EARTH: Despite being one of the smallest Scottish islands

with just 110 residents, the Isle of Eigg is a model of forward-

thinking, sustainable, eco-conscious living.

As the ferry bobbed with the ebb and flow of the tide against the concrete pier at the
Isle of Eigg, there was a delay before the passengers could disembark. Boxes and
parcels were heaved up from the boat to the waiting hands above, and the bow was
double-checked to ensure nothing had been forgotten. Last to be unloaded was a
bundle of newspapers, tightly rolled and individually labelled. As they were lifted, one
slipped and rolled back towards the steps leading down to the water. It was stopped by
the boot of one of the ferry crew just before it reached the edge. Although it was only
a paper, even those just arriving seemed to sense the stakes were higher here and
shared the relief of the islanders waiting on the pier.

Eigg is one of a collection of islands in the Scottish Inner Hebrides called the Small
Isles. It lies 15 miles from the mainland and is reliant on a ferry that runs a few times
a week, weather dependent, for supplies and transport. As such, waste isn't an option
here and sustainability is a necessity.

"Sustainability has always been a part of island and crofting life here," explained
Norah Barnes, Scottish Wildlife Trust ranger on Eigg. "You're a bit more aware of
what you're using. You can't just go to a shop down the road to get something.
Everything that we want, we literally have to lift off the boat."