Tiree is a relatively small island, being just 12 miles long and 3 miles wide. The island is also fairly flat, with a population of around 700 people. Tiree is part of the Inner Hebrides and is the furthest West island. Often called the 'Sunshine Isle' due to its high levels of sunshine from a warm gulf stream, it gets more sun and warmer weather compared to the rest of Scotland. The island is known for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere.
Tiree was an important settlement for early Celtic and Norse communities and later became a key location for crofting and fishing. Today, the island maintains a strong connection to its Gaelic heritage, with many locals still speaking the language and traditional music playing a central role in community life and Scottish culture.
Tiree is famous for its breathtaking beaches, Gott Bay, Balephuil Bay, and The Green, to name a few. Perfect for walking, relaxing, and watching the wildlife.
Due to its exposure to the Atlantic, Tiree is a top destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The island hosts the annual Tiree Wave Classic, a prestigious windsurfing event attracting windsurfers worldwide.
Tiree Heritage Centre provides further insight into the island's history, culture, and traditions at An Iodhlann, the local heritage centre. The Heritage Centre has a vast collection of historical archives and exhibits. Entry is free and open Monday to Friday in July and August.
Visit The Ringing Stone, a fascinating ancient rock covered in cup marks between Balephetrish and Vaul. It is a must-see on the island for those interested in archaeology.
From Tiree, you can see several nearby islands, depending on your location on the island, and weather conditions play a big part in this. Coll lies just to the East of Tiree and is the closest and most prominent island visible from Tiree's shores. You can see the Isle of Mull to the East on a good day. Looking west, you sometimes catch a glimpse of Barra which is part of the Outer Hebrides. The Cuillin mountain range on the Isle of Skye is visible on a perfect day.
Reaching Tiree is relatively straightforward despite its remote location. You can drive or take public transport from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Oban. The bus stop and train station in Oban are in the centre of the town beside the ferry terminal. CalMac operates a ferry service from Oban, the gateway to the Islands, to Tiree, which takes approximately four hours. Loganair provides direct flights to Tiree from Glasgow Airport, with a flight time of around an hour. The island's small airport is near the main village of Scarinish.
If you're exploring the Hebrides, consider visiting nearby islands such as Coll, which lies just to the East, or the Isle of Mull, a larger island that you pass on the ferry to Tiree, which is known for its dramatic scenery and wildlife.
