Tiree Kids Hoodies

Tiree - the land beneath the sea appears to rise out of the sea when approached by ferry. I didn't see this as I flew in from Glasgow on a small plane. Instead I got to see just how low lying the island is (apart from three obvious and isolated hills). Traigh Shorobaidh is a very empty beach - even by Tiree's standards, but the view along it is typical - a grand sky, a thin slither of land and a wide expanse of white beach with a cascade of clear waves rolling onto it. Then there is stranded seaweed, and flocks of little birds running in and out to catch supper while avoiding the waves, their little legs going faster than the eye can see. Meantime the wind blows constantly. No wonder this island is so popular with kite surfers. Painte...

The Scottish Hebridean island of Tiree is blessed with some of the most stunning beaches anywhere. I visited in 2017, taking photos all around the coast, and since then I've been turning the best views into oil paintings. This one is Traigh Ghrianal - a rather isolated beach on the West of the island, and hence deserted. I got there just as a squally shower blew in. The change in light made the sea an interesting shade somewhere between light turquoise and pale blue with grey tones. Painted in oil on board 30cm x 30 cm

Another painting from my trip to Tiree. (Scotland).. This one is of a beach on the Northern coast which was in the shelter of the wind that day, so no waves - flat calm. The tide was partly in, just covering a white sand beach. Meanwhile a heavy shower passed in the distance, offsetting the vibrant hues of the water.

Another painting from my 2017 Tiree trip - this time Traigh A Chrogain - a quiet beach on the North side of this Scottish island. It was relatively sheltered from the winds that day, so only the smallest of waves. The large peak in the distance is just a 35m high lump, closer than it appears in this otherwise flat landscape. Painted in oil on a 16x12 inch board

Another of the beautiful beaches of Tiree (an island off the Scottish coast). Here I've captured the subtle hues across a stretch of water offset against the darker colours of the rock and a small clump of thrift. In case you were wondering, 'Traigh' is Gaelic for beach. Painted in oil on board measuring 20 inches wide by 16 inches high.

Another beach from my trip to Tiree (Scotland) back in May, when it looked like it was going to be a hot summer. Triagh Nan Gilean translates to beach of the young men. Non to be found here, just a couple walking along in the distance - a crowded beach in these parts!

Due to ill health I haven't had the chance to get away recently, so this painting (12x12 inches oil on board) comes from the archives of my trips earlier in the year. I was on Tiree (Scotland) back in May 2017, walking the coast, exploring as many of the stunning beaches as I could. Trigh Bhi is in the Southwest corner of the island, and sits amongst semi empty grasslands between two hills - that is except for a cluster of cottages at one end. What caught my attention, and has proved tricky to capture in paint has been the reflections of the building in the wet sand, disrupted by fingers of water from the waves washing in.

One in a series of Contour maps showing the islands off the west coast of Scotland. Made using the height data from each island.

For lovers of the most beautiful westerly islands in the inner Hebrides Tiree. Stunning beaches and ideal for all wind and water sports Tiree is a heavenly island.