There is no tunnel or bridge linking Tiree to either Coll, Mull or the Mainland.
Therefore both the plane and the ferry are vital to life on Tiree.
They are the only public transport links and they are crucial.

In common with many ports Tiree’s pier has what is known as a link-span.
At Tiree the ferry lowers its stern ramp onto the link-span.
This enables vehicles to roll on and roll off the ferry.

The link-spans at both Coll and Tiree are over twenty years old.
They are now showing their age and need to be replaced.
Work at Coll will begin in Autumn of this year (2019).
At Tiree the work is scheduled for early 2020.
It is meant to be completed by April!

The tender document for the preparatory work was issued earlier in the year.
George Leslie Ltd. has been awarded the contract
The work commenced on June 11th.

 

During the preparatory work the ferry will still be able to berth alongside the pier
However when the link-span is being replaced it will be different.
There will be no roll on roll off service.

The plan at present is for the MV Clansman to take foot passengers.
Any freight coming to the island will be by a load on-load off service.
There is still much uncertainty over what will exactly happen.
What if you require to have your car for the mainland?
What about contractors coming to Tiree?
Many questions have still to be answered.

This is not the only pier work on the Isle of Tiree.
The pier at Milton used by the fishermen is being rebuilt.
This is a large project that will make the harbour safer to use.
As well as the work on the pier other facilities will be provided.
A very large sum of money is being invested in this crucial work.
Many people on the island are dependent on this pier for their livelihood

Last year the work was carried out on the old harbour at Scarinish.
Although not as extensive as the work at Milton it is important.
At the present time it enables the catch to be landed.
Leisure users also make use of this facility.

This is ‘Life on Tiree’.