On a day such as today Tiree feels at the very heart of the Hebrides.
The weather has been bright, but cloudy, with surprising views.
Distant islands were concertinaed into one another.
Tiree is the most westerly of the Inner Hebrides.
The official website isleoftiree.com states:
One of the Inner Hebrides,
Tiree is twenty-two miles west of the nearest point
on the Scottish mainland, Ardnamurchan.
The island is at the same latitude as southern Alaska
and the same longitude as the border between Spain and Portugal.
Britain’s twentieth largest island, it is just over ten miles at its longest,
five miles at its widest, and a little over half a mile at its narrowest.
Today we experienced exceptional views.
Our nearest neighbour is Coll – our non-identical twin.
To the south lies Colonsay and Jura with its distinctive Paps.
To the north are the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna.
Beyond the Small Isles are the majetic Cullins on the Isle of Skye.
To the east are the Treshnish Isles and the much larger island of Mull.
To The north west are the Outer Hebrides including Barra and the Uists.
It was a day when you caught glimpses of the distant Mainland.
You wondered if you were indeed seeing the Nevis Range.
Certainly the highest peaks were dusted with snow.
Although bright, blue sky was rationed.
Without direct sunlight the colour spectrum was limited.
Yet, across the island there were clear views to our neighbours.
You were left wanting to get the map out to identify the various views.
Life on Tiree is life at the heart of the Hebrides.
