Nestled in the northeast of Scotland, The Park, Ecovillage Findhorn has long stood as a beacon for spiritual inquiry, ecological innovation, and community living. But in recent years, like so many communities worldwide, Findhorn has faced immense challenges – and now, against all odds, it is rising once more, renewed by the very principles on which it was founded.
Photo Credit: Mark Richards @Auroraimaging
From Crisis to Community Resurgence
The past few years brought a storm of trials to The Park, Ecovillage Findhorn: Brexit, the Covid pandemic, and the global energy crisis heavily impacted our ability to welcome visitors, host educational programmes, and keep vital facilities like the Universal Hall open. Shops closed. Events stopped. The Moray Arts Centre went quiet.
Then, tragedy struck twice – the heart of the community was physically damaged when two iconic buildings, the Community Centre and the Sanctuary (our meditation hall), were lost to devastating fires. We lost our places of gathering, grieving, sharing, and envisioning.
Financially, the knock-on effects were severe. The Findhorn Foundation (FF), once the organisational hub of the ecovillage, ceased operations entirely in November 2023. Over 150 jobs were lost, and the local economy suffered the loss of an estimated £5 million in annual impact. It was a time of heartbreak and uncertainty.
But this community – rooted in its original spirit and deep dedication of many who hold such a deep love for this place – did not give up.
The Buyout: A New Model Rooted in Democracy and Ownership
In May 2023, as the situation grew dire, four long-standing community members – John Talbott, Durten Lau, Maria Cooper, and Michael Shaw – founded the Ecovillage Findhorn Community Benefit Society (EF CBS). With determination and deep listening, they initiated a grassroots movement toward full community ownership of the land and infrastructure.
Through a transparent and inclusive process, a new elected board was formed in November 2023. By November 18th, 2024 – exactly 62 years and a day after Dorothy Maclean, Eileen and Peter Caddy arrived in the Park – the first major stages of the land purchase were successfully completed. Backed by over £415,000 of community-raised investment, and with full democratic oversight, the future of Findhorn was secured by the community, for the community.
Since then, EF CBS has continued to grow in strength, partnering with Moray Council, the Scottish Government, Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), and others to ensure a solid foundation for the next era of Findhorn’s evolution. And up till this point, the work continues, more funds are being raised, more buildings are being brought into community ownership, and new ways of stewarding the legacy are found.
Findhorn is not only open and alive, it’s regenerating, reimagining, and rerooting in its founding principles of co-creation with nature, deep inner listening and love in action.
A Sanctuary Reborn
Perhaps the most symbolic milestone of this rebirth came on Easter Sunday 2025, with the grand opening of the new Sanctuary of Light – a sacred space and spiritual anchor for the community used for meditation and prayer.
The Sanctuary has always been central to life in The Park, Ecovillage Findhorn, reflecting the deep spiritual undercurrent of the community. Its loss in the fire was a profound grief. Now, this reborn Sanctuary held in community ownership is a true light in the heart of the village.
Read more about the Sanctuary’s reopening
Photo Credit: Mark Richards @Auroraimaging
Festivals Revive the Heart of the Community
We are now welcoming people to experience a new upsurge in activity, as community creativity blossoms through a wave of fresh initiatives and festivals that breathe new life into the land and spirit of Findhorn:
Photo Credit: Mark Richards @Auroraimaging
Meanwhile, the beloved Phoenix Café has been quietly hosting wildly successful community events, including last year’s Solstice Festival, which drew over 400 people.
Photo Credit: Mark Richards @Auroraimaging
A Personal Reflection: Why I Love Findhorn
I’ve lived in the Parc, Ecovillage Findhorn for nearly six years now, having first arrived at the sweet age of 19 as a volunteer through the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN). That experience opened the door to a world of inspiring projects and extraordinary people, and offered me a welcoming entry point into the Findhorn community that profoundly grew my sense of purpose and direction.
A big shout-out to GEN here – I’m just one of many lives deeply touched and transformed by it. My journey is a reflection of the impact these networks can have: creating real pathways for young people to connect with purpose, discover community, and find their gifts – so they can offer them back in service to the beautiful ecosystem of ecovillages around the world.
A community rooted in a rich history of co-creation – not only between humans but also with the with the natural kingdoms of plant, animal, and mineral life, as well as the angelic, elemental, and subtle realms. This deep interspecies and interdimensional communication has long been a hallmark of Findhorn and remains profoundly relevant today – as beautifully reflected in the Kincentric Leadership project that is inspired by long-time Findhorn community member Anna Kovasna (now living in the French Pyrenees) and draws from her years of leadership within GEN and her commitment to nurturing a worldview where all life is seen as kin.
Just this past Solstice, the “Arc of Solstice” initiative wove together a series of events honoring both the seen and unseen realms. One special gathering in the original garden invited participants to attune to the land, listen to enchanted storytelling, and open their senses to the more-than-human world. Soundscapes from the “ Music of the Plants” technology – a fascinating device from our sister community Damanhur that lets plants express themselves through music – deepened the experience, while the theme was also explored with humor through theatrical acts, bringing a playful and creative lens to our connection with the more-than-human world.
Photo Credit: Mark Richards @Auroraimaging
Nevertheless, like many communities in the ecovillage network, the Park, Ecovillage Findhorn is also an aging community. We’re actively working to create pathways for young people to come, learn, explore – and perhaps even make this their home. So if you feel inspired by the vision, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can support you in planning your visit.
You Can Be Part of This Too
As of today, there are many ways you can get involved and become part of this evolving, regenerative story:
Explore life at Findhorn by staying in our cosy 18-bed accommodation, with spaces available in both the Guest Lodge and the Bunk House. Whether you’re coming for a short break or a longer stay, you’re welcome for anywhere from 3 to 28 days. Workshop facilitators are also supported, with accommodation available for your participants.
While you’re here, immerse yourself in our vibrant local life – enjoy organic shopping, relax in two local cafés, and connect with nature at the Findhorn River, Bay and beach. Sweat it out in the beach sauna, head out on scenic hikes, or join in open mic nights, festivals, and social gatherings. You’ll also find inspiring events at the Universal Hall and plenty more to discover.
Photo Credit: Mark Richards @Auroraimaging
Whether you’ve known the Park, Ecovillage Findhorn for decades or are just discovering us now – you are welcome. There’s a place for you in this unfolding story.
Want to know more about our roots?
Explore the “Celebration of One Incredible Family” website, a collective autobiography and history of the founders and vision that still guide us today.
The Park, Ecovillage Findhorn is open. Alive. Listening. Transforming.
The next chapter of this Village of Light is being co-created!
P.S. Curious to visit? Check out our updated profile on the Ecovillage Map for all the details on how to come and experience Findhorn for yourself.
Written by Carolin Waldmann
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A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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