With a time critical appointment today at lunchtime
there could be no visit to the pier to coincide
with the arrival or departure of the ferry.

The appointment meant driving the length of the island.
First of all our journey meant a trip to the east end.
Then travelling from the east end to the west end
and finally returning to Scarinish.

From the road along Gott Bay we could clearly see the pier.
Berthed alongside was the MV Lord of the Isles.
Her stay at Tiree was an extended one.

Just before leaving home CalMac announced that,
Due to adverse weather forecast and swell conditions,
the Oban-Coll-Tiree service on Tuesday 5th February
has been cancelled.

Shortly afterwards came another announcement.
It was from the island’s filling station, MacLennan Motors,
Unfortunately there is no unleaded left and very little diesel!!
We were due a tanker over on Saturday
but CalMac made a mistake with bookings in Oban
resulting in tanker being placed on tomorrows sailing.
This is is now cancelled and I’ve highlighted
the importance of getting the tanker over asap.
Will update when we have more information.
Apologies for this inconvenience
which I must stress is no fault of our own.

The next advertised sailing is Thursday.
Will there be space on that sailing for the tanker?
Or will CalMac consider giving Tiree a sailing on Wednesday?

Now back to the ferry’s extended stay at the pier.
It was to accommodate Tiree’s latest export.
It was not some new breed of livestock.
It was not Tiree whisky – as yet.
It was not Tiree Gin.
It was water.

Tiree was supplying water for the neighbouring island of Coll.
Apparently the island does not have a full mains supply.
The fact is that they were running short of water.
As an island we could not see them go thirsty.
They might have had to drink whisky!

Island life can be very interesting!
Whether running short of fuel or water.
Whether amazing beaches and sunshine or wind and swell.

This is Life on Tiree.