| Anam Cara is a Gaelic word
meaning “soul friend”. It symbolises a spiritual friendship that is not
affected by time, distance, or separation. In the old Celtic tradition, the
Anam Cara was someone you could share your innermost self, mind and heart.
This soul friendship was an act of recognition and belonging helping us
return to the heart of our spirit.
We have chosen this name as a symbol for the 'circle of belonging' that inner
friendship which embraces nature, divinity, spirit and human world as one.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers and friends
who have contributed so generously of their time and effort over the last few
years. Their input has been invaluable in the evolution of Anam Cara. Their
energy, commitment and humour have left their imprint within the very fabric of
the place. |
Anam Cara's workshop venue,
affectionately called "The Tufty Top" |
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The view south from Anam Cara |
Anam Cara lies 600 feet above sea level and overlooks the city of Inverness,
with stunning southerly views towards the Monadhliath Mountains. We are only
three miles from the city centre yet surrounded by farm and woodland. The scope
for walking is endless. The centre is set in seven acres of land. |
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How
to find us
Anam Cara is at the top of Leachkin Brae on the West side on Inverness just
up from Craig Phadrick Fort.
 By
car: (see map - click on the picture for a larger view
To see location of Leachkin - west of Inverness - click here
A9
Follow the signs for Dingwall / Beauly and the A862.
Cross the Caledonian
Canal and take the second on the left at the traffic lights. At the next
traffic lights turn right into Leachkin Road. Go straight ahead at the
first small
roundabout and then turn right where the road makes a sharp bend to the
left. Go uphill
(= Leachkin Brae) one mile to the end of
the road. Anam Cara is on the left hand side behind a green fence. There are two
signposted car parks.
A82
Coming
from Fort William / Fort Augustus turn left on to General Booth Road (signposted Dingwall /
Beauly). At the traffic lights turn left into Leachkin Road.
Go straight ahead at the first small
roundabout and then turn right where the road makes a sharp bend to the
left. Go uphill
(= Leachkin Brae) to the end of the road.
Anam Cara is on the left hand side
behind a green fence. There are two
signposted car parks..
By train and bus:
On arrival at the station, take a taxi to Upper Leachkin, travelling to
the top of Leachkin Brae. The taxi will cost about £5.
By plane:
There is a bus service into Inverness from the airport. The bus leaves
approximately every 90 minutes between 9.50 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. Contact the
airport for detailed information on (01463) 464000. Taking a taxi will
cost you £12-15 to our doorstep |
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Trees feature widely in one form or another. In Anam Cara we run a native tree nursery in
parallel with the centre, producing around 50,000 seedlings per year. We collect
our own seed locally covering a variety of the more common native species. We
are also in the midst of planting a woodland on much of Anam Cara’s eight acre
hill top location. It is our long-term vision to acquire a piece of open hill
ground with a view to establish a native woodland perhaps incorporating solitary
retreat huts. |
Young seedlings of birch in our tree nursery |
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Polytunnel |
We currently grow about an acre of raspberries and a range of vegetables. While
reducing the soft fruit side of things, we hope to increase the quantity of
vegetables available to our guests. All crops are grown organically. The
raspberries are intercropped on a grass/clover sward and receive no added
fertiliser.
Vegetables are grown predominantly in polytunnels, but increasingly, a series of
grass walled terraces contoured on the southern slopes of the croft is being
used.
Compost toilets will be built in the near future. |
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In the spirit of shared experience, we are happy to introduce ‘Friends of
Anam Cara’.
The ‘Friends Programme’ is open to those you have already attended one of
our courses and wish to experience a closer insight into the dynamics of
community living and the day to day running of the centre.
A maximum of two people can participate at any one time, during the period
April-October. Full board and lodgings are offered in exchange for
your time, energy and good humour.
The work will be varied, depending on the requirement of the moment but
whatever the work, guests will be part of a committed team and ever
extending family of friends. |
