Weather Warning

Posted on by lifeontiree

Batten down the hatches!  The Met Office has issued a weather warning of snow and strong winds for much of Scotland between Wednesday and Friday. The yellow ‘Be Aware’ warning includes the Isle of Tiree. Winds gusting in excess of 60mph are forecast for Wednesday with the possibility of snow on Thursday into Friday. The combination of high winds, snow and lightening brings with it the potential for disruption to power supplies.

Inbound flight from Glasgow around noon
Inbound flight from Glasgow passing over Scarinish
Oban Plane passing overhead inbound

In galleries mouse-over for captions and double-click for larger pictures.

Thankfully on Monday both the Oban and Glasgow morning flights were as scheduled, as was the ferry. With several ferries cancelled on Monday, including those to Barra and Colonsay, due to the forecast high winds, the MV Clansman is departing the Oban Ferry Terminal on Tuesday at 6:00am instead of 7:15am. With only one visit to Coll this will enable the ferry to arrive back in Oban at 13:20. It may well be that the Clansman will then cover the Colonsay sailing cancelled on Monday.

The MV Clansman in the Passage of Tiree bound for the pier at Scarinish, Tiree.
The MV Clansman in the Passage of Tiree bound for the pier at Scarinish, Tiree.
The MV Clansman turns into Gott Bay bound for Tiree’s pier at Scarinish

Although in the Winter Timetable Tiree does not have a sailing on a Wednesday, CalMac are warning of a strong possibility of cancellations across their network due to the forecast high wind speeds.

After a squall laden with hail the Clansman heads out to sea under a blue sky
After a squall laden with hail the Clansman heads out to sea under a blue sky

As darkness descends on Tiree it is accompanied by high winds gusting to over 40mph and driving rain. What a mixed bag it has been – sunshine, dark black sky, hail, rain and a good blow. But then this is January and it is the Scottish winter months.

The Church of Scotland Manse looks onto Gott Bay. Today it is under a dark threatening sky.
The Church of Scotland Manse looks onto Gott Bay. Today it is under a dark threatening sky.

This is ‘Life on Tiree’ prepared for some wild weather with the wheelie bins secured, rotary washing line down and candles on the ready.

Glebe House looking out onto the pier and Gott Bay. A squall is on the way.
Glebe House looking out onto the pier and Gott Bay. A squall is on the way.

Is is possible that snow shoes will be required?