Welcome to the Isle of Tiree

Welcome Back

Guidance on Visiting Tiree During Covid-19
Updated 26th June 2020

On 24 June the Scottish Government announced that from 3 July, it was lifting the guidance advising people in Scotland to travel no more than five miles for leisure and recreation purposes. Additionally although the tourism sector will not open fully until the 15 July, self-contained holiday accommodation – for example holiday cottages and lodges, or caravans where there are no shared services - can open from 3 July. B&B's, Hostels, Campsites etc. or any accommodation type with Shared Facilities will not be availble to book until further guidence is received from Scottish Government.

This means that as of 3rd July self catering holiday cottages on Tiree will be able to accept visitors again. For any existing bookings please contact your accommodation provider for details of any specific arrangements that may be in place for your stay.

To ensure that your visit to Tiree is as enjoyable and as safe as possible please follow local and government guidance carefully. Up to date information on Covid-19 on Tiree can be found at www.tireetrust.org.uk/covid-19.

We strongly advise that you read this information prior to your visit, and please ensure you follow Test and Protect procedures if you become symptomatic.

For visitors planning to camp or visit in campervans, please be aware that under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) wild camping from a motorised vehicle, be it car, motorbike or camper van is not allowed. On Tiree this is reinforced in order to protect our beautiful and fragile machair. To enjoy Tiree responsibly you need to request a site booking either at Balinoe Campsite or with the Croft Camping Scheme see www.isleoftiree.com.

Due to the current Scottish Government guidelines the Croft Camping Scheme will not reopen until the 15 July as the sites are currently being prepared for visitors. Booking for sites will open at the start of July. Please do not travel to Tiree in your Campervan before this date unless you are booked into self catering accommodation or have a private agreement with the land owner to park your vehicle.

We are aware that vans are self contained but the facilities on the island such as the public toilets and grey water disposal will not be open before 15 July and as the Croft Camping Sites allow for up to 3 pitches/vans they are considered to have shared services under the guidance and also cannot open until 15 July.

For any enquiries regarding the SOAC and campervanning on Tiree please get in touch with the Tiree Ranger on the camping email camping@tireetrust.org.uk.

Calmac have now published the next phase of their timetable. This will be in operation from 1 July 2020 until 14 July 2020. Bookings will be available for this timetable from 30 June 2020 at 9am.

The following phase of the timetable will run from 15 July until 18 October, coinciding with the timings of the Scottish Government's route map, which guides the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions. This will published on 2nd July 2020, and bookings will open on a rolling two-week window from that date. Passenger capacity on all of these services is likely to be severely constrained by Covid-19 social distancing guidance.

Calmac are reminding all prospective passengers to:

Consider your safety and the safety of others by understanding the latest safety guidelines, including the use of face coverings on public transport.

Be responsible when considering travel - your decision to travel could impact someone else's ability to travel.

When you do travel, plan ahead and be prepared.

When travelling on our bookable routes, we strongly advise you always book ahead.

When travelling on a 'turn up and go' route, capacity is constrained, and your first choice of sailing may not be always be available.

Stay in touch - we'll keep sharing guidance and information on changes to how you sail with us via our website and social media feeds