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Do you have a question about the Isle of Tiree? Want to know more about getting to the Isle of Tiree? What to pack? How to get fuel? How to get cash? Look no further…

FAQs

  • By car to Oban or there is a bus to Oban from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Terminal three times a day and a train departs from Glasgow Central once every hour. Bear in mind that you will likely miss that day’s ferry and an overnight stay in Oban may be required. Some might say that is a bonus!

  • There is no conventional bus or taxi service on the island, however, you can contact John Kennedy Transport for private hire (e.g. ferry / airport transfers, island trips, evenings out, TMF, etc.). Call 07789551959 or email info@johnkennedytransport.co.uk

  • Yes, you can! The Tiree ferry is a “roll on - roll off” ferry with a car deck. All you need to do is book a ferry ticket in advance, especially during peak season. Passengers must leave their vehicles and remain in one of the upper passenger decks for the duration of the journey. Also see FAQ on bringing pets further down.

  • Yes, you can! Tiree has a small but perfectly formed airport (with honesty coffee bar!) and usually there are daily flights from Glasgow and Oban. Note that during Covid-19 a different schedule may be operated. You can find out more here.

  • Tiree is perfect for cycling. All you need to do is head to the ferry port and purchase a ticket. The ferry staff will show you where to park your bicycle on the car deck and then you can head up to the passenger deck to enjoy the views. You can use the Scotland Highland Explorer train to get your bike to Oban - each carriage has 20 bike racks. And enjoy some amazing stops along the way!

  • There is a generous luggage storage area for foot passengers as you step on to the ferry. Once on board you can find yourself a comfortable seat and settle in for the journey.

  • Pets are free of charge on the ferry and for foot passengers with pets there is a designated seating area. You can find more detailed guidance here. Note, a special procedure applies currently where a zero value pet ticket is needed in advance.

    You will find plenty of holiday accommodation that allow pets but please check in advance.

    Please be aware of sheep and cows roaming near roads without fencing, especially during lambing season. Keep pets on leads near animals or wildlife and keep Tiree clean!

  • Due to the size of the plane luggage space is limited. A 15kg luggage limit applies on the flight from Glasgow. A small bag can be taken on board and stowed under the seat in front. Get ready to duck as you board so you don’t bump your head and keep a camera handy for the amazing views.

  • Foot passengers do not need to book ferry tickets in advance, except during really busy times (e.g. during the Tiree Music Festival). If travelling with a pet this is strongly advised too.

  • The roads on Tiree may look quaint compared to what you’re used to at home but as you will quickly discover they are busy in their own way. Expect to see everyone from bird watchers out for a stroll and families on bikes to tractors and flocks of sheep. The majority of roads are single carriage, meaning there is only enough space for one car at a time. For this purpose, passing places exist (diamond shaped sign). Just pull in the one on your side of the road (not the other side!) and let the vehicle(s) coming toward you pass. If you see headlights and hazard lights you must always pull into a passing place as this means someone is on their way to an emergency.

    Passing places are not mini car parks. We know the views are awesome, but don’t be tempted to park in one of these.

    You may see cows and sheep on the roads. Common grazing is practised here, which means livestock are free to wander where they please and if you’re driving at night it's good to take your time as the cows can be hard to spot. If a crofter is moving their herd or flock, pull over, switch off your engine and enjoy the Hebridean safari as it moves past.

    Everyone has the right to use Tiree roads so when you see cyclists, don't drive past them, just wait for them to pull off to the side of the road or into a passing place. Ensure you are familiar with the new Highway Code H1, H2 and H3, and give cyclists and horse-riders 1.5 meters when passing. As it's often windy on Tiree they might not hear you so be patient.

    Finally, neighbours may well stop their cars in front of you to have a chat for a few minutes. That is the beauty of island life!

  • Due to the island being mostly flat, it’s perfect for cycling. Cycle on the left hand side. The roads can be narrow and it’s best to pull into the nearest passing place to let cars pass. Be aware of the new Highway Code and give cyclists a 1.5m birth when passing. See bike rentals FAQ if you would like to hire a bike or the can I bring a bike FAQ if you want to bring your own.

  • There are several places that offer bike hire. Tiree Fitness have a range of bikes for hire (including e-bikes) - contact Will 07867304640. Blackhouse Watersport rent out mountain bikes - contact Iona 07736330829.

  • There are several moorings next to the ferry pier in Gott Bay for boats under 15 tonnes. There is a daily fee payable of £12. An honesty box is in place for cash payments, or advance bookings can be paid by emailing moorings@tireetrust.org.uk.

  • Tiree has two surf schools. In addition to surfing, you can learn kite surfing, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, Paddleboard and so much more. Book Blackhouse Watersport online or email info@wilddiamond.co.uk at Wild Diamond for more information.

  • Loch fishing permits are available on the Isle of Tiree only; the season runs from 18th April to 30th September. Contact Argyll Estates (Argyll Estates keeper - Mobile 07752 662847) for more information. Sea fishing can be arranged with Tiree Sea Tours.

  • No, not at all! At Scarinish you’ll find a Co-Op containing most things you’ll need for your trip, and in Crossapol you’ll find a well stocked community store, ‘Buth A Bhaile’. Pop in for warm breakfast rolls or fresh fish. You won’t go hungry here!

  • At Scarinish you’ll find public toilets a two minute walk from the Co-Op and if you head down to the Pier there is a coin operated shower and laundrette located right behind Yellow Hare. There are also public toilets at the Rural Centre at Crossapol near the airport. Water is also available in Scarinish. Facilities at Scarinish are run on a voluntary basis. There is a donation box located on the outside of the building.

  • The Isle of Tiree is located in the Gulf Stream, which means that it very rarely drops below freezing. Average daytime temperatures in winter drop to about 8 degrees and at night to about 4 . So no need to bring an arctic coat! Bringing a hat is a good idea. Even better, buy a local woolly.

  • Wild Camping is defined by the Land Reform Scotland Act 2003 as ‘lightweight’ camping in ‘small numbers’ on ‘unenclosed land’. For campers this simply means experiencing the island’s natural beauty up close and personal. Wild Camping embodies three simple values: Respect the interests of others; Care for the environment; Take responsibility for your own actions.

    The right to wild camp on Tiree is enshrined by law.  Wild Camping is for people on foot, bike or kayak only (so no cars or vans). To minimise the effect on the environment, you can stay on one spot for 3 nights, giving you and your friends a great excuse to move around and see and explore other parts of the island. Don’t forget to take your rubbish with you. The only evidence of your trip should be all the envy inducing photos on Instagram! 

  • Yes! You can either camp at the privately managed Wild Diamond Campsite in Balinoe (booking advisable 07712159205;  info@tireecampsite.co.uk), the campsite at Sunset Croft in Balevullin (call Lorna on 07748286784, or check out the website) or stay on one of our many Croft Camping sites. More information on Croft Camping can be found here. You can also book these cute cabins or these overlooking the sea.

  • Yes! There is a laundrette near the ferry pier operated by Yellow Hare. Have a coffee and a cake, freshen up in the coin operated shower and run your clothes through the washing machine at the same time! 

  • The fuel station is very close to the pier in Scarinish. Both petrol and diesel are available. It’s self service and you need to take note of how much fuel you have taken, head into the shop, and pay. Note the price is likely to be a little higher than on the mainland due to transportation costs. There is also an electric charge point in the carpark at the pier. A new petrol station is due to open later in 2022 in Crossapol with 2 electric charging points.

  • Scotland and England both use Pound Sterling as their currency but the design is different in each country. You won't have a problem using English notes in Scotland but some businesses in England are somewhat confused by Scottish notes and may refuse to accept it, though it is perfectly legal tender.

  • The vast majority of businesses on Tiree let you pay by card and support contactless payments too. However, some services, like the pier laundry and coin operated shower, require change. Make sure you bring some cash as there is no ATM!

  • There isn't a cash machine on Tiree but that doesn't mean you can't withdraw money. There is an RBS branch in Scarinish, open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until 2.30 pm. You can withdraw your daily limit amount from the Post Office of which there are two on Tiree. One is located inside the red roofed house in Scarinish and the other is in ‘Buth A Bhaile’, which is Tiree’s community shop. A second option is asking for cash-back in the local Co-Op and a few island businesses also provide that service.

  • Water gear (wetsuit if you’re not used to cold water - though if your suitcase is too small you can rent one here), binoculars, hiking boots, sunglasses, sun hat (summer days are very long with many hours of sunshine), a warm woolly for the evenings, cash (see ATM FAQ), full tank of petrol, and a big smile.

  • Tiree has several internet providers and most island properties are connected. There is a free internet hotspot in the rural centre at Crossapol, close to the airport.

  • Tiree has a medical practice. They can be contacted on 01879 220323. Opening hours can be found here.

  • Coll & Tiree Vets are located in Kenovay (PA77 6UU) and are able to treat cats and dogs as well as horses, cattle and sheep. You can contact them on 01879 220571 or email info@collandtireevets.co.uk.

  • An Iodhlann, pronounced ‘an-ee-lun’, is the historical centre on the island located in Scarinish, a small treasure trove of information with a year round exhibition.

 

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