Accommodation
How to find suitable accommodation on Tiree.
Accommodation is in demand and more expensive in summer so I’d recommend you book early. In the off-season from March to May & September to October, the surf is more consistent and you can get better deals on houses. Therefore having a surfing holiday in the early or late season may be a good idea.
There are many self-catering houses. Tiree Business Centre (01879 220520) has the most extensive list of accommodation and can also be viewed online at www.isleoftiree.com. There are many other houses so check the Tiree websites and if you find a property is booked ask if they know of any other houses that may be available.
The Millhouse Hostel (01879 220435) is 4* rated and located near the surf school. The Alan Stevenson Centre or Hynish Centre is great for catering to larger groups.
It is possible to camp but ask permission from the nearest croft house. The public toilets are located in Scarinish and you can sometimes get showers at the hotels for a small fee.
Restaurants: The Elephant’s End & The Ceabhar (pronounced Kayvar). The hotels also serve bar meals.
Cafes: The Cobbled Cow near the airport & The Farmhouse Cafe at Balemartine.
Shops: Mostly located in Scarinish, the main settlement. The Co-op is well stocked. The butcher sells top quality local meat. There is also a bank, a post office, and public toilets. MacLeod's at Crossapol has fresh produce and newspapers. Skinner's by the airport is a hardware shop but also stocks veg! Tiree has excellent shellfish and I can get freshly caught crabs and lobsters off the local fisherman.
And for the odd rainy day or the surfed out: The Beachcomber near the airport sells….more info from Sian to come Chocolates & Charms at Heylipol sell locally made jewellery and confectionary. Tiree Pottery at Baugh is well worth a visit as is the Blue Beyond at Balemartine and Dorinda’s studio at Scarinish Harbour.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Tiree Sea Kayaks (07711 807976),
Wild Diamond Windsurfing & Kitesurfing (see links),
Snorkelling, Skimboarding, Cycling (01879 220435),
Golf (01879 220729),
Fishing (01879 220334),
Boat fishing & trips, Clay pigeon shooting, Seal watching.
Football is popular and visitors are welcome to play. Ask Andy in the Co-op for details.
Art Studios,
Museums.
Visit 'An Turas', winner of the Scottish Architecture prize 2003
AFTER HOURS: If the weather is good we often have beach bbq’s. Bring your own food & drink and we’ll drink it… I mean supply the fire and grill. Please take your rubbish away with you. The pubs can be good especially when there’s live music. There are many Ceilidhs in An Talla, the Community Hall, featuring local talent, which are great fun and suitable for all ages and dancing abilities which is just as well for me! I usually hear what's going on and rarely stay in at night so please ask!