Getting up from the table after lunch in Glasgow,
I mentioned I was flying back to Tiree that afternoon,
And someone else at the table said, “The Sunshine Island”.
How correct they were.
Well at least this past week.
It may have rained elsewhere on the Mainland.
However, here on the Isle of Tiree, the sun has shone.
The blue skies have afforded clear views of neighbouring isles.
Our living room window looks out on the Paps of Jura.
Then there is the Isle of Mull and the Treshnish Isles.
There is the Small Isles, Rum, Eigg and even Canna.
We have even seen the ‘Black Cuillins’ on Skye.
To the west and north are the Outer Hebrides.
And we must not forget our close neighbour.
Across the Gunna sound – the Isle of Coll.
The sunrise and sunset have been a feature of the past week.
With blue sky and few clouds they have lacked drama.
There has been the golden ball rising and falling.
But there have been few fiery reds.
Friday the 23rd of November was the night of the full moon.
As was to be expected we have had appropriate tides.
This month’s full moon is known as the ‘Beaver Moon’.
Its beams have lit up the surrounding sea.
Friday’s Beaver Full Moon
Friday was a special birthday on the island.
‘Tigh a Rudha’ the island’s Eventide Home is 50
The occasion was marked with a ceilidh in the evening.
The home is much appreciated by residents and the community.
Saturday’s sunset was reflected in the skies surrounding Tiree.
It was reflected by the Island’s white shell sand beaches.
It highlighted the neighbouring islands.
It felt special.
First light at Scarinish including the view to the Paps of Jura.
Sunday’s first light suggested sunrise would be dramatic.
There were some light clouds to reflect the colours.
It was no disappointment!
As the sun rose the moon had not yet set.
On one side of the memorial was the sun rising.
On the other side of the memorial the moon was setting.
This afternoon grey clouds rolled over the island.
Darkness descended much earlier than normal.
There was no sight of a colourful sunset.
It was an ominous start to the week.
On Saturday Tiree was the sunniest place in the UK.
The forecast for the week ahead is for high winds.
Rain may well accompany these winds.
Already the ferry is on an alert.
This is island life.
Winter sunshine and storms are a fact.
Both sun and storms have their own attractiveness.
This is ‘Life on Tiree’.
No need to rise early to watch the sunrise
Postscript
Official confirmation from the Met-Office
Tiree was the sunniest place in the Uk on Saturday.
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