Tiree and Coll area profile

Tiree and Coll are two adjacent islands at the most westerly margins of the AIE area.  The local authority for the area is Argyll and Bute Council.  On Tiree the total population is approximately 750 with the population spread amongst a number of small villages/townships, the principal one being Scarinish due to its close proximity to the ferry terminal, shops, banking facilities and the police station.  On Coll there is a permanent population of around 100 people and the principal settlement is at Arinagour, approximately half a mile from the ferry terminal, with other residents chiefly living on the outlying farms.

Transport

Ferries  -  The main routes from Tiree and Coll are by sea, both islands being served by a ferry opererated by Caledonian MacBrayne.  Sailing time from Oban to Coll and Tiree is 2hrs 40min and 3hrs 40min respectively. 

Road  -  Both Tiree and Coll have a network of single track roads linking the communities.  The embarkation port of Oban is easily accessible from Glasgow, Mid Argyll and Fort William by road and there are regular bus services from these destinations. 

Rail  -  Rail services are available from Oban to Glasgow.

Air  -  There is a daily air service from Tiree to Glasgow which is operated by Loganair on behalf of British Airways and has a flight time of approximately 1 hour. 

Transport links

  • Caledonian MacBrayne
  • Coll / Tiree ferry service
  • British Airways
  • Loganair
  • Tiree to Glasgow air service

Education

Tiree High School offers secondary education up to 6th year and also operates a primary school.  There is a primary school on Coll with the pupils transfering to Oban for their secondary education.  Further education is provided throught the learning centre of Argyll College at Crossapol on Tiree.

Healthcare Provision

Hospital care is provided on the mainland, either in Oban or in the Glasgow area under the Argyll and Clyde Health Board.  Both Tiree and Coll have resident doctors but no dentist with the nearest dental practice being on the mainland in Oban.

General

On Tiree the main shopping centres are at Scarinish and Crossapol and there are a cluster of small shops in Arinagour on Coll.  Industries include agriculture, tourism and fishing.  In addition the islands support a small number of craft workers, artists and writers.  Tiree is particularly famous for the quality of its beaches and perfect conditions for windsurfing.  Both islands have a golf club and are also renowned for their biodiversity.

Community Websites

  • Tiree
  • Coll

Local Events