INTRODUCTION
I made this trip to the Isle of Coll and Isle of Tiree in 1995, when my flat mate invited us to a short trip during the weekend. Being new to the country during that time, and having nothing much to do with school work since school just started not long ago, we agreed to do this trip.
Frankly, I was only in Scotland for about a month when I make this trip, and I have no idea where is Oban, and the two Isle we were visiting at that time. I believe it was more of a gesture of politeness to accept the invitation.
We spent a day in Oban after a tiring drive northwest from Glasgow. And I will be covering Oban in another review.
TRANSPORTATION
I think there is only one way to visit both the Isle of Coll and the Isle of Tiree, and that is by ferry.
From Glasgow, we drove to Oban, where there are ferry services to Arinagour, Isle of Coll. The journey is about 4 hour and cost about 9 pounds.
From Arinagour, we took another ferry service to Scarinish, Isle of Tiree. Journey is about an hour and cost about 2 pounds.
Getting around the two islands is best by car. I am not sure if there is other way to move around.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION
Food selection was limited in both the Isle of Coll and Isle of Tiree. But if you are not that sort of picky eater, you will still get something to eat. We managed to get ourselves properly filled throughout the two days trip without much difficulty. Price is reasonably cheap in my opinions. If you love seafood, there is a very good restaurant that serves great seafood. I did not try them as I guess it will be too expensive for students.
Accommodations were simple, and inexpensive. It was autumn when we made that trip, and we managed to secure double room for the price of about 40 pounds. Not really that cheap, but are rather reasonable. There weren’t many to choose from, so you might consider getting to anyone when there is vacancy, especially during summer time.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Isle of Coll - The Isle of Coll have only a population of less than 200 when I was there, so that will explain the size of the island. There weren’t much to see in the island. There are two castles on the island, both named Breacachadh Castle, and both are built by the Macleans, one of the clans in Scotland. Not the most beautiful of castle to me, but they were the only object worth looking at on the island.
Isle of Tiree - It has one of the best sunshine record in the whole of Britain as told by the local. But the fact is that the beaches on the Isle are really beautiful. There were a number of them on the island, and every one of them is beautiful. I believe the main reason that the beaches could maintain as it is for so many years is because there are not much tourists around throughout the year to damage the beautiful landscape. There are a number of surfers on the sea when I was there. The environment is good for this sport as I was told by Jerry.
SUMMARY
They might not be the best place for tourist, but they do have their unique appeal.