On Friday morning the first floats arrived on the island
Their destination – the Rural Centre, Crossapol.
Saturday is the annual Tiree Lamb Sale.

There was further evidence of the forth coming sale.
The machair close to home was denuded of its lamb population.
This was heightened by the sound of bleating from the few remaining sheep.

It was one of these damp, dismal, grey days.
In many ways these days can be attractive in their own way.
On such days first time visitors must wonder what draws people back again and again.

Saturday provided one explanation.
The island was transformed by the warm sunshine.
The shell sand beaches enhance the surrounding blue waters.

When the morning ferry berthed the sale was already well under way.
Saturday is change-over day for many of the holiday homes.
In the month of August the ferry is often fully loaded.
Today it brought with it additional floats.
The lamb sale is a big event.

Late in the afternoon the fully loaded floats started making their way back to the pier.
At one point the sheep formed a road block in front of the police station.
Although delayed, we understood their protest.

The word was that it was a reasonable sale.
The auctioneer and those on the island for the sale would be home earlier.
Rather than waiting until 10:00pm or later, the ferry was sailing about 7:30pm

In the past the return ferry crossing was an additional sailing.
This year in the busy months of July and August there have been two sailings.
No hanging around waiting for the ferry to arrive, the floats had to arrive on time.

The crew of the MV Clansman had their work cut out loading the floats and trailers.
The vehicle lanes on either side of the vessel’s car deck are narrow.
It is vital that maximum use is made of the space available —
Especially when there are cars and camper vans as well.

Some of the lambs on the upper decks of the floats at the back of the vessel had a sea view.
However, for most of the lambs their view was much more restricted.
Still passengers would be aware of their presence.

Is it just imagination, or is it much quite on the island?

This is ‘Life on Tiree’.