It is just a rocky little island off the Scottish west coast, with nothing to distinguish it except for the remains of a 13th century keep. But yesterday Little Cumbrae became a centre for pilgrimage, its status elevated to that of the Himalayas and the banks of the Ganges. It even acquired a new name — in honour of the occasion, it will now be known as Peace Island Hundreds of followers of the celebrated, if controversial, Indian yoga guru, Swami Ramdev, gathered on the island to witness an unorthodox union of East and West. The swami, wearing his trademark orange robes and a serene smile, was accompanied by a bagpiper as he began the ceremony that gave Little Cumbrae its new identity.

Swami Ramdev, who has 80 million followers around the globe, is the Indian equivalent of a rock star, with crowds of up to 10,000 at his outdoor events. He is also no stranger to controversy. He has suggested that his techniques can help to treat cancer and Aids, arguing that his teachings are based on science. He has also described homosexuality as a disease. “It can be treated like any other congenital defect,” he told the Indian Supreme Court recently. “Such tendencies can be treated by yoga, pranayama [breathing exercises] and other meditation techniques.”

His fame, or notoriety, may not be as great in Scotland as it is elsewhere, but if yesterday’s event is anything to go by, that could be just a matter of time. Hundreds of fans from all over the world descended on the island to get a glimpse of their hero, or if they were lucky, a touch or quick word.

Others simply visited to enjoy the scenery. Yesterday was the first time in memory that the privately owned, uninhabited island had been open to the public.

Speaking through translators, Swami Ramdev said Little Cumbrae could become “a centre of great pilgrimage”. Its beauty reminded him of his base in his homeland. “It is like the Himalayas and the banks of the Ganges,” he said.

Although he said he wanted to “heal everyone on the globe”, he declined to speculate on whether gays would be welcome there. “Homosexuality is not good, or bad, or legally right or wrong. It is not constitutionally right in India but I don’t want to say anything outside the country in the UK.”

In a short demonstration of his techniques, the guru carried out some deep-breathing exercises. He also showed off some of his yoga moves, including balancing on one leg, and walking on his hands.

The island was bought last month for about £2 million by Sam and Sunita Poddar, originally from India but who have lived in Glasgow for 25 years. After Swami Ramdev’s teachings helped Mrs Poddar lose three stones, the couple dedicated themselves to spreading the word, running the UK branch of the Patanjali Yog Peeth Trust, a registered charity and sister organisation of the guru’s organisation in India.

Mrs Poddar said the movement had been looking for an island base when she heard about the sale of Little Cumbrae on her birthday last November and decided it must be fate. Her husband, then in Toronto, advised her to wait until he got home, but she was not prepared to jeopardise their chances. “I said, ‘It’s my birthday. Can I just have it as my birthday gift?’ He said, ‘Okay’, and I put in an offer.”

The Poddars, who made their fortune in the care-home sector, hope the centre will help transform Scotland’s record for poor health. “When we talk about health it is not just physical, it is mental and spiritual,” Mrs Poddar said. She also revealed that clinical trials are about to start to test the techniques on prostate cancer, cardiac patients and primary school pupils.

Swami Ramdev led the inauguration ceremony. At the blessing, closed to the public, a group lit incense and dropped wax on to a fire, and threw offerings of nuts, rice and grains.

Up to 100 people will be able to stay at the retreat at any one time. Guests will be offered therapies including yoga, massages, and specially devised diets, incorporating fruits and herbs. Laughter classes will also be on offer, and visitors will be encouraged to explore the 700-acre island and its scenic walking trails. The retreat will be free to those who cannot afford it but others face an undisclosed charge.

There are hopes that the island could become a big tourist attraction. Among those attending yesterday’s event were 250 visitors from India, and a further 100 from London. Abhishek Varma, who runs the travel company that organised the trips, said: “We’re planning to have regular tours, and are looking at 20,000 people annually.” Others are expected to come from closer to home, such as Pushpa and Sadhu Gupta, both doctors from Kilmacolm, in Renfrewshire.

Mr Gupta, 65, an eye specialist, said: “I get up every morning to watch his television programme at 5.30am and do the yoga moves.”

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