It is winter time here on the Isle of Tiree.
The sun is much lower in the sky and thus less intense.
It also means that the hours of daylight are considerably less.
Whatever the season, spring or autumn, summer or winter I appreciate our big sky.

It’s Monday morning and it appears the sky is on fire.
We don’t even have to go out the house to appreciate the drama.
The effect does not last for very  long but while it lasts it is captivating.

Later in the morning we have an appointment in Baugh.
Earlier in the day the fiery sky had lit up the Paps of Jura.
Now they appeared to be floating on the sea.

Both the Oban and Glasgow planes were able to land and take off.
Although there were plenty of clouds there was good visibility.
It was a fact greatly appreciated by today’s travellers.

The view across the Passage of Tiree to the Isle of Mull was so clear.
The Isle of Mull’s Munro, Ben More, was snow capped.
You would almost think it was joined to Tiree.

At present the Isle of Tiree is snow free.
Across the water on the Isle of Mull it is a different matter.
Our neighbour’s mountain peaks have a liberal dusting of snow.

Out in the Passage of Tiree are the Treshnish Isles.
The Treshnish Isles is an archipelago of small islands and skerries.
Today the black outline of the Dutchman’s Cap stood out clearly against Mull.

Today was a powerful reminder of Tiree’s big skies.
But this is not just a one day wonder.
It is life on Tiree.

Returning to Scarinish the Paps of Jura still appeared to float between sky and sea.
Soon after the sky was to darken as hail laden clouds passed over Tiree.
The view of neighbouring islands was mainly lost.

With the sun dropping towards the western horizon the scene changed yet again.
As we took our walk the air appeared to be much colder.
But the sky was so colourful.

From the pier we walked up to Scarinish Old Harbour and Lighthouse.
For a few minutes we sheltered from a brief hail shower.
Thankfully it soon passed over.

With our big sky we are very aware of the approaching weather.
We appreciate the sun but the clouds can be so interesting.
The sky and clouds can can change so quickly.

In the winter Tiree looks out on snow capped neighbouring islands.
However snow is an infrequent occurrence on the island itself.
And when it does appear it does not lie for long.
Snow is forecast for tomorrow.
We will wait and see!

This is ‘Life on Tiree’.
An island with BIG skies.
Where sea and sky move hand in hand.