A Winter’s Tale of a beautiful winter’s day on the Isle of Tiree.
Wintry weather came late to the island this year.
Even today it has been so mild and still.

No wind blowing round the house or lifting the slates.
No hail playing a tune on the windows or roof.
No wild waves or white horses.
Just calm – still.

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This morning marked the return of a colourful sunrise.
It did not last very long, but it was so uplifting.
It was a topic for later conversation.

When Saturday morning’s ferry berthed
the crew did not have to contend with wind or waves
for there no swell arising from this week’s wild weather.

Our walk that followed the Clansman’s departure was so relaxed.
There was no pressing into a cold, powerful headwind.
It was pleasantly warm and still.

The sun was out but so were the clouds.
The latter only added to the drama of sky and sea.
The sun was playing hide and seek behind the clouds.
It was sheer pleasure watching the rays streaming across sky and sea.

The climax of the day for us was our visit to Balemartine in the afternoon.
Perhaps the most photographed cattle on Tiree were in their field.
What was so exciting was to see one mum and her new bull calf.

The calf in question was not even 24 hours old.
Mum and babe were in the post natal ward —
A small cattle shed.

He was a right ‘Wee Highlander’.
Mum was encouraging him to feed.
At last he seemed to get the whole idea.
Finished for the moment he raised his tail.

Finally, we had occasion to visit Balephuil.
The timing could not have been much better.
The golden sun was sinking over the western waters.
What a cracker of a winter’s day here on the Isle of Tiree.

This is ‘Life on Tiree’ relating the tale of a Wee Highlander and his tail.