Tiree

The land below the waves


Arriving at Oban the first thing you see, the Clansman ferry destination Tiree

This mighty vessel my escape from the rat race, cuts through black waters at a leisurely pace

Nothing behind us but a trail of white foam, and memories of loved ones we left at home

Oban gets smaller as it fades from our sight, in the wind and the cloud and the rain

On the port side majestic and proud, stands the family home of McLean

Castle Duart rises up from the shore, a fortress from days long ago

As if to guard the sound of mull, distinguishing friend from foe

Flanked by a lighthouse on the opposite shore, painted in brilliant white

Linsmore shines over the sound, guiding the ships throughout the night

Passed Tobermory we are clear of the sound and sailing on the high sea

A stop at Coll and we are on our way to the beautiful isle of Tiree

The captain announces arrival at Coll as passengers disembark

With new arrivals two by two, reminisant of Noah’s ark

The car deck closed and the mooring ropes in, the Clansman’s is out once more

The next thing we see is a house painted pink that guides us into the shore

We land at Scarnish the sun splits the skies, and the sea turns to azure blue

Full of excitement we get of the boat, and head strait for the Lean To

With a warm welcome and an open fire we drank a few golden nips

We looked out the window across at the bay and gazed at all the old the ships

This beautiful island like a picture post card never fails to amaze

This is the island of Tiree

The land below the waves


Martin Sweeny 
Livingston, West Lothian, United Kingdom - 27 April 2004