The charming Isle of Tiree is the most westerly of the Inner Hebridean islands and at about 12 miles long and three miles wide, it’s relatively small. The landscape of Tiree is rather flat and has been described as ‘a raised beach’ and ‘the land below the waves’. The island is also known for its fertile soils and has a strong crofting heritage.
Long hours of sunshine
The island is one of the sunniest places in the UK, and with the moderating influence of the warm Gulf Stream, winter temperatures are generally higher than on the mainland, while summer evenings are warm and balmy.
Great gusts!
Tiree is also known as a windy place, with the strongest winter gales normally occurring in December and January. The advantage, however, is that midges are almost non-existent in summer. It’s a mecca for windsurfers, particularly each October when the island hosts the Tiree Wave Classic, the most prestigious and longest standing windsurfing event on the British calendar.
White sands
The beautiful beaches provide miles of potential sandcastles, gently sloping paddling pools, and, of course, windsurfing for the more adventurous. The abundance of birds and other wildlife will keep naturalists engrossed for many an hour, while the pretty coastline is perfect for long peaceful walks.
Preserving the past
Tiree's history and architecture capture the imagination, revealing island life in bygone ages. There are several interesting archaeological remains including a broch and several crannogs. The heritage centres at Scarinish and Hynish also give an insight into island life in the past through relics, stories, poems, maps and more.
