of this community can help us all to find more cohesion and a sense of belonging. Read more.&lt