DAY 1

Morning

If travelling by ferry from Oban, you’ll most likely arrive late morning on the Isle of Tiree after a brief stop at Coll. Don’t get off the ferry at the wrong island – Tiree is the second stop on the journey. For most days and routes, this means you have the next 24 glorious hours on Tiree, unless you’re lucky enough to stay longer. The distillery is run by four people, and as such has limited hours – be sure to check their opening times before you make any other plans.  

Afternoon

From the ferry, it’s only about a 20-minute drive to the Isle of Tiree Distillery, the island’s first legal operational distillery since the 1800s. Tiree was historically known as Tir an Eòrna (Land of Barley) in Gaelic, and distilling is an integral part of its past. Records indicate that around 1768, the island was home to no less than fifty distillers, with nearly every farm having a still to utilise the plentiful barley supplies. The Tiree Whisky Company Ltd was founded by local entrepreneurs to revive this old industry and provide employment opportunities for locals. Located right on the edge of the sea, offering a stunning #dramwithaview backdrop, the distillery is home to one of Scotland’s smallest and most traditional whisky production operations.

Visitors on a tour get a palpable sense of how whisky is made, being able to see every part of the process from grain to cask, up close and personal, while learning about Tiree’s fascinating distilling heritage. Here you will be able to sample gin, new make spirit, and whisky samples taken from the casks in the warehouse. The distillery also offers a bar which serves whisky, gin and cocktails. 

The Distillery Gift Shop and Bar

Accommodation and Dining:

The Visit Tiree website lists attractions, shopping, accommodation and dining.

Transportation:

CalMac offers a ferry from Oban to Tiree via Coll. However, you may find it easier to take a flight direct from Glasgow or Oban to the remarkably impressive airport on Tiree. 

DAY 2

Morning

If you are craving tranquillity, freedom of space, and clean pure air, the Isle of Tiree is the place for you. Although the island is small, measuring only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, the sea and sky stretch magnificently from horizon to horizon. As one of the sunniest places in Scotland, and with a landscape that is mostly flat, there is nothing to obscure the views of blue sky and emerald waves. The wind also makes Tiree an ideal destination for exhilarating watersports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. Tiree is relatively flat, making it perfect for running and cycling too. 

Afternoon

 If you still have time to fit in some additional sightseeing, there is plenty of history and heritage to see here. From the 1300 year old Kirkapol Chapels, to the Ringing Stone – one of Scotland’s seven wonders, from stone circles to the Skerryvore Lighthouse, there is much to see. A visitor’s map can be obtained from the Tiree Community Development Trust (across from the petrol station), or visit them online.

West Hynish Bay

Helpful tips:

Distillery hours and tours vary, please check the website or call ahead to ensure availability.

The Visit Tiree website lists attractions, shopping, accommodation and dining.