The
Isle of Tiree is the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides.
It is relatively small - about twelve miles long and three miles
wide - and very flat. Although the name means 'the land of corn'
it has been described variously as 'a raised beach' and 'the land
below the waves'.
The
island has a benign climate with some of the highest levels of sunshine
recorded anywhere in the British Isles. It benefits from the moderating
influence
of the Gulf Stream ensuring that frost in the winter is
rare and evenings in
mid-summer are warm and balmy.
Tiree
is exposed to the Atlantic - and has the reputation of often being
extremely windy. Prolonged spells of strong winds are unusual between
May and August and the strongest winds normally occur in December
and January.
In
1883, George, eighth Duke of Argyll wrote that the climate was "far
better than that of the mainland. There is much less rain, the rainfall
scarcely exceeding the average of from 35 to 40 inches. I fully
expect that 'far on in summers I shall not see' the island of Tiree
will be a great resort of health. Its strong yet soft sea-air -
its comparative dryness - its fragrant turf, full of wild thyme
and clover - its miles of pure white sandy bays, equally pleasant
for riding, driving, or walking, or for sea-bathing - and last,
not least, its unrivalled expanses for the game of golf - all combine
to render it most attractive and wholesome in the summer months.
My own tastes would lead me to add as a special recommendation its
wealth of sky ringing with the song of skylarks, which are extraordinarily
abundant."
Since
that time the island has lost none of its charms.
More recently
the island was described by Helen Story in her article ETHICA as
'an enchanted island ... we are dreaming away the golden days where
there are neither hills nor trees nor anything sensational to catch
the eye. The sea rolls on in miles and miles of sandy bays with
opalescent reflections in its pools and shallows.
The sky stretches
from horizon to horizon, with an ever changing panorama of clouds,
great banks of heavy cumulus, long, bright rows of sun-kissed cirrus,
mares' tails frisking before the wind, little dappled clouds all
over with the blue peeping through. And when the sun drops towards
the west a gorgeous transformation scene takes place, with a light
that never was on sea or land. The sky changes to orange, gold,
rose, the clouds above are crimson in the setting sun, while to
the east the hills of Mull stand out amethyst against a background
of pale primrose, their hollows just touched with the gleam of gold.
Rhum and Skye seem towering to heaven, and in the far south Jura,
and in the far north Uist, lie soft like pale blue pearls.'
Today
the island still has a unique charm which draws those who seek peace
and tranquility. It is a haven for all who have an interest in flora
and fauna, ornithology, history, geology and sport. It is also rightly
regarded by those who experience the tranquility of Tiree as a 'peaceful
place' - somewhere to relax and enjoy the wonderful beauty of nature.
There
is a regular air services operated by Flybe from
Glasgow and by Hebridean
Air Services from Oban. These services operate to the island throughout the year. Caledonian MacBrayne
run a regular ferry service from Oban with seven crossings
each week in the summer and five in the winter.
You
are guaranteed a warm welcome once you arrive on the island and
there is a wide variety of very comfortable
accommodation available
to the visitor.
ISLAND LINKS
Tiree Community Website
www.isleoftiree.com/
An Iodhlann
www.aniodhlann.org.uk
Tiree Community Development Trust
www.tireetrust.org.uk/
Dorinda Johnson
www.dorindajohnson.co.uk/
Wild Diamond
www.surfschoolscotland.co.uk/
Chocolate and Charms
www.chocolatesandcharms.co.uk/
Tiree Images
www.tireeimages.com/
Hebridean Trust
www.hebrideantrust.org/
Tiree Fitness Solutions
www.tireefitness.co.uk
Patricia Sharp Studio Gallery
www.patriciasharpart.com/
Tiree Glass
TRAVEL
LINKS
Caledonian MacBrayne
www.calmac.co.uk/
Flybe/Loganair
www.flybe.com/
Hebridean Air Services
www.hebrideanair.co.uk/
Tiree Airpor
t
ACCOMMODATION
Visitor information including current accommodation is available from the community website
www.isleoftiree.com/
MAINLAND ACCOMMODATION
Places we have stayed in the Oban area and which we recommend:
Lochvoil House / Oban
www.lochvoilhouse.co.uk/
Braeside Guest House / Kilmore / Oban
www.braeside.net/
Thornloe Guest House / Oban
www.thornloeoban.co.uk
Ronebhal Guest House / Connel
www.ronebhal.co.uk/
Places we have stayed in Scotland and which we recommend:
Ewich House / Crainlarich
www.ewich.co.uk/
Craigatin House / Pitlochry
www.craigatinhouse.co.uk/
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