(The Norse name meaning… High Headland)
Haoidhinis
The water around Tiree is famous for water sports as impressive waves crash along these golden shores. It’s not just windsurfers you might spot from here - the island, skies and surrounding seas are a wildlife paradise.
Hynish lies at the southern tip of the island, a wonderful spot that brings together local history and natural heritage. There are a couple of great exhibitions here and a wander down the pier gives you great views. A short walk around the headland takes you through the appropriately named ‘Happy Valley’ and ample opportunities to spot wildlife.
On clear days you have spectacular views across the Treshnish Isles towards Mull. Hynish looks out across fertile waters, rich with wondrous creatures, so look out for basking sharks in the summer months, harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins all year round.
A bit about the site
There is a small car park outside the Skerryvore Museum and limited car parking available on the pier. The buildings are mostly accessible, and there is easy access from the car park for views. There are toilets available in the museum foyer. There is a cafe serving locally sourced food. Open for lunches and evening meals. Booking required for evenings.
Getting here
Flights from Glasgow or Oban
Ring-and-ride bus available (book in advance)
Accessibility
Mostly accessible
Useful links
Hebridean Trust
Tiree info
Ranger Service for Guided Walks Visit Scotland - Tiree
Responsible Access
Wondrous creatures in the waters
Look out for
Harbour porpoises
Bottlenose dolphins
Common dolphins
Basking sharks
Minke whales
Otters
Seals
Oystercatchers
Lapwing
Gannets
Shearwaters
Terns
Check out the latest sightings on HWDT Whale Track
Scores of sharks!
Shallow seas surround Tiree as the shore gently slopes out towards the deep. Fast tides rush around this picturesque island, swirling food from the sea floor up to the surface. These fertile, food-filled waters attract lots of hungry creatures, including basking sharks. These gentle giants flock to these waters every summer to gorge on plankton. Using satellite tagging, scientists have been able to find out more about where these sharks go in winter; some sharks stay quite close to Scotland, while others travelled as far as North Africa!
Big Rock!
This cluster of buildings were constructed as the shore station for Skerryvore Lighthouse, which marks a very extensive and treacherous reef of rocks lying approximately 11 miles south west of Tiree.
The name, Skerryvore, is derived from the Gaelic words “Sgeir” meaning the rock and “mhor” meaning big. Skerryvore lighthouse is Scotland’s tallest lighthouse and at Hynish there is a lovely wee museum all about it.