Tiree cups and Rings

As my knowledge of cup and ring markings was limited, before visiting Tiree, I undertook  a little research and discovered their widespread proliferation across the country. It’s remarkable that they can be 4000 years old, created during a time when extensive travel was uncommon and yet bear similar characteristics.

Left there by retreating ice age waters, the Ringing Stone on Tiree’s  Atlantic coast  has superb markings.  At that site of ancient ritual, we rapped on the boulder with a stone to hear the metallic sound before examining the deep cups carved into the surface.  What secrets that rock must hold!

Inshore Waters

We had something of a minor indiscretion on Tiree for we bought a beautiful picture that called to us from the Blue Beyond gallery.  It’s an unusual piece, vividly depicting the intensive blues that form the skies and seas that surround the island, using both textiles and paint. Created by Susan Woodcock, who runs the gallery with her artist husband, Colin, she has dyed fabrics and layered them to create a seascape collage that draws the viewer into the scene. Like Tiree itself, the painting appears to change in different lights, embodying the restless, endless, shifting nature of the sea   

Tiree

Balephuil Bay

 

The Maze, Sandaig

One’s heart can’t fail to soar at the shimmering turquoise bays and white beaches of Tiree. They are wonderful, draped with necklaces of seaweed and shells and cloaked by green, sandy dunes.  Their seductive curves, caressed by silver topped waves whispering ageless secrets, charm those who see them, drawing the visitor into a helpless love affair that lasts long after the Island has been left behind for the grey pavements of life. But thankfully, as is the way for all lovers, it is possible to close one’s eyes and be enveloped, albeit momentarily, back in a tender, peaceful “Tireen” embrace. 

Vaul Bay

Salum Bay