Tiree Photos > Isle of Tiree Overview

Where?
Tiree is the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland as you can see on the map below. To the northwest are the Outer Hebrides / Western Isles but due west, across the Atlantic, there is no more land until you reach North America!

Tiree a is flat and low lying island with only a few hills. The island is approximately 20km long and 10km at its widest point. This is one of the sunniest places in the British Isles but Tiree's flat exposed form also makes its weather generally windy. The Gulf Stream ensures that hard frost and snow are rare.

Map of Tiree showing main roads and settlements. PA77.

Also check out the History of Tiree to read about the brochs, crannogs, ancient chapels, harbours, whisky and world wars.

21st Century Tiree
While farming and to a lesser extent fishing continue to provide most of the income of Tiree, tourism is playing an ever greater part in the island's economy. Accommodation on Tiree is offered by two hotels and a selection of guesthouses plus dozens of self catering cottage holiday lets. A substantial number of the island's houses are in fact holiday homes.

There is a bank, post office (Tiree's postcode is PA77), two grocery outlets, an electrical good shop, a hardware store, two garages and a variety of small studio art galleries. You can eat out at the two hotels plus two further restaurants and additionally have lunches or snacks at Antalla or the Rural Centre. There's a 9-hole golf course at Vaul.

Tiree school at Cornaigmore offers full primary and secondary education. Tiree High School teaches up to sixth year (age approx. 18). About half of the island's population are Gaelic speakers and the school teaches in both Gaelic and English.

The many beaches, weather, wind and sea conditions make Tiree a watersports mecca. The term 'Hawaii of the North' having been coined by some enthusiasts. Every October an international windsurfing festival and competition - the Tiree Wave Classic - is held.

The quiet open spaces, the seaside walks, the amazing white beaches, the varied wildlife and often rare birds plus colourful wild flowers bring visitors back time and time again to Tiree. Check out the more abstract images.

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