The founder of the Findhorn Foundation has died at the age of 89. Eileen Caddy established the spiritual community at Findhorn near Forres in Moray, 44 years ago with her late husband, Peter, and friend Dorothy Maclean.
She had been cared for by family and friends over the past two years as her health deteriorated.
The foundation, home to 400 people, is one of the UK’s largest alternative spiritual communities.
Mr and Mrs Caddy helped set up the Findhorn settlement after losing their jobs at a hotel in Forres. They set their sights on self-efficiency and the foundation became famous for its garden produce.
The couple developed the community into providing spiritual educational programmes and workshops, which have attracted thousands.
Mrs Caddy was made an MBE two years ago in recognition of her services to spiritual inquiry.
She was too frail to travel to Buckingham Palace and, instead, received the accolade at the foundation.
Mari Hollander, a former Findhorn Foundation director, said: “She has been a profound inspiration to me in my more than 30 years in this community.
“She will continue to be honoured by all of us for her commitment to serve the highest and the best, and for the ‘divinely ordinary’ example she has given us.”