August ’15 marked another wee step in my quest to understand better the more remote parts of the country.
Last year I managed Arran.
view from The Douglas Hotel
It’s not exactly remote in my mind, but to most folk places are remote if you have to catch a ferry to get there.
I also managed Skye.
Bhatairnis
There’s a bridge now, but you can still take a ferry if you prefer.
This time it was Tiree. Part of the Inner Hebrides, but quite far out into the Atlantic.
I was limited in my choice by having to fly – Dr D would be with me and she has no sea legs. With two flights to pay for, I was looking for a good deal.
FlyBe/Loganair supplied that. £85 each return for a two night stay in August, flying from Glasgow. Loganair has been serving these island destinations since the 1960s, and operates as a FlyBe franchise at the moment.
Tiree Airport
What a great choice Tiree turned out to be. Our B&B was top class, with a spectacular beach at the front door.
“Our” Beach
The island is beautiful and fascinating. It’s hard to imagine a place more different to the mainland.
Tiree is 10 miles (16 km) long. It is 103 miles (165 km) from Glasgow by air. The ferry takes 4 hours from Oban. The population is about 120 and rising. About one third of them speak Gaelic.
Crofts, Haymaking, Machair
The island has nothing as large as a village – just a few settlements like Scarinish, where the ferry arrives. Scarinish also has a bank (no ATM), a garage/filling station and the island’s mini market. The mini market (a Cooperative branch) seemed well stocked and opens on Sundays.
Tiree is wonderful for walking and cycling. We did 3 long walks – lucky the weather was kind to us.
Hynish
I will have many good memories, but one will be lying in bed at night hearing only the sound of waves breaking gently on the nearby beach.
Next?
© iain taylor 2015