MORAYSHIRE, Scotland – The Scottish community of Findhorn, well-known to British and overseas Pagans and New Age practitioners among others, suffered a devastating fire earlier this month, which it is being investigated to determine whether the fire was arson.
Fire destroys buildings at #Findhornhttps://t.co/S0kLyCMV3Y pic.twitter.com/69jyQTTglX
— Steven McFadden (@StevenMcFadden) April 13, 2021
The Findhorn Foundation, a Scottish charitable trust registered in 1972, became a United Nations training centre in 2006 specialising in environmental policy and sustainability. It was founded by the spiritual community at the Findhorn Ecovillage, which is one of the largest intentional communities in Britain.
Most visitors to the Moray-based centre will be familiar with the hexagonal community centre, regarded as the “spiritual heart of the community,” and the main meditation sanctuary. On April 12th, these were destroyed by fire: emergency services were called to the scene around 2 a.m. and remained on-site for 12 hours. Only part of a staircase and some struts now remain. No one was hurt although around a dozen people needed to be evacuated.
A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fire and investigations into the blaze are ongoing. Joseph Clark (49), described as being of no fixed abode, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court and was represented by Elgin solicitor Ben Thom, with Sheriff Robert Frazer on the bench. The accused man made no plea and has been remanded in custody.
There is an ongoing joint investigation by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue and the Findhorn Foundation will release more information when it becomes available.
Findhorn Universal Hall – Image credit: Arthur Pewtey jr. – CC BY-SA 4.0
Caroline Matters, CEO of the Findhorn Foundation is working closely with trustees of the Findhorn Foundation and the New Findhorn Association convenors David Harrison and Lorraine Rytz-Thériault to coordinate a local community response.
Caroline Matters said, “We are so grateful that no-one was hurt and know that the spirit of the community lives in our hearts and connects us all here in Moray and our global community around the world. Buildings can be rebuilt. Our main concern is to take care of our co-workers and community.”
She also notes that workshops will resume elsewhere on the premises once lockdown restrictions – which are still in place – are lifted.
Matters went on to say, “We do not expect it to have a significant impact on the business but it may require some co-workers and residents to be moved from some buildings to others. The safety and wellbeing of our residents, our community and our guests is of paramount concern. The Findhorn Foundation and community are deeply touched by all the support we are receiving both locally and from around the world.”
As Matters has implied, the intention is to rebuild and fundraising is already underway. One of the mosaic symbols at the centre is the phoenix and, like that mythical bird, it is hoped that the damaged structures will rise from the ashes. This is a significant challenge: the Foundation’s funds are down by 85% due to the pandemic and staff levels have been reduced as a result.
Although the community centre was insured, and some costs will be paid, there is a concern that the insurance payment will not be sufficient to cover the full rebuild.
Volunteers have recently taken part in the annual Kiltwalk as part of the fundraising initiative. Groups of up to six people trekked between the park, the charity’s Cluny Hill accommodation in Forres, Logie Steading and Randolph’s Leap, south of Forres.
The Foundation’s Facebook page says that each of the walkers was invited to scatter a small amount of the Main Sanctuary ashes into the River Findhorn. This was followed by a Gaia ritual and some of the river water was collected to take back to The Park.
The Foundation also published a memorial video of the Community Centre on its YouTube channel.
Donations pledged are due to be topped up by the Hunter Foundation, a proactive venture philanthropic organisation. Donations so far total over £77,000, plus another estimated £10,000, so the centre has now raised over £87,000. The Hunter Foundation will add 50% to that total.
Valerie Whistler, development officer said, “We wanted to take part in this event to respond in a positive way towards what has happened. For everyone taking part, this is not only a walk but a pilgrimage in Scottish tartan, celebrating our heritage while taking the opportunity to express our loss and embrace a bright, bold future. This is a great opportunity for us to raise funds.”
The wider community has been coming together: the Sunrise Panel weaving on the wall in the Sanctuary was destroyed in the fire, but former Community member Vita De Waal has offered the Foundation another one, also made by the Donavourd Weavers in Pitlochry.
She said, “I bought the panel in the 1970s as it was known they would not make them anymore. People should not compare it with the one that burned, as the colours are much more vivid as it has been packed away from the light and therefore has not faded (yet).”
Simon Stedman, the Foundation’s chief financial officer said: “Even as we gather as a community to meditate and hold this situation in the light, we also recognise that this situation does present us with financial needs. If you feel moved to give as an immediate response we will very gratefully receive any donations.”
Caroline Matters in a press release affirmed that:
“Our purpose and commitment is unwavering. We will rebuild, we have been through trials and tough times before and we will make it through this event. Things will resume after Covid-19 restrictions end, as there are other facilities that can be used. We do not expect it to have a significant impact on the business but it may require some co-workers and residents to be moved from some buildings to others.
The safety and well-being of our residents, our community and our guests is of paramount concern. We are deeply grateful to the Scottish Fire Rescue Service for their quick response in containing the fires and ensuring the safety of all concerned. The Findhorn Foundation and community are deeply touched by all the support we are receiving both locally and from around the world.”
The Foundation says that the Phoenix community shop is open for business as usual with their normal opening hours. Visitors to the shop are asked to follow any signs or diversions to park when shopping. The Park is only open to residents until further notice and Health and Safety Manager, Marc Zozaya asks that all barriers and cordons be respected until the area is made safe.
Donations for the Kiltwalk can be pledged to the Findhorn Foundation online.
Donations remain open till 3 May.
The response of British Pagans and followers of similar paths has been one of dismay, and the hope expressed that Findhorn will rebuild.
“Findhorn is a very special place where you can develop. I find it sad that the fire happened. However, I think Findhorn Foundation will be able to reinvent and be reborn once again,” said magical practitioner, Estelliane Kermagoret.
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