Historical Summary
Traigh Bhan was built in 1923 as a simple house overlooking the Sound of Iona. Its story changed when Jessica Ferreira purchased the property in 1960, recognising its potential as a place for spiritual reflection and renewal.
Working with Lucy Bruce, Jessica established the Sanctuary. Through her friendship with Peter and Eileen Caddy and the emerging Findhorn Foundation, Traigh Bhan became part of a wider network of people exploring spirituality, service, and community. Correspondence and guidance from this period reveals an unfolding vision that linked Iona, Findhorn, and Glastonbury as a ‘triangle of light’ and pilgrimage.
In 1972, Jessica gifted Traigh Bhan to the Findhorn Foundation, ensuring it would be preserved “for the many who would be drawn there”. The Sanctuary was reconsecrated at Michaelmas that year by David Spangler, and stewardship was entrusted to dedicated custodians and the newly formed Iona Group.
Following restoration in 1984, Traigh Bhan became a year-round retreat house, welcoming guests seeking stillness, renewal, and connection with Iona’s landscape and spiritual heritage. Since then, Findhorn Foundation staff, friends, programme participants, custodians, volunteers, and pilgrims have found a home inspired by spiritual purpose, inner work, love, and light.
Traigh Bhan photo Adriana Sjan Bijman
1920 – 1960
1923: Traigh Bhan, Iona is built for £700 by Messers Spiers of Glasgow.
1944: Jessie MacDonald receives the Feu Disposition from the National Trust for Scotland.
1960: Jessica Ferreira purchased Traigh Bhan and began a new chapter in its history. Working alongside Lucy Bruce, Jessica established the Sanctuary at Traigh Bhan, creating a place for contemplation, retreat, and spiritual practice.
1965 – 1971
1965: Peter Caddy’s visit to Iona strengthens the emerging connection between Traigh Bhan, Findhorn, and Glastonbury, laying foundations for future collaboration.
1968-1971: Ongoing correspondence between Jessica Ferreira, Peter Caddy, and others reflects a growing vision for Traigh Bhan’s future as a sanctuary serving many.
1972 – 1979
1972: A landmark year. Jessica Ferreira gifts Traigh Bhan to The Findhorn Foundation, David Spangler reconsecrates the Sanctuary, and Katherine and Roger Collis become custodians until they returned to the USA. The Iona Group is established to care for Traigh Bhan.
1979: Representatives of the Lorians, Chinook, Lindisfarne (USA) & Findhorn Foundation met to discuss the future of Traigh Bhan. The idea to create an Institute never happened as funds were not available. Findhorn Foundation retained custodianship, recognising that Traigh Bhan needed a lot of structural work.
1983 – 1985
1983: Plans developed to open Traigh Bhan as a meditation retreat, helping generate income for restoration.
1984: Traigh Bhan is extensively rebuilt for year-round use under the direction of John Talbott, with Craig Gibsone, Ian Turnbull, JR Fulton, and many others.
Traigh Bhan drawing by Harley Miller for Sights&Insights
1985 – 2024
1986: Following Jessica Ferreira’s death, her son Christopher Ferreira writes to Eileen Caddy to affirm his mother’s deep peace and gratitude that Traigh Bhan had been entrusted to the Findhorn Foundation.
1985-2024
The Iona Group and Custodians supporting the stewardship of Traigh Bhan included Rosie Turnbull, Niels Paulsen, Erica Jakobs, and many others.
2024-present
Establishing charitable status and a vision for group stewardship is the model for the way forward. Traigh Bhan continues to welcome individuals and groups for retreats, inner work, stillness and pilgrimage, carrying the Community’s vision of applied spirituality.
Traigh Bhan Sactuary window photo Hugo Klip
(Last updated 20 August 2026)
FX in 1981, Orientation in 1982. Served in the Findhorn Foundation in a multitude of roles – Findhorn Press, PR, part of the group of parents who started the Moray Steiner School, focalised Sacred Dance Workshops, the Iona Group, Retreats, Conferences, FX & Core Programmes, Outreach Education.
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