Horses of Holy Isle

• About this project

  An ongoing photographic study of three wild herds of Eriskay ponies living on Holy Isle, a sacred island off Scotland's west coast with spiritual heritage dating back to the 6th century. Now cared for by Buddhist monks from Samye Ling monastery, Holy Isle is home to the Centre for World Peace and Health - a place of meditation, peace, and natural beauty. Here, three rare herds of Eriskay ponies roam completely free, living wild without human interference in a way almost unique within the UK. The Eriskay pony is one of Britain's rarest native breeds, and these Isle herds represent some of the few remaining semi-feral populations. Over multiple visits to Holy Isle, I've observed and photographed these remarkable ponies as they navigate island life - their herd dynamics, their relationships with each other and the landscape, and their daily encounters with Scotland's raw coastal weather. This is an ongoing project documenting the unique spirit of these wild Scottish ponies and their island home. Photographic prints available by enquiry.