Is it the Thursday Edition?
Or is the Thursday Addition?
It matters not for it can be read either way.

Appointments in Baugh meant no appointment with the ferry.
Yet before dropping down to the old harbour the ferry was visible.
As I crossed the machair beside Pier Road the ferry headed out to sea.
I had missed the first edition but there was an additional sailing for the Music Festival.

There was not to be a repeat of the previous evening’s sunset.
Yet there was a clarity to the view of neighbouring islands.
The view towards the Isle of Mull was quite dramatic.

As the ferry entered Gott Bay the skyline was arresting.
Was it a forecast of the approaching rain?
Friday would dawn wet, wet, wet.

In addition to returning islanders the ferry was full of festival goers.
There was to be no gangway, foot passengers would disembark via the car deck.
After all vehicles had cleared the car-deck the foot passengers poured out onto the pier.
TMF volunteers are kept busy.
Artists have to be met and transport arranged.
Festival goers without transport have to be ushered to waiting buses.

If this evening is busy – wait until tomorrow morning!
Sadly the sun will have deserted the island.
Rain is forecast for the morning.
A wet arrival for the influx.

It will be an early rise for the crew of the MV Clansman.
It will be a very early start for those catching Friday’s ferry.
She sails at 6:15am and vehicles must be at the terminal by 5:30am.
That’s nothing! Monday’s sailing is at 5:30am and vehicles at the terminal by 4:45am
This is Life on Tiree.