Why Holiday on the Isle of Tiree?
Kenavara
Located at the westernmost edge of the Inner Hebrides, little Tiree has been overlooked by generations of ramblers, adventurers, and surfers seeking mountains and magic in Skye, the Highlands, or even Mull. That's not hard to see why: at only 12 miles long and three miles wide, if you blink, you'll miss it. But this tiny slither of green is more than meets the eye.
Visit Tiree, and you'll find the lush, verdant landscape of the Machair – a fertile low-lying grassy plain primarily seen in the Outer Hebrides. This untouched emerald is Scotland's hidden gem. In fact, the island appears to glimmer to passengers flying into Crossapol airport, where the wild seas meet the glistening white beaches that scallop the island's coastline.
For those searching for adventure, peace and seclusion, or a rich island culture, Tiree should be top of your list. Not far from the Scottish mainland, travelling by ferry or plane has never been simpler. From cold water surfing to the island's storied history, you'll never struggle to find something to do. Oh, and those who worry about Tiree being a soggy, damp island should know that we receive the highest levels of sunshine found in the British Isles. (We see more than 220 hours of sunlight in May alone!)
Indeed, Tiree is an island full of surprises and brimming with adventure. It's not a question of why holiday on the Isle of Tiree, but why not? Whether you're seeking a relaxing unwind, a delve into the culture and heritage of Scotland's island culture, or an adventure of foam and fell, Tiree is an unforgettable holiday destination.
The Greatest Beaches in Scotland
It's a bold claim! Forget the frigid waters of Scotland's East Coast (where balmy surfers brave the waves); ignore the muddy, rocky shorelines in Galloway; only on Tiree do you get so much choice squeezed into such a small space.
Most days, you'll find local dog walkers, avid surfers, kite surfers, and even kiteboarders out on the vast white sands. These gateways to the sea are a highlight of the island's geography and are as popular with the wildlife as the holidaymakers.
Out at sea, you're likely to spot minke whales, grey and common seals, porpoises, and dolphins riding through the waves. Meanwhile, the skies are bustling with shags, fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, arctic terns, and other avian species feeding in the coastal shallows or nesting among the towering sea cliffs of Ceann a' Bharra. You may even see a brown hare where the green, lush Machair blurs into sand and sea.
There's a handful of dedicated surfing businesses, including Wild Diamond (at the top of Loch Bhasapol) and Blackhouse Watersports (based at the glorious Balevullin Beach). So impressive are the waves, the island had become a world-renowned surfing location, alongside windsurfing and body boarding.
Oh, and the endless crags and rock pools are a perfect wild introduction to sea life for infants and toddlers. Explore the coastline with a bucket and net, discovering anemones and crabs galore.
Exciting calendar of festivals
Tiree's social calendar is bursting! As the waves and sea begin to increase in power in October, the Tiree Wave Classic comes to town. This week-long festival is the most prestigious windsurfing event in the UK, attracting talented windsurfers from across the country and beyond. The windsurfing season continues till spring, with the strongest waves from December to January.
As spring rolls around, we head out of the sea and onto the sand. The Tiree 10K and half marathon is an annual event held along the island's beaches. Attendees from across the UK (and even as far afield as Brazil) race the island's course through the stunning Hebridean landscape. After the races finish, the legendary dance at An Talla begins. It's the highlight of the island's calendar.
The Tiree Music Festival kicks off the summer months. Started by local musician Daniel Gillespie (and his band Skerryvore), it's rapidly expanded in recent years, winning ten national awards, including Best Small Event at the Scottish Event Awards.
Finally, as Autumn returns, there's time for one last epic event: the Tiree Ultramarathon. Consisting of a gruelling 35-mile course, it's not for the fainthearted. Still, there's nowhere more beautiful to test your limits!
Journey into history
Despite being a small island of just 30 sq. miles, the rolling emerald fields of Tiree hold a rich history. Nor is there a single way to explore the island's past.
Take a hike along the island's northern coastline, and you'll find the Ringing Stone and Dun Mor Vaul. The Ringing Store is believed to be prehistoric, carved by the same people who constructed the tower of Dun Mor Vaul – an iron age broch dating back two thousand years.
In the south, at the village of Hynish, you'll find the Skerryvore Lighthouse Museum: a homage to Hebridean culture. The collection of buildings dates to the raising of Skerryvore Lighthouse– the tallest lighthouse in Scotland – which still stands several miles southwest today. Since 1982, the Hebridean Trust has restored these buildings, transforming the site into an exhibition about island life and the lighthouse's construction.
Must visit spots on Tiree
No trip to Tiree is complete without visiting these beautiful attractions and sites. Here are the bits of Tiree you don't want to miss:
- Dun Mor Bhalla. Found all over the Hebrides and Highlands, brochs are stone towers built defensively by early Scottish peoples. This particular broch is believed to date to 60 CE, serving as an emergency refuge during harsh weather or invasion. The broch was likely inhabited for two to three centuries before gradually falling out of use. Today, the crumbling walls remain a testament to the island's long history.
- MacCallum's Cairn. Reverend Donald MacCallum is remembered fondly on Tiree. During the Highland Clearances, the dear reverend championed the rights of crofters and cottars. Earlier, he had witnessed the cruel and brutal eviction of men on nearby islands before he himself was imprisoned due to his political beliefs. After his release, MacCallum travelled to the island – this cairn remembers his service to the community.
- Kirkapol Chapels. Dating back to the 13th century, the Kirkapol Chapels once served as the religious centre for the island's western portion. The chapels are dedicated to Saint Columba, who passed through the area in the 6th century.
- Kenavara. Not to be missed, Kenavara is the third highest "Ben" on the island – after Ben Hynish and Ben Hough. The giant rock is a haven for seabirds. Among the crags, you'll see shags, fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, ravens, peregrine falcons, and various breeds of gulls. For birdwatchers, there's nowhere better to spend a day. Nearby Kenavara, you can also visit the early monastery of St. Patrick; now little more than a chapel ruin.
Final thoughts
Planning a holiday to Tiree is worth it. The bounty of activities and attractions means there's something every family member can enjoy. From chilling out on the beach to birdwatching at Kenavara, Tiree is a tonic for the soul, a chance to relax and unwind. Alternatively, for the adventurous, there's everything you can imagine: ultramarathons, caving, surfing, windsurfing, hiking, biking, and more. You name it; we do it.
Finally, Tiree's ancient history is carved into the landscape. Hardly any walk is complete without passing the ruins of a once used blacktop house or Pudding House.
What will you do when you visit Tiree? We can't wait to find out and welcome you to the island.
