Tiree is a predominantly flat island surrounded by beautiful, endless, caribbeanesque, silver-sand beaches which attract visitors and surfers from all over the world. It is often sunny but not necessarily warm. It sits approximately 50 miles from Oban, a 4h ferry journey, and is surrounded by Coll, Mull and the slightly further away Eigg, Muck, Rum, Iona and Barra. Flights arrive daily from Glasgow. Population is around 750 and this triples in high summer. The average age is 44. The island has its own secondary school and many council services. Tourism, crofting and fishing are the main industries but we also have many artists, builders, jewellery-makers and joiners. There are shops, post offices, a bank, car and bike hire, a petrol station and garage and a wide range of structured activities, but no ATM on the island. This year the island celebrated the launch of it's own flag. For everything you could want to know about Tiree, head to www.isleoftiree.com.
Yellow Hare Coffee and Gift Shop opened in June 2018, taking over the premises of what had been a white-goods electrical shop for more than 40 years. Coffee is our speciality but we also do a range of teas and delicious cakes straight from the kitchen of one of our home-bakers on the island. Where did the name come from? Tiree is known for its hares and sunshine; it didn't take long to link the two to form our name. It could just as easily have been Golden Hare or Sunny Hare but they weren't quite so quirky.
We are opposite the ferry terminal at Gott Pier, sometimes obscured by lorries and vehicles, but always open at ferry times. We are open all year round except for January and the last week of December.
Our first season has exceeded expectations and has been a wonderful beginning of what we hope will prove a lasting relationship with this beautiful island. We meet so many interesting people on a daily basis, hearing stories of their own adventures and travels; what brought them to Tiree and where they are going from here. Our friendly barista-trained staff all have a strong connection to the island, be it because they were raised here or came to settle many years ago, so they are pretty knowledgeable when it comes to the role of Tourism Officer.
Adjoining the shop is PIER LAUNDRY, a brand new self-service, coin-operated launderette and a coin-operated shower, both of which are accessible 24 hours per day. You need to provide your own towels, soap, detergent and change - lots of it (£1, £2, 50p, 20p coins).
The shop is small with very limited seating however there is seating for 70 outside, which works well in fair weather. We often get complimented on our coffee and the cosiness of our sofa-seating area, and our hot-chocolate deluxe is a must-try for chocolate-lovers.
It has been a fantastic first season and we are already looking forward to the next!
