About Easdale: Community Profile
Easdale Island has in total 69 inhabited houses, of which 28 are occupied by permanent residents. A further 36 are second homes of people who regularly visit at weekends or holidays and some of these homes have been in the same family for many generations since the Island's industrial heyday. Five houses are used for holiday letting.
In addition to the houses there is the pub/restaurant, the museum, the community hall, the ferry shed, and the Coalree which is used as a workshop by the local builder.
All residential property is freehold and owned mainly by the occupiers. The major part of the Island which is not occupied by housing was bought in 1985 by Mr Clive Feigenbaum and has now been inherited by his son Jonathan who resides in England.
At the present time there are over 60 permanent residents, including children of school age or younger. Children attend the nursery and primary school in Ellenabeich on the mainland and thereafter Oban High School. There is a well-balanced spread of ages. More than half the population is aged between 20 and 60, and less than 20 per cent are older than 60. This is unlike many communities in similar circumstances which often have a large number of retired people, and demonstrates a good basis for future sustainability.
The residents have a wide and varied range of occupations and professions. Some work from home and run successful island businesses and many commute to Oban, Lochgilphead and beyond. The essential ferry service run by the local authority employs 2 ferrymen and a rope handler who live on the island along with their families. The local builder/developer, boat trip business and the bar and restaurant provide many employment opportunities on the island and seasonal part time posts are also created in the museum and community hall.
Easdale Island: The Square
Please use the scroll bar beneath the image to view the panorama.
