VIBRANT

As we enter the spring months on Tiree, the island seems to come alive with colour. The rich machair pastures which cover the land burst with wildflowers. Dazzling fuchsia and sapphire tops carpet the fields, reflecting the sunlight in a celebration of vibrancy. The Hebrides are reawakening after winter, and with it comes the birth of lambs and chicks island wide.

“The machair, the great grass carpet that covers almost everything, has cowslips, primroses and wild hyacinths pushing up at the spring sun” - Alex Renton, The Guardian

Animals carry with them the promise of new beginnings. The wildflowers, in particular, are worth mentioning. This bursting of fresh life, after a gale filled winter, is a strong reminder of the hardiness of this island, and how it remains an everlasting beauty despite its long history of weathering storms. Tiree is has a rich history that dates back 900 years. Through that time, this process of slowing through winter and exploding with colour and life as the days draw longer and warmer is an annual performance that could inspire wonder in any observer.

At this time of year, we return to our roots. The simplest connection, rewarding and fulfilling, to nature and to the animals that supply us with both company and a living. It is one of the quieter times on the island for tourism, which gives those staying here an opportunity to explore deserted beaches and rolling sand-dunes without any fear of interruption. 

“I fly over the Inner Hebridean island of Tiree and nearly cry at the beauty. Imagine a vast wild-flower meadow ringed with golden beaches and surrounded by crystal-clear azure seas.” – Steven Wells, The Guardian

Entering March, it’s lambing season on the island and the crofts that make up a large proportion of Tiree’s land all suddenly get very busy. A day doesn’t seem to go by without seeing more sweet fluffy new-borns popping up in fields. Whilst wary, all are curious – as you take a walk down the road, any road, they will stand and watch. It is quite a spectacle, to be stared down by a flock of sheep; the lambs coming for a closer look, with a naive innocence that is endearing and lovable, before being turned around by their protective mothers. Their purity is a gentle reminder of our reliance on the world around us, and the importance of our interactions and actions within it.

WHAT’S ON?

With spring comes Easter, and the Easter holidays. A time for treasured memories with families, and for space to explore and become reconnected with the very things that make life so precious. Whatever your usual Easter plans, why not spend this year’s on a small Scottish island with surroundings that both you and your family will treasure for decades to come?

Mornings can be started with a soft sunrise, as the dawn breaks across the island and the joy at another day of longer sunlight hours is felt everywhere. Fresh eggs can be bought from islanders for breakfast, and far off white horses provide the perfect backdrop for a slow rise. As the day progresses, you can take the opportunity to ride around the  island and see the little lambs, clamouring for attention, or for a spot of bird watching at any of our natural hotspots. Whether you are here alone, or with family, every new morning is the chance to connect and learn about your surroundings. The days seem to go slower on Tiree, as the need to rush anywhere evaporates. ‘Island Time’ is a phrase you will come to know, and love, as you settle in to a pace of life much better suited to tranquillity and calmness.

The outdoor activities available on Tiree are endless, and as a spot for both education and excitement it is perfect. One-off experiences, including hearing corncrakes as you wake and seeing seabirds gathering at the shores as they make their way north for the warmer months,  provide a level of adventure and newness that is hard to find elsewhere, and on the mainland. As an observer, you will be treated to a vast array of breeds and species of birds and mammals, including our large population of brown hares – here year round, it’s not a rare sight to see them bounding through fields and undergrowth.

SPRING SURF

It is still surf season, and we’re getting epic swells whipped up from across the Atlantic Ocean. Whilst waiting for summer, this is the perfect opportunity to fit in some cold water sports. Whether your poison is bodyboarding, body surfing, wind surfing and swimming – Tiree has the turquoise glittering peaks, the towering A-frames and the consistent wind to ensure a legendary break amongst the waves.

The sun is shining more (On average, we get 175 hours of it in April), the days are longer and the weather is starting to warm, so the hurried cold-carpark changes become considerable easier. Alternatively, the beach is so close you can often walk there and back, and strip the cold kit off in a warm shower.

“Tiree benefits from year-round waves, with waters which are warmed by the Atlantic Gulf Stream. These conditions bring surfers to Tiree from far and wide, creating a buzzing surf scene around the island.” – The Chaotic Scot

A lesser known surf spot on the north coast of Scotland, when elsewhere you might be fighting for a spot in the line-up, here you can have an entire wave to yourself. Session after session of perfect conditions, sparkling seas and empty ribbons of sand – what better way is there to spend the spring holidays?

Spring on Tiree brings with it an explosion of life, island wide. Whilst there are fewer people on the island, nature and wildlife flourishes in the rapidly warming air temperatures. The return of longer days, and the welcoming sun, is a symbol of the incoming cacophony of colours and sounds that grows as we head further into the year. Lambs bleat, birds sing and flowers spread their petals in a celebration of vivacity.

If you are looking for a holiday that will rekindle a passion for being outside, and will stoke love for wildlife, then spring is the perfect time to take a break from urban living and join us in our informal festivities.