Scottish Island Sketches: Finding Inspiration on Tiree
I’ve just returned home from the most exhilarating few days on the beautiful island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides—and I’m still riding that wonderful post-trip glow.
I was lucky enough to be hosted by my dear friend Helen, resident potter at Tyrii Pottery. Over four days, we explored the island, spent time birdwatching and wildlife spotting, sketched in some truly breathtaking locations, and reminisced about our art school days at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee.
This was my third visit to Tiree, but my first time flying there—and what a way to arrive! The journey itself felt like part of the adventure. I was incredibly fortunate with the weather, and the views from above were simply unforgettable: a patchwork of rugged, barren landscape set against dazzling white beaches and the most incredible turquoise waters.
May turned out to be the perfect time to visit. The island was full of life—lambs bounding through the fields and Highland cattle quietly grazing with their calves nearby. It felt peaceful, unspoilt, and wonderfully grounding.
Balemartine
One of our first stops was Balemartine, where sandpipers and sanderlings darted along the shoreline. We walked along a vast stretch of white sand, the sea shifting between teal, turquoise, and soft green hues.
Up on the dunes, Highland cattle and their young lay resting peacefully. It was here that I paused, turned back towards the beach, and took out my sketchbook—trying to capture not just the scene, but the feeling of the place.
Scarnish Harbour
The main village on Tiree is Scarnish with it's harbour with old pier used by local fishermen and sightseeing tours to Coll and beyond. I enjoyed a lovely morning sitting by the water sketching the boats and traditional black house which overlooks the bay. Remnants of a shipwreck of a 19th century topsail schooner called the Mary Stewart remains peeking through the sand as a reminder of how perilous the sea can be!
Birdwatching Moments
One of the highlights of the trip was spotting a couple of corncrakes inland. These birds are rare and endangered in the Scottish Isles, so it felt incredibly special to see them, and so close too. A real privilege.
A Visit to Tyrii Pottery
Of course, I couldn’t leave the island without visiting Helen’s pottery studio. Her work is truly beautiful—each piece carefully handcrafted and decorated with designs inspired by the island’s wildlife, seabirds, and landscapes.
It was impossible to leave empty-handed! Her collections are always in high demand, so if you want the best selection, you really do need to make the journey to Tiree yourself.
Ballevullin Beach and Beyond
Ballevullin Beach is often described as a surfer’s paradise, and it’s easy to see why. Atlantic waves roll dramatically onto the shore, framed by rugged land at either end.
We wandered beyond the beach, exploring caves and gullies until we found a sheltered spot to sit and sketch. Tiree’s coastline is endlessly inspiring—the contrast between dark, jagged rocks and soft white sand, with the sea shifting through endless shades of blue, teal, and deep turquoise.
If it weren’t for the ever-present wind, you could easily imagine you were somewhere far more tropical.
Milton Shores and a Hidden Cove
On our final day, we walked through fields dotted with ewes and their lambs, heading towards the shore with views of Gunna ahead of us. Gannets were diving for fish just offshore, adding movement and life to the scene.
Every beach on Tiree feels different—it’s part of the magic of the island. You never quite know what you’ll discover around the next corner.
We eventually found a tiny, secluded cove, tucked between rocks, and stopped for a picnic. I perched myself on a ledge and began to sketch, the wind gusting around me and adding an extra challenge.
There’s something I love about working outdoors in the elements—the urgency, the unpredictability. It forces you to loosen up, to respond quickly, and to capture the essence rather than every detail. The result was a sketch full of energy, loose marks, and expressive lines—something that really reflected the spirit of the place.
I'll be using these sketches as a starting point for a new body of work which I'll be painting up onto canvas in the next couple of months. Keep and eye out on my website for updates. Or sign up to my mailing list on the homepage of my website to be the first to hear about new releases!
If you are visiting the Island you can find my range of greetings cards stocked in Chocolates and Charms where you can also find a range of Rebecca's handmade jewellery.
Tiree never fails to inspire me. It’s wild, beautiful, and full of quiet moments that stay with you long after you’ve left. I already know I’ll be back again.
