All About Tiree
Introduction – Tiree’s Gaelic name, Tir fo Thuinn – “Land below the waves”, is a good description of this flat, sunny Scottish island with a reputation for glorious beaches, and abundant flowers and birds.
However, it has also earned the title “Hawaii of the North” from windsurfers who are attracted to the island by the great Atlantic waves that break on the long, curling silver beaches.
With a population of only 650, this low lying beautiful island is about 12 miles long by 7 miles wide. It’s fertile green fields are surrounded by an almost continuous string of deserted white beaches, home to lots of different sea birds, seals and otters. Viking remains are scattered throughout Tiree, and there are a number of crofting townships dotted around the island, many with restored thatched cottages.
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Take the Tiree Tour:
Tiree is the most outer of the Inner Hebrides and is an island of great charm and beauty despite it having been described as a “landscape of houses – not hills”. It does however boost 3 hills in the West, Ben Hynish (with the “golf ball”) 462ft, Ben Hough (with the mast) 390ft and the magnificent Kenavara, 338ft with it’s caves and cliffs and can be seen in the video above. Somewhat surprisingly, Tiree lies as far west as Harris and has a coastline of 46 miles in total, over 16 miles of which are beaches!
For the botanist, the ornithologist and the archaeologist, the island has much to offer, while on the average holiday maker will have an unforgettable fortnight of bathing, walking, cycling, golfing, sand yachting, wind surfing or just plain exploring the whole island! You can also walk anywhere, but make sure you shut the gates and keep dogs on leads when sheep are nearby. The Tiree folk are friendly and courteous and are hosting your visit. Of course they deserve our respect!
Community – Tiree is divided into 34 townships, each of which is controlled by a grazing committee. In 1831 the population was an astonishing 4,450, but after the potato famine in 1846, it dropped to 2,700. Crofting is still the main source of income, lobster fishing and tourism closely following. There are also a few shops, Hall, Post Offices, Hotels, Bank, Airport, Nursing home, Business Centre etc which provide some more employment.
There are many small harbours on the island with busy little fishing boats. The picture on the left shows Scarinish Harbour. At Cornaig is the High School where all children are educated from the age of 5 until they leave for University. The school is a great asset to the local community and even holds evening classes and houses the local library.
Tiree Awaits Your Discovery – Tiree on a clear day is surely one of the most beautiful places on Earth. A richness of colour, an awareness of sky and cloud formations and a feeling of freedom, all add up to being at one with nature. We read somewhere that when God made the world, he was left with a handful of jewels. Tossing them down at random, they landed off the West Coast of Scotland and became the Hebrides. Tiree is that jewel in the crown. You’re in for a holiday of a lifetime. Let this site and Struthan Cottage welcome you and share Tiree’s treasures.
Our Own Tiree Video – Finally, let us share with you, some Tiree photos. Enjoy!
“Ceud Mile Failte” – a hundred thousand welcome!
