| Scarinish
Hotel |
10/02/2009
Sorry , I know its been a while. I have a valid excuse this time. We have been kept very busy here on Tiree as we have taken over the Hotel on the Island ( THe Lodge Hotel ). Fingers crossed we should be opeing in March. We have also had Ishie and Magga away in hospital , they are both doing well and we cant wait to have them both back.
So its been a bit manic over here and in Glasgow to say the least.
Weather wise (I cant do the diary without mentioning the weather) the last few days have been great sunny but cold. It was nice to get a break from the wind and the rain.
21/01/2009
Its a sunny but cold one on Tiree,a welcome change after the weather of the last few weeks.
Friday night the wind was very strong so we had no boat for a couople of days. it did make it in on Saturday but only half the passengers made it off because the ropes snapped and they had to leave.
A couple of locla guys had gone on to pick up vechicles but couldnt get off again. Afew off our residents were threatining to swim if they hadnt got off on Sunday.
12/01/2009
At last we have a bit of sunshine on Tiree. The weekends weather was dreadful, no boat on Saturday it had to turn back at Coll. So we had some refugees over the weekend.
Things are starting to get back to normal after the Christmas & Newyear break, back to our Tues & Wed busy with Corporate. ~The summer is shaping up to be another busy one with all the bookings we are taking.
31/12/2008
I thought I better make an effort to do the diary on the last day of the New Year.
The Scarinish Hotel had a great year so thanks to all our customers for contributing to that Success , 2009 is looking even better lots of exciting things happening - watch this space.
Personally for a lot of us it was quire a difficult year so hopefully 2009 will be better.
Happy New year to you all and I hope 2009 brings you everything you wish for.
26/12/2008
Hope you all had a good Christmas day yesterday. I did. Its a lovely sunny day here on Tiree . The Pub is fairly quite at the moment but I am sure there will be a few out and about later there is also a dance on tonight.
09/12/2008
Its bitterly cold today , there is still a bit of blue skies but the wind cuts right through you.
Busy today with arrivals off the boat.
08/12/2008
I had my couple of days in Glasgow so the retail therapy worked its magic . I'm always the same desperate to get away and then desperate to get back. I think I'm starting to prefer online shopping the queue's are much shorter.
Busy wee weekend in the bar again and the Christmas parties start in earnest this week. Next weekend is another busy one.
27/11/2008
Seemingly it was a bit wild last night (wind wise).
I didnt hear a thing as usual once I am asleep that is it.
WE had a busy night in the restaurant last night which is fab for a wednesday night in November.
There should hopefully be petrol on the Island this today both garages have run out so everyone is being very conservative with thier car journeys.
I'm hoping that I can last till tomorrow because I dont really want to be waiting for ages at the garage.
26/11/2008
Its quite a mild day today, had Cron out for a walk this morning and it was lovely.
Busy week this week in the hotel , Denny's bringing the Christmas DEcorations up on Sunday so how stresses out will I be on Sunday hanging them all.Cant believe its nearly Christmas again this year has just flown by.
24/11/2008
WE are still here and well.Our Internet was poorly for a while there but thankfully big Stuart managed to make it better. If switching it on and off doesnt work, I am a bit lost.I have to say I was a bit lost without the Internet, you dont realise how much you use it until its not there especially on a remote Island.
I am counting down the days to the 3rd December as i am away for a few days retail therapy and a much needed haircut. Denny and Fi are up to take over so I'm sure the diary will be updated on a more regular basis that week.
Busy weekend as we were doing the catering for Tommys 50th (Belated Happy birthday Tommy). Ishie, Ruth, Sandra and Mandy did a cracking job and there wasnt a lot left which is always a good sign.
Hotel is full tonight we are still very busy for the time of the year.
We have our first Christmas party of the year a week tomorrow so next weekend will be spent making the place look very festive indeed. Ho Ho Ho
13/11/2008
Its abit of a dreich one today , but at least we had a halfway decent day yesterday so I managed to get Cron out. I am justdebating whether to go for it this morning and deal with frizzy hair for the rest of the day.
Mass exodus today Tues & Wed are always our busy days in the winter. Though we still have a few in tonight.
11/11/2008
We are still alive and well on Tiree just in case you were wondering.
We have been lashed a bit by weather though it seems to have calmed down slightly today, The boat made it. Much to the relief of Karen & Phil who were starting to wonder if they were ever going to get off Tiree. No boat on Sunday.
The plane made it everyday, where would be without it.
Jenna's off at the moment recovering after getting her tonsils removed, so Ruthie is it at the moment and she is doing a cracking job.
03/11/2008
Belated happy 18th to Adamski - You are probably still out partying.
It was a busyish weekend this weekend we had the Golf CLub dinner dance. That will be about it now till the Chirstmas parties start.
Not too bad weatherwise though it is a bit chilly.
29/10/2008
At Last the wind has died down this week though it has been bitterly cold. Hails showers yesterday but at least the boat has made it in.
Busy weekend in the bar lots of people up for a local wedding who decided to make a weekend of it.
22/10/2008
We got a boat a yesterday so it was a hive of activity at the co-op. Weatherwise it wasnt too bad apart the extremely heavy hail showers. Today is shaping up to be a good one . Hopefully get Cron out for a wee walk this afternoon.
Really busy in the restaurant last night for the time of year.
20/10/2008
One boat it and one didnt. The other one got right into the harbour and then turned back, that must be the worst feeling getting all the way here just to turn round and go back especially when it is as rough as it was yesterday.
They did manage to get most of the people who were leaving on the boat that got in.
19/10/2008
Its the first sailing of the winter timetable today and looking at the weather its not looking too hopeful its a bit wild but not as bad as the forecast in my opinion.
Two boats are meant to be coming today as it is the end of The Wave classic so all the surfers will have thier fingers crossed.
12/10/2008
It was a cracking day yesterday lots of sunshine and wind so the windsurfers were happy. Ideal weather for the start of the wave classic. Hopefully they get a bit more wind than they have for the last couple of years.
07/10/2008
Its another dreich one today. Not so windy though so thats a good thing. The boat didnt make it yesterday it got all the way out here and then turned back.
So lots of upset people on board.
06/10/2008
Its a bit blowy out there today I had to pick up some of the washing which escaped of the line before I came to work.
It was a lovely day yesterday , I took Cron & Mac a wee walk down to ballevullin beach and it was great being out in the sunshine. I can do that now I have finally passed my driving test- Yippee. Thanks
to Danny, Magga and Tearlach.
We have the bar fire lit again so it winter is officially here , It wont be long before the christmas Decorations are going up.
28/09/2008
Its a gorgeous sunny day here on Tiree. We had a busy wee night in the restaurant last night. The bar was very quiet everyone was away to the dance at the hall.Karoake on Tonight in the bar and the footie in the afternoon so it should be a bit busier today.
Had another good driving lesson with Danny yesterday so hopefully he will get me through my test. He's a great instructor in my case he would have to be.
Ishie was back yesterday the doctors were very pleased with her progress and she is looking great.
My mission this afternoon is to go home and clear out my wardrobes as I am running out of space for my clothes so I am going to have to be brutal.
24/09/2008
We had a gorgeous day on Tiree yesterday the sun was shining and no wind. So it was actually warm.
Bit of a change this morning it overcast and really quite chilly, though this was the way yesterday started off so finger crossed.
21/09/2008
It is looking like it is going to be quite a good day today. The sun is trying its hardest to shine. It was a bit miserable yesterday morning but turned into a really nice evening.
Going out for a driving lesson today but the hotel car is poorly so Magga has very kindly offered to let me use hers so fingers crossed I dont wreck it.
Danny has bravely agreed to take me out during the week.
Happy Birthday Shona & Elaine hope you have a good day.
Jenna got home yesterday though she is still not good so hopefully will get a chance to pop up and see her soon.
19/09/2008
It was a miserable day yesterday pouring rain for most of it .Looking a wee bit clearer today so finger crossed. Still quite busy round the Island.
Jenna is poorly at the moment she was sent away to hospital the yesterday as she has a really bad throat infection.So get weel soon Jenna we are all missing you.
Should be a quiet weekend this weekend as most of the local boys are away.
10/09/2008
We had a break in the Good weather yesterday Yesterday afternoon was wild lots of wind and rain just the kind of day to be in front of the fire. I managed to resist the urge to light the fire as it still wasnt that cold.
Still retaively busy on the Island and the scotland Match is on tonight so there will be a few in for that.
On the new 42" Telly which they are all loving. Boys and there toys eh!.
06/09/2008
September has been great so far weatherwise. IT has been glorious sunshine everyday,which doesnt really surprise me to my recollection it has always been one of the best months weatherwise.
It was a busy night last Carrie leaving party so everyone was in great form in the bar doing a bit of a singalong in the bar.
02/09/2008
Quietish night last night, Though it was an extremely busy weekend so I think everyone was in recovery mode.
Clearing nicely today and at last the midgies have gone we have been plagued with them the last few days.
It was nice to see the cribbage board being played yesterday(dont know if that is the right technical term for it.) I'm sure it will pass quite a few winter evenings.
01/09/2008
Well Autumn is officially here. Looking out the window today you would be more inclined to think it was November.
WE dont really get Autumn in Tiree no tree = no leaves , I miss that when the ground is just a carpet of red and brown leaves Luckily Tiree has other things which make up for it.
28/08/2008
Its a bit of a dreich one this morning though I can see the odd patch of blue.
This week has been a wee bit quieter now that the scottish schools are back. Still busy at night though.
We have another Brightwater Group arriving today for 2 nights they are always a nice crowd.
24/08/2008
WE have had a very busy bank Holiday weekend so far. Its getting a bit quieter today but on the whole it has been a busy one.
It was a great night on Friday we had a local band playing and everyone seemed to enjoy the Ceilidh.
21/08/2008
Not sure what it is going to do weatherwise today, I will be a optomist and say its going to clear and be sunny.
It should be a busy one this weekend August Bank Holiday and the lamb sales are on Tomorrow so fingers crossed for good prices
19/08/2008
Is summer again today we had winter yesterday it seems that it is working on alternate days at the moment.
Schools back to day I cant believe how quickly the summer has passed today it seems no time at all since the teachers were having thier end of term get together.
Tiree is still quite busy at the moment lots of people still out and about.
13/08/2008
Happy days the sun is here and it is a gorgeous day. So All our guests are out and about maikng the most of it.
Busy night tonight as we have aniversary parties and birthday parties in.So should be a good night.
12/08/2008
Still a bit of a mixed bay weatherwise here on Tiree.
Everyone is still out and about making the most of it. Neil, Nikki , Jessie and Cams arrived on Saturday for 2 weeks so they are dog sitting for Cron as Ishie has had to go into Hospital.
The Island is Still very busy not quite as manic as the glasgow fair fortnight.
We had some film crews up last week one was filming Coast ant the other was the weather programme. Not sure when it will be on.Will let you know if I hear
08/08/2008
The fishing competition went ahead yesterday , it had to be postponed beacuse the weather wasnt great at all on the Wednesday. It was a lot better last night. Not as many people entered as quite a lot of people had other things on.
Promising start to this morning nice and sunny.
05/08/2008
It has been a great weekend , The regatta was on Saturday and it was really busy , sun was shining and a really nice atmosphere.It is nice to see the Harbour buzzing with people.
The fishing competition is on Tomorrow night so it should be another busy I've got a couiple of the boys playing in the bar afterwards.
Footie season starts tonight so it will be pies all round.We have the wareing family back again which is always a pleasure they are lovely.
29/07/2008
We have had brilliant sunshine for the last couple of days, so of course we were all complaining about the heat. Its a bit cooler today and a light shower had started just as I was coming up the road.So it might cool the place down a bit.
WE got to see Amber yesterday she is just gorgeous , with a very wise old face you get the feeling she has been here before , looks very like her big brother when we a baby. Malin was his usual cute as a button self .
The Tiree show and Dance went very well as did the sportsday on Saturday, it was a busy weekend there was also the Skippinish concert and dance on Saturday. Sunday was Skerryvore playing in THe Lean to. They did a set in the afternoon sitting outside and it looked and sounded Fab.
Sorry if I am repeating any details I have put in previous entries but it would appear the all the entries after October 2006 have been wiped - I didnt realise they were that boring.
This weekend is the Regatta so it will be another busy one in the bar.
Then we have the fishing competition on the 6th so bring you boat and get fishing.
13/10/2006
The island is getting busy as the Tiree Wave Classic week aproaches. Lots of sunshine and enough wind for the keen sports men and women. Our Wave Classic week menu starts on Saturday and we realy have some great grub at great prices for our special visitors. We are also offering Bar and Carry Out Suppers this year, so guaranteed food up until 9.30 every night of the Wave Classic - and at fantastic prices.
Contrary to rumours we are not fully booked for meals, but in fact this year we have extra capacity and extra staff - SO BOOK YOUR MEALS WITH US NOW ON 01879 220308.
ACTION STATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
12/10/2006
It cleared up last night and turned into a nice dry evening with a bit of a breeze. It was looking promising early this morning but then the rain started Cron was out and back in again in a flash.
Not happy chaps in the bar last night with the football, but the pies went down well.
Fi Thomson is coming up on the boat today with a car full of goodies, including my coffee (I'm not good unless I have a really strong caffeine jolt in the morning). Ann was in for lunch yesterday and said the boat was fully booked today so that will be first wave(no pun intended)of the surfers arriving.
Congratulations to Lal & Carolyn.
11/10/2006
It's a bit wet & windy this morning, though I'm sure it wont bother the windsurfers too much.
turned out to be a busy night last night in the restaurant, Karen got an SOS call to come in. Quite a few hungry travellers off the boat.Sandra and Amanda got back yesterday and had a lovely time meeting their new Nephew.
Football on again tonight so the pies and pints will be flowing.
10/10/2006
Sorry about yesterday it was just one of those days . It has been fairly quiet this week but is starting to pick up as the Wave Classic approaches.
On that note Congratulations to Fi's daughter Helen who is now the Amatuer British Kitesurfing Womans Champion
08/10/2006
Great Result for Scotland last night. Very Happy chaps in the bar. The pies went down very well.
Quietish night in the restaurant last night, but the bar was steady but cleared early.
A few booked for Sunday lunch, its a roast dinner kind of day. Hopefuuly Mary & Iain MacDonald will bring their new Westie Puppy along so I can get a peek at him.
07/10/2006
Good Afternoon bit of a busy morning this morning so no time for Diary until now. It was a wild night last night and a very high tide (seemingly the highest tide in 19 years will be on the 19th October)so we may lose the old pier for a couple of hours lets hope its not too windy. Dull morning but it looks like it is clearing. The football is on today Scotland V France @ 5.00pm so it will be pies all round at 1/2 time to keep the boys happy.
06/10/2006
We had a mass exodus last night as Johnny, Denny, Colin , Amanda & Sandra left on the boat last night. I'm sure Colin was very relieved to get away before we managed to rope him into helping again. By all accounts he was a great help at the hall.Everyone was very happy with Ishie & Jennas baking so its all good. Then it was Fish & Chips all round for the delegates who were staying here when they got back.
I managed another driving lesson before Denny left, I think I might be getting the hang of this reversing thing after all. THE BIG NEWS TODAY IS JOHNNY MANAGED TO KEEP A HOLD OF HIS GLASSES ALL THE WAY HOME ON THE BOAT!!
05/10/2006
Bit hectic this morning getting everything over to the hall morning for the Buffet and afternoon tea we are doing for the TDP, Colin our SVQ man has been up seeing the Girls so he has been hijacked as Ishie and Jenna's assistant. I bet he's just estatic with that job. Doesnt look very promising this morning its a bit a cloudy though still dry so you never know.If anyone finds any lost glasses can you froward them to Johnny c/o of us, as he is getting a bit forgetful with his eyewear.Hopefully he's lost his again and cant read the diary.
We did a fair bit of reversing yesterday on my driving lesson and Denny was very patient, though I did get a bit panicky when I thought she wanted me to reverse down the pier (but not even Denny is that foolhardy).
04/10/2006
Not so nice this morning it a bit wet & cloudy. Yesterday turned out to be lovely sunny and not a breath of wind so the Ewings who are here for a visit after 20 years and 35 years got to see it at its best. Karen didnt do so well in her test, never mind better luck next time and they do say that people who pass on thier second attempt are better drivers. I am obviously going to be superb when I eventually get there as I have already failed twice. Just cant get the hang of that reversing thing. Quiet day and night in the restaurant & bar so Ishie & Jenna are baking up a storm in preparation for the buffet in the Hall tomorrow.
03/10/2006
Sorry no Diary yesterday, Broadband was on strike again. Happy Birthday to Grace & Ian for yesterday. Grace got a Raspberry & White Chocolate cheesecake instead of a cake so she was a very happy lady. Good luck to Karen today as she is sitting her driving test so we have got everything crossed for her.
Our guests who were up for the Robertsons Party left yesterday they all had a great time and were a lovely crowd, even if Ina kept dancing on top of the tables.
Jimmy and Charlie getting on great guns with the floor in the laundry room and preparing for there next mission.
01/10/2006
Sorry no Diary yesterday broadband was being a bit stroppy. Busy lunches and bar but it quitened down in the evening. Charlie anad Jimmy getting on great guns with the laundry floor and then its on to the fire, so we have a cosy bar for the winter you just cant beat a real fire.
Its a bit dreich this morning but the last couple of days have been really nice and sunny and as it is the 1st of October its no great surprise.
29/09/2006
Sorry its a bit late today, I did start doing it at 9.00 this morning, it has been one of those mornings.
The RAF boys are attempting to come back up for a visit on the 12th of October so fingers crossed the wind stays away that day.
Its a bit showery this morning but not much wind.
There was a wee bit of a drama with the boat yesterday she had a rudder problem in Coll so everything was running a bit late after though she did make it to Barra and then back to Oban which was good as there were a few people leaving yesterday.Our guests have started arriving for Marion and Iain's Golden Wedding celebration so I must dash as they are all wanting a bite to eat.
28/09/2006
Its was a bit of a wild day yesterday. Which meant our RAF boys didnt make it. Hopefully they will try again in the next few weeks. So the restaurant was a bit quieter than expected. Iain and Marion Robertson and friends were in celebrating thier Golden Anniversary, they are having a big party on the Saturday night so we are full with guests for that.
Laura & Rolly left on the boat yesterday, I'm sure they would have found it a bit choppy. Jimmy and Charlie are now reflooring the laundry room after finishing the fire escape,very versatile chaps.
Sandra & Amanda very Happy yesterday as they are aunties again thier sister had her baby 10 days early but baby and mummy are both well.
27/09/2006
Another mild day. Forgot to report on advance warning about low flying jets! Once the first one had skirted our roof, we rushed outside to catch the second one on Monday pm and we all (all being two of us) waved at the 2nd jet which "waved" at us by wiggling its wings!
The RAF arrive today for a Black Tie Dinner with cloths and candles. Willie G has provided us with the lobster and Nan's beef is also on the menu.
Took a commemorative picture of Jimmy & Charlie beside their brilliantly made fire escape that replaces the previous rather ancient matchstick construction. This new effort is spectacular and worth a detour to the back of the hotel on arrival to admire it.
New staff photo taken and should be on the home page soon.
26/09/2006
A calm, mild morning with total conjestion on the roads to work - two flocks of sheep approaching from opposite directions bolcked the main Scarinish highway. Thank goodness Rolly and I could nip over the machair to take in the pale grey dawn over the harbour.
Quiet night in the bar with a few songs from the Skipinnish boys.
Our afternoon tea guests ended up feeding Freddie the seagull, intrigued by how he had befriended us. As I type he has been eyeing me set up breakfast in the hope that I head out to give him his.
Feeding the tumble dryers again today to clear the mountain of washing after the Pipe Band's departure. The boys played the boat into Tiree and then call and were thrilled to have an escort of dolphins part of the way back to Oban.
25/09/2006
A perfect day for pipers to pipe in the arriving boat. No wind and really hot so factor 50 was on for thier journey home. The Murphy's had extra luggage - 5 cases of coke wee Jamie won in the raffle last night. Steve Kerr, lyricist, pulled it off again in a duet with Laura of There's a hole in my Pipe Bag and the Tiree Raphsody with apologies to Queen is outstanding especailly the vocal instrumental!
The dance on Sat was fantastic and everyone - staff and band were a wee bit tired on Sunday. As in rained, gentle sitting down activities happened and messages for in that bottle were written. The Miller Family learnt A dug A dug and performed it brilliantly later - twice!
Jenna cooked for the dinner crowds with the steak pie a sell out and crab claws a big seller again.
September weekend 2007 is fully booked and only 52 weeks away.
24/09/2006
Great balmy day so the pipers took in biking, golf, fishing and sleeping all prior to the photo shoot and the march ot the Old Folks Home where the cakes and eats stemmed the hunger pangs until dinner. Great excitement for the Miller family when Mum, Lorna, found a message in a bottle on Gott Beach!
The Hebridean Princess docked for the afternoon and sailed gracefully off just before dinnner. The mystery of the blue car surrounded by an electric fence in the middle of nowehere surfaced. Questions are being asked by visitors.
At 9pm there was a flurry of activity as staff and band headed off the The Dance. As I type at 8.15 am no one has surfaced but Iainn is the piper due to do the Wake Up To Tiree Piping session. The low down on the dance will follow!
23/09/2006
The sun has got his hat on hip hip hip hooray the pipe band landed safely and it's play, play, PLAY!
After lunch we had band practice for the Strathaven boys on the beach then a busy dinner with all hands on deck to welcome the band and visitors from America. After dinner, there was piping in the Old Harbour Restaurant for just the pleasure of it followed by singing and squeeze box players from the local Tiree musicians until the wee small hours.
It was so balmy we had all the windows and doors open at midnight just to keep cool.
Bohemian Rhapsody has been re-woeded to give it a Tiree Twist - with apologies to Freddie M.
22/09/2006
At last - the rain stopped and dog walking became a dry event again!
Wildlife in the Lean To yesterday when a frog jumped in out the rain. Amanda had to shoo it out - unfortunately Fiona Mac saw it flattened later in the carpark!
Great teamwork for the final countdown to the Pipe Band's arrival with Karen investing in killer heels for the dance. Absolutely no use for lying on a borrowed house floor trying to start a boiler and still trying as I type.
With Hurricane Gordon now downgraded to a Depression - that is not what last night's wind sounded like. Big seas this a.m. but balmy. Fingers crossed for the Pipe Band boat.
21/09/2006
An all wet day with our walkers using the boiler room facilities to dry out their sodden gear. But all remained cheery as they sat in The Old Harbour Restaurant for lunch and to watch the drizzle. Still very mild.
Tiree on TV again yesterday with the wind turbine and more views of surfers and beaches.
Rolly, the Bichon, met Freddie, the mottled seagull, yesterday and suffice to say, they will not be close friends.
Last call to the Pipe Band to chat over their weekend with us - a three way conversation with Peter Diesel - from his BATH! Too much information perhaps?
Cheers to Johnnie who has his first day of retirement today.
20/09/2006
Well - the boat safely docked last night but Hurricane Gordon has started with us already with winds of up to 80mph forecast for later on. Not sure about today's boat.
Coconuts washed up on Tiree beaches may be due to the hurricanes in other parts of the world but we here don't care as the publicity on national TV over the last few days showing off our beaches has been stuff money can't buy.
Prep for the Pipe Band continues with plans to check out and set up the extra house we take on for their arrival. The welcome gifts of Tiree Paperwights have been collected - Fiona Mac's neice and nephew combed the beaches for them when up on their hols. What a team!
19/09/2006
Quite a pleasant morning this morning between showers. Though the power keeps going off.
Forecast not great for the next couple of days so our guests are up at it making the best of this mornings weather. Hopefully it will be better by Friday so the Strathaven Pipe band get here on the boat ok. They were stranded last year as the boat didnt make it in on the Monday. So fingers crossed the weather behaves itself this year.
Laura and Roly are arriving today with a carload of goodies as usual.
18/09/2006
We are back!! Site was out of service for a couple of days but now we are back with a vengenance(well pretty much the same as before but that doesnt have the same impact).
It was a bit of a wild day today, I was up at the lighthouse watching the waves crash against the rocks -I could stay up there all day.
Freddy is now joining us on our morning walk(at a safe distance and he is flying rather than walking but you get the picture). Well I must dash as we have a busy night in the restaurant tonight.
16/09/2006
Woke up to a stunning sunrise this morning, clear skies with a tinge of red against the backdrop of the Isle of Mull, old Ma Nature really knows how to put on a show. Bit breezy this morning.
Busy night last night in the restaurant & bar. Karaoke tonight so should be another busy one tonight.
Freddie hasn't appeared this morning, I think he may have got wise and waited until after Cron checks his domain in the morning.Everybody leaving today with some new arrivals coming off the boat bringin a couple of dogs. Fred may well be looking for refugee status in Heanish by the end of the weekend.
15/09/2006
Gorgeous morning this morning. Cron and Freddy had thier usual morning ritual.
Popped along to the sheep sales yesterday which was very interesting. I was very careful of waving or nodding at anyone in case I got a small flock of sheep by mistake. Everyone seemed happy enough with the prices they got. Margo, Debbie & Andy are away back on the boat today after having a lovely few days on Tiree. It was great seeing them again and having some time out , though it is nice to be back at work. And on that note I better get on.
14/09/2006
A little late doing the diary today. A quiet lunch but tonight could be busy with yet another lamb sale on the island. The weather has been dry with no wind and we have seen the sun. Fi Mac and her friends had a very enjoyable walk on Balaveulin beach. Very warm-can't complain.In fact we were all in such a good mood that prior to dinner service Karen and Grace had a wee Highland Schottishe dance in the dining room-just testing out the new CD!
13/09/2006
A wild and wet day-certainly not a day for wigs! Lucky Denny flying away from the gales! We only had 2 chance booked last night but had 20 in the end. A few braved the elements today for lunch. Let's see what tonight brings! Back to the soup making!!
12/09/2006
Vidal Sassoon is still at it-lots of people with new hairdo's wandering about unrecognisable! Fortunately not so much wind and rain to spoil the effect! Fiona Mac's friends arrive today so hoping the weather picks up. Our guests have gone cycling ever hopeful that the weather will improve. A quieter day today but full house tonight. Angus the Border has had his sausage- his perk for guarding the office!
11/09/2006
Well Vidal Sasson eat your heart out. There has been a stream of glam new hairstyles coming out of the Hotel today. Unfortunatly it has been very windy and rainy so they are having to withstand the elements. Which on the whole they are doing. Dennys chums Lyn & Susan and Irish John are away on the boat today with Johnny. I think it is safe to assume they all had a great time. Good Food, Good wine and Good friends you cant get much better.
The hairdressers are off surfing with Sudds tomorrow before catching the boat back.
Fiona & Ishies friends from Somerset are arriving tomorrow so its all go here.
10/09/2006
A bit blowy this morning, just the thing for waking you up in the morning. Steady night in the bar & restaurant last night.
John & Co hairdressers coming over on the boat this morning for a couple of days, so we are turning the upperdeck into a hairdressers for the time being. No more bad hair days on Tiree( I've had more than my fair share)for me. Denny and gang coming in for breakfast so I must dash
09/09/2006
Another fabulous day yesterday with warm sunshine before the breeze intervened. Still - the sun shone until the moon came up!
Our RSNO musicians did what musicians do - and in the afternoon they played their concert at the school with participation from the children.
After dinners were served in the restaurant, the "orchestra" set up and an hour of great music was enjoyed in an intimate but casual atmosphere. The repertoire went from Faure, through Mozart to Gershwin with lots in between - this included the Tiree High School's French teacher who sang a wonderful rendering of Danny Boy - she can now say that she has sung in public with the RSNO!
At around 10pm the concert party repaired to the bar, where a fabulous night's music and dancing ensued!
One of the best ever - what a good bunch of dancers the teachers are!
A great big thankyou to the team from the RSNO who have given Tiree a great week of music and fun.
The party ended in the wee small hors and those who were not residing in the hotel walked home in the full moonlight. The best things in life ..........
08/09/2006
We had the most stunning sunset last night with a huge moon and a golden carpet across the sea. Fantastic! The sunrise this morning was equally good and the sun is shining now.How lucky we are! We did 20 dinners last night and the bar was steady. Tonight we are all in for a bit of culture- our RSNO guests are giving an open house concert in the restaurant so looking forward to a very different evening's entertainment. Eat your heart out Glasgow Concert Hall!!
07/09/2006
Sunshine and warm!! Summer is still here! Shena our gardener spent yesterday on her hands and knees sorting out our flower tubs and weeding so we have a very smart colourful entrance. Must keep the sheep away from the tasty pansies!
Charlie and Jimmy have done wonders with our partition along the back corridor. No more drafts for the sweet/baking preparation area! Our orchestral guests are still in residence and were very complimentary about Wilma's tuneful whistling at breakfast this morning. Don't give up the day job Wilma-we need you! The girls did well last night with dinners-Jenna's Pastitcio was delicious!
06/09/2006
Its all calm & clear this morning on Tiree, with a stunning sunrise this morning. Which is appreciated all the more after a day like yesterday.
Problems with the plane yesterday as it was the Saab that came out, but it couldnt make it back so they had to send one of the smaller ones out to get the passengers, it will ba all plain sailing & flying today which will be a great relief to Fi Thomson who is coming by boat today.
Our group from the RSNO arrived yesterday and had a very pleasant evening the in the restaurant even the Illegal camper, they're off to school this morning to inspire some of the kids. We have a lot of very musically gifted kids on Tiree so I'm sure it will be enjoyable for all concerned.
05/09/2006
Its is pouring and blowing a gale outside, I love it as long as you are inside or you've got the old waterproofs on as Fiona had this morning taking Cron out. He wasnt too impressed with the weather.
Busy night again last night but everybody very happy. Micheals recipe for the roast vegetable terrine went down very well with customer and staff alike.
Fi Green and Molly were in last night for dinner and were very Happy with thier Muddle and Choc fudge cake. Molly is moving to Oban in a couple of weeks she will be missed but has promised to come back regularly to see us.
04/09/2006
Lovely morning with the sun shining which is what we want. Great weather for the Kite surfers yesterday. They were out in force in Gott bay. Very quiet in The Lean to yesterday everyone either away or working. Micheal is finshing today as he is back at Uni next week we will all be sad to see him go,as he's been a great help through the summer.Full house tonight & busy in the restaurant. So must get on.
03/09/2006
Sunday so the lovely aroma of Tiree Roast beef is in the air. Our Stag/surfer group are away on the boat with Angus to do a bit of fishing before getting the boat back to Oban. I think they are feeling the aftermath of sampling the delights of the lean- to.
Restaurant was steady last night and the bar was busy in the afternoon and got quieter as the evening wore on.
Freddy has taken a shine to the blue VW and has decided to sleep on the roof much to Cron's horror.
02/09/2006
A bit wet and windy last night, but looks like it is clearing now. Our group of windsurfers are very happy with the weather. Busy night in the bar and restaurant last night which is great and looking similiar for tonight. Norman, fi and Helen were in last night for dinner as it was Normans Birthday and I think the Sparkler on top of his dessert just made the evening for him.Freddy even popped up on top of the hotel car to say hello.
Belated Birthday wishes Norman.
01/09/2006
Another rainy & windy morning , thought it looks promising as the sun is starting to come through.
Busy day again yesterday in the bar and restaurant.
Freddy reappeared and managed to get himself caught in the shed at the back so Ishie and Jenna had do a rescue misson well more of a open the door and shoo him out.
31/08/2006
Its a very dreich morning this morning after a wild last night,the positive was we had busy retaurant and bar last night with the weather being so rotten.
The Tiree Lobster proved very popular as usual.
Carole survived her first driving lesson with Fiona and the ejector button is still untouched even after getting caught up in the school run rush.Elaine had a trainee in the kitchen with her last night, Ruth has just completed a 2 year Cordon bleu cooking course and wanted to see what it was like in a commercial kitchen.
30/08/2006
Another lovely morning this morning apart from the dreaded midgies. Cron and Freddy had thier usual morning ritual Cron barking Freddy flying. Though it does appear to be the only time he does fly apart from when Denny is shouting at him to get out of the car, so it's his excercise routine for the day.
Danny the local Policeman arrived with a couple from the boat who had got a bit lost looking for somewhere to stay luckily we had a room left.
Busy night in the restaurant last night though it was fairly quiet in the bar.
29/08/2006
Freddy and Cron had a bit of a stand off this morning ( I think a Turf war has started).
Lovely morning this morning sun was shining and no breeze. Steady night last night but early finish for the restaurant 10.00pm a sure sign the schools are back.Busy morning with checkouts and phone calls. Karen gave Chocolate Fudge cake the thumbs up so its passed the critics test.
28/08/2006
Freddie's back he was out the back waiting for lunch, so we are all very relieved about that,
though he had to fight a sheep for his bread.
We had a busy old night last night in the restaurant
Cameron kennedy had booked the Marie Stuart for his wife's birthday and a we had a table of 8 who were here for a stag weekend & very civilised good food and drink stag weekend.
Busy afternoon in the bar as the football was on, so it was pies all round.Carole has offered her services to take Fiona out driving in Denny's absence. Good Luck Carole. A big thankyou to Cameron, Jessica & Charlotte on collecting all those lovely stones.
27/08/2006
Its a lovely sunny sunday today. Shaping up to b a busy lunch and dinner, the Island is still quite busy with a lot coming off the boat yesterday.
Freddie the seagull has been keeping a low profile since yesterday, could Denny please check her suitcase in case he fancied a trip to Glasgow.
There was a heavy heavy shower last night which created a bit of a water at the door to the dining room. The Foster family left today after Granny came up to spend the last night with them.
Jenna's Pastisio was a bit of a sell out last night.
All I can smell now is the delicious aroma of Nans beef roasting away in the oven. Funnily enough I'm starting to feel a bit peckish.
26/08/2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHNNIE!
Where are all these people coming from? We are coping well, but there is no let up in the number of visitors and locals wanting to avail themselves of our food and beverage facilities.
This also includes Freddie the baby seagull, who has indeed taken a shine to us. Now that the girls are feeding him at the back door, he's usually there every morning awaiting his bread end. He even tried to get into the car when Denny was unloading the veg yesterday afternoon!
Sandra and Karen are in the bad books - a kindly local handed in a rock cod for Denny's tea - but the girls couldn't bring themselves to kill it, so ran down to the beach and set it free! The pork chops were lovely last night!
The puddings are flying out the door, so Ishie was in the kitchen at 6 this morning baking chocolate sponges.
"Techie" Kenneth has fixed our internet access, as well as a few more computers in Scarinish! Oh to be young and interested in technology!
24/08/2006
Once again too busy to do the diary. What with 50 dinners last night, 39 lunches today and thin on the staffing we don't have our challenges to seek! That said, the team is pulling together spendidly, especially since the arrival of our new control clerk - or should that be control freak! Our motorcycling tourists have arrived and are gently roaring round the island. One big family has left and headed for Barra to be replaced by another fresh in from Oban.
Couldn't get enough lobsters to satisfy demand last night so an sos has gone out today for further supplies. A surprise visit for Denny today by some O'Neills from Carnlough.
Johnnie's grass has germinated and now matches his green fence which is now even more green after Kenneth's efforts.
23/08/2006
A glorious morning after a dreadful evening! Busy dinners last night, and all at the one time - so a challenging time for all!
The borrowed table cloths have been returned to Mable at the Glassary with our grateful thanks - it gave Fiona a chance to have another wee drive around the island.
Lobsters landed yesterday from Willie Fish, so most have already been sold for dinner tonight.
House is full , bar is steady and we are heading for another busy night in the restaurant. Ho Hum!
22/08/2006
Another busy time at the TSH. We thought that things might be a bit quieter but we are wrong. Maybe it's because some of our team have gone back to school, that it seems busier.
Dinners were fully booked last night, so apologies for those whom we were unable to accommodate.
Islay the border terrier and Kilda the Norfolk terrier are staying with us and seem to be having fun with their owners.
Fiona enjoyed her birthday yesterday and continues to enjoy some well earned time off.
Denny has taken on a couple of double shifts - so will she cope over the next two days without becoming "ratty"?
It has started well for her as Amanda's breakfast service this morning was magnificent. Keep it up Amanda!
Kenneth has arrived and is painting the fence, sorting the computer, and various other chores when he is not playing golf.
The key for rooom 8 has been left at the airport, so we are off to collect.
21/08/2006
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIONA - WE HOPE YOU HAVE MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS ON TIREE!!!! - those of us with the technical ability have hacked in with this BIRTHDAY GREETING. NOW OVER TO YOU FIONA.
Bit of a grey morning this morning after a torrential downpour last night.We had an a lady in for dinner last night and she ended up staying the night as it was heavy rain and Tiree dark when she started heading back to where she was staying, so she decided the safer option was to stay the night here. Unfortunatly it was all us learner drivers that were working last night so none of us could give her a lift - roll on October -Hopefully.
Paula and Malk are leaving today with heavy hearts as they have already extended thier stay by a couple of days - Bye and see you again soon.
Busy night in the restaurant, bar was fairly quiet after the afternoon rush.
Karoake went well all the usual suspects giving us a song and ~Fi Green on top form as usual, assisted by our Micheal. BACK TO SCHOOL TODAY
so the kitchen will be a lot quieter this lunchtime.
19/08/2006
Well - the island has fallen silent as all the lambs have left. The sale went well and the word is that prices were about £1.50 per beast up on last year.
The dining room was busy last night as the buyers, the sellers and the auctioneers enjoyed each other's company, not to say a few drams!
The last of the boats taking the lambs off the island left the pier at 3a.m. as the wind howled and the rain lashed.
This morning dawned as fine as ever, so the new arrivals are already on the beach or sitting outside enjoying the sun.
The boat left on time, with the car deck full of holidaymakers returning to the mainland for the start of the autumn term next week.
The kitchen team are busy preparing for another busy night and we are all thrilled with the Kite Surfing write up that Helen T got from today's Glasgow Herald. Well done and good luck in this week's competitions!
18/08/2006
After a shaky start the sun has come out. The island is just beautiful - right out of the holiday brochures so -Barbados - eat your heart out!
The sheep sales are well under way, and the word is that prices are good. The money will start hitting the bar around 5pm, so we will see what proportion of the selling price of the 6000 sheep we can attract into our tills! A couple of late ferries coming in this evening to take all the wee lambs to pastures new for the winter. They will probably be better off on the mainland than a windy winter here!
We have Oscar staying with us at the moment. He is a great big 9 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback with lots of energy, so his owners are hoping to tire him out on the beach this afternoon.
50 plus booked for dinner tonight, and more sirloin on order for our visiting farmers.
Fi and Angus have headed home and so has Johnnie, even though the fence is not quite finished. The lawn has been sown, so time will tell whether or not the seed will stay long enough to take root!
17/08/2006
A beautiful sunny morning and I've just had a call from Helen to say that 12 Highland cows and 15 "ordinary cows" are swimming up to their necks in Balephuil Bay. It's the cattle sales tomorrow so we reckon they are trying to escape!! The weather conditions are just perfect for wakeboarding and our delightful family are off cycling to the other side of the island. A big thank you to one of our guests who kindly brought us a huge basket of fresh brocolli from his field on the mainland. Elizabeth is now busy making a stilton and brocolli soup and we have ideas for our vegetarian guests tonight. The kitchen team have done brilliantly over the last few nights averaging 45 dinners each night. Jenna's Salmon Kedgeree was very popular. Expecting a private plane to "jet" in today with 4 lunch guests. Denise will also be "jetting" in on BA hopefully with fresh legs to help cope with our busy cattle sales day tomorrow. Watch this space!!
15/08/2006
Monday evening turned out quite busy. Jenna and the team did 42 dinners with the Summer Pasta dish proving a winner. It's a rather wet and misty morning so nobody has appeared for breakfast so far. Sandra is already on the ball organising today's kitchen prep. With the combination of a damp day and a late boat we could be in for a busy time. Can't complain!
14/08/2006
Sunday turned out warm enough for those brave swimmers. Well done Annie!! Slowly working our way through the laundry mountain from the previous hectic two days. The girls did 16 lunches and twenty five dinners between them. Our Canadian guests were very chuffed to have successfully found their ancestral roots. After several lifts and a bit of walking they found where they were looking for and were invited into a house for tea and musical entertainment. All part of the island's charm. The weather forecast for today is supposed to be bright and sunny but rain tomorrow so hurry up Johnnie and get that fence painted!!
13/08/2006
We still had the second wave of wedding guests staying with us so the bride and groom plus friends and relations joined them for an evening meal and so the party continued. Jenna kept the kitchen team in order-her cottage pie went down a treat. Ishie was lucky to get the last portion!
Adam and Jenna are looking very professional in their new kitchen "blacks". Must remember to keep these separate in the laundry!
12/08/2006
Yesterday was a very special day for Kevin and Margo who celebrated their wedding in the Scarinish Hotel. A great team effort from everyone to put this event together. Thank you all!Fortunately the weather was good. With the bridal party and all their guests looking fantastic in their dresses and kilts and with the restaurant beautifully set up there was a great atmosphere and we were all ready for a good time. The meal went very smoothly and there was a buffet for those guests who arrived in the evening. The local Cornaig Ceilidh band played and kept the dancing going until well into the wee small hours so we take it that everyone enjoyed themselves. Everyone has now left for the boat and we have a quieter day ahead to catch up. There is that saying "all over just like a wedding". However onwards and upwards for our next guests who arrive this am. full of anticipation for the Tiree experience. The weather is looking good so ever hopeful for a sunny day.
11/08/2006
Dinners proved to be as busy as expected, so I am afraid there were a few unhappy folks on Tiree last night who couldn't get a table. Sorry!!
We think that Ishie is trying to get out of doing the wedding today as she tried to knock herself out by having the freezer lid fall on top of her. Yes it's in the accident log!
Charlie managed to unblock the kitchen sink, so we all had a lecture about tattie peelings and coffee grounds!
The linen arrived yesterday, so Angus got a kiss for delivering so swiftly.
Change of shift today as Fi takes over the day shift from Denny. All go for the wedding - your timing's emaculate Denny!
Angus the border terrier is back and helping Johnnie in the garden.
Early boat, must dash!
10/08/2006
A late diary - many apologies but we are just so busy!
We just haven't stopped all day, and it looks like a busy evening in prospect.
The divers left this morning after an early breakfast - they were anticipating a rough sail down to the Sound of Mull where they will dive for the next two days. We think that they have taken a room key - so if you read this divers, could you please check.
Most of our wedding guests arrived this morning - so the party has definitely started!
Jimmy and Charlie have put 2 new shelves into the safe, so we don't have to check through layers of stuff (sadly not money) to find what we need.
The linen arrived in time for the tables for tomorrow and the washing machines and Fiona the ironing lady are working overtime.
Our new ( to us) catering equipment arrived today from Skye, just as the beer order arrived and the kitchen sink blocked up. Help!
09/08/2006
Yesterday was pretty dreich, but by the time the boat came in at 6.40pm, the sun was shining. Nevertheless, we had a few wet clothes to dry off in the boiler room.
A wet day meant busy lunches, so the team coped well, having to stay on during the afternoon to get prepped up for dinner service.
The bar was busy, busy last night, with Fiona Green having to shout loudly to get the bar cleared by the end of "drinking up time"!
The Tiree Liver & Bacon went down well with our diners last night, as did the lemon chicken and poached salmon.
The pyjamas which were left by our guests in room 5 this morning were delivered to the pier, prior to the boat leaving at 9.55 - we consider that part of our good service!
Bookings for lunch and dinner looking busy, and the preparations for the wedding on Friday are already underway.
Johnnie has arrived to paint fences and strim the garden. What Ho!!!
08/08/2006
A wee bit rainy this morning - the BBC website says it will clear this afternoon, right over our post code - we will wait and see!
Steady day yesterday, but all was eclipsed by the exam results of Karen and Adam. Our staff gained wonderful SQA results - Karen with an A and 3 Bs at Higher level (an A in Gaelic), and Adam with 8 standard grade passes, the best passes of which were in English, French and Computing. We celebrated with a bottle of bubbly about 9.30, after which it was back to the dishes and a kitchen clean up! Well done to both, and also to Sophie, who wasn't in to work last night, but who gained 7 standard grades - my but they're a brainy bunch!
The L plates are on the volvo, so Fiona has ventured out for a wee spin with Denny in the passenger seat. The first run was to MacLeod's for a newspaper and a Magnum ( ice cream), and we are pleased to report that the ejector seat was not required.
Denny on double shift today as Fiona has a well earned day off.
The divers found the wreck yesterday and are diving off Coll today. They will come back wet.
07/08/2006
Welcome back Jimmy! Jimmy has come back to work today, so we are all very happy to see him. We have missed him a lot over the past few weeks, especially Charlie who has been doing all the maintenance on his own.
The weather is holding up well, in fact, the sun is shining and it is warm. Paddling looks promising for this afternoon!
Change of shift yesterday as Siobhan headed back to the mainland and Denny took over as early shift Duty Manager.
We have a party of divers staying with us. They are exploring wrecks (have you tried the Lean-To bar????) and are hoping to dive today to find the good ship Labrador which went down off Skerryvore in 1899, fortunately, without loss of life. We will hear later if the mission was successful.
A first this morning at breakfast, when one of the divers ordered beans on toast topped with scrambled eggs - interesting combination.
The new recipe for crab pate went down a bomb last night, so it looks like becoming a regular feature on the menu.
More crab claws and lobster coming in from Willie Fish later today - we must off and get the pot boiling.
06/08/2006
The sun is shining this morning - the morning after thr night before for Catriona and Harry and their party guests. Catriona and Harry had a garden party to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary, so a good time was had by all. The marquee and the gazebo are still and quiet this morning! The singing could be heard wafting across the machair at midnight - prior to a wee downpour!!!
Our youngsters did well at the hotplate last night, with the Tiree lobster and the hot crab cakes proving particularly popular.
We had a dog convention last night - exotic unpronouncable breeds as well as a cairn terrier called George. George and his dad had chips for lunch today!
Grace and Denny now media stars having appeared in consecutive copies of the Oban Times. Fiona hoping to be in Hello magazine next week!
05/08/2006
It seems we are the place for lunch on the island as we continue to attract more and more people. Yesterday's weather helped our restaurant as many escaped the rain and the thick fog. The plane did not reach us and we had a frantic call from a local guest house to see if we could accommodate a couple who were due to fly out. Fortunately we had one room left and they were extremely grateful. However the weather today started the same and they decided to not risk waiting for the plane and took the ferry instead as they have tickets for the Tattoo in Edinburgh tonight. We even arranged a lift to Glasgow from Oban for them!
The Coll show seemed to go well despite the weather as some of our staff only got back at 9 am this morning!
04/08/2006
Very busy for lunch yesterday as people were around the island for the day trip and the ferry returns to Oban late on a Thursday evening as it comes from Barra via Tiree. One of the parties brought a copy of the Oban Times with them to show us a feature on our recent selection to be members of the exclusive Scottish Quality Lamb and Beef club. Nan, our island butcher, produces such a unique and quality product that our menu items that feature her meat are very popular. Most of our guests make a visit to her shop before leaving for the ferry.
The weather has turned a bit and there's a mizzle today coupled with some cool air - this will be a disappointment for our neighbours on the isle of Coll as it is their show today and Skipinnish Sea Tours are running trips throughout the day. Many of our staff are playing in the pipe band there and we will miss them tonight as it is shaping up to be a busy evening.
03/08/2006
Breezy conditions continued yesterday but with some nice sunny spells so many guests got caught out on the cycle back.
Wilma in housekeeping had an unexpected visit from her brother this week and has been whistling louder than usual as she does her worK. Her family went out with Skipinnish Sea Tours for a wildlife tour yesterday but there was not much happening so they started to fish. Nothing was biting so the children were a bit disappointed until Angus started playing Jingle Bells on the bagpipes and they couldn't catch all the fish that the music had attracted. So smiles all round on the way back to shore!
02/08/2006
Last night was a steady night in the restaurant with lobster proving to be a popular choice. Willie will have to keep busy to supply us over the rest of the high season.
Our window boxes are a bit windswept after some gusty weather yesterday and the breeze is still strong this morning but most guests have already set out on their bikes.
Our young kitchen team has been busy selecting new gear to wear and it seems that black is the new white! They are also excited at the imminent arrival of some new kitchen equipment so it feels like several birthdays all rolled together.
The RAF have also been visiting us again, even lower this morning
01/08/2006
Quietish evening as many Scots returned home yesterday and today many of our English guests arrive. However it's a full house tonight and we have had advanced bookings for our lobster!
Although the weather is brighter today there is still a lot of wind and the decision to cancel the regatta has left a bit of disappointment for those participating in the traditional lug boats and spectators. However, other transport carriers - the RAF fast jets - seem to be enjoying the weather as we have had a number of low fly pasts today!
Had a lovely email from New Zealand this morning from a previous guest recalling her trip here this time last year and as we have discovered she is now a daily diary addict we send her our best wishes from sunny Tiree - slainte.
31/07/2006
Sunday lunches had many of the islanders in from a coolish morning and the Roast Tiree beef was a favourite. The weather has changed a little but there's still a big swell and not much sunshine.
Lots of changes in the house today with our families leaving and lots of couples arriving.
Willie arrived in with some great lobsters this morning so they have just been cooked off and will feature on the menu this evening served with some lemon mayonnaise, seasonal salad and frites...yum!
30/07/2006
Had a very busy restaurant for lunch yesterday as everyone tried to escape the wild weather - all the poor campers were also looking for accommodation but we were fully booked so after some lunch they were on their way to try and find a bed for the night.
Today dawned bright but the sea is still high and the wind is warm. Our ladies left happy after visiting the croft where they had spent many years when they had been fostered here as children over 50 years ago!
29/07/2006
The weather is looking poor for the regatta today so it will probably be postponed till next week - maybe Tuesday if the weather improves.
Another very wet night and the roof continues to give us problems - oh, for talking rafters that could help us locate the source, once and for all!
Our charming Swiss guest with the wonderful soft-top Jaguar sports car has had to cover up today but with the CDs of Skipinnish, Skerryvore and Rachel Walker that he has just purchased from reception he is looking forward to his all-island tour drive.
28/07/2006
Well, it was very busy in the restaurant last night and the Seafood Cocktail and Nan's liver and saute onions were the favourites. The sunset was glorious and everyone was out with their cameras in one hand and a glass of wine or beer in the other. During the night however it was a change of climate - there was a torrential downpour and after such dry weather over recent weeks we had the on-going saga with our leaking roof - Charlie is still in the attic as I write.
One of our guests from California had left his return leg tickets at home so it was a dash to the airport this morning after he had checked out of the hotel to deliver the FedEx documents with the airline tickets enclosed that had arrived earlier by ferry! First class courier service!
27/07/2006
A baby thrush made its way into the hotel in the morning so Amanda and Sandra made it feel at home and after a quick breakfast it was off to find the rest of the family.
The phone lines were off for most of the morning and this made it difficult for those paying with debit or credit cards - just reminded us of how dependent we are on electronic equipment ..... oh for the good old days! That wasn't our only technical hitch as the electricity went off during dinner but Fiona, Elaine and the crew took it in their stride and all the guests were happy and didn't seem to notice.
The weather continues to be fine on Tiree - with the sun shining and the sea shimmering it is truly quite blissful right now - don't you wish you were here?
26/07/2006
Last night was another busy one in the hotel with a full house and a busy restaurant. The summer season started a bit later for most hotel businesses in Scotland this year but we feel that it really is hotting up now here! We have just put up the posters for the Tiree Regatta on Saturday coming so expecting a heectic weekend.
The weather was just glorious yesterday and after speaking to people in London and Glasgow we are so grateful for that special Tiree air providing a warm breeze and opportunity for people to enjoy a drinkat the picnic tables looking out to the Treshnish Isles. Those people arriving by ferry said they had a spectacular cruise to the island.
A busy day beckons so need to rush to get through a long list today and today it's an early boat for breakafast and departures.
25/07/2006
Our friend and colleague Morag was buried on Tiree yesterday.
Morag had been our housekeeper at the hotel up until 5 weeks ago.
We will all miss her terribly, but none moreso than husband Jimmy, son James, daughter Diane, son-in-law Stevie and her treasured grandsons Craig and Ryan.
24/07/2006
A bit cloudier today, and not quite as warm.
Busy lunches yesterday, with dinners also picking up.
Our guests with the big trailer managed to get on to the boat, despite the fact that they were 4th on the wait list, and despite the fact that it was L.O.T.I and not Clansman. They will have made it to the 1st birthday party which they didn't want to miss.
A late supper was on the cards last night for our guests who were working at the Co-op, but who couldn't start until the shop closed at 6pm.
A very busy day today in addition to our usual regime of weekly orders, banking and general weekly admin.
Off to set up for breakfast service.
23/07/2006
We forgot to tell you testerday that our Tiree Scarinish Hotel eggs got 3rd prize at the show - we just need more of them to keep up with demand.
The farmers and judges all left yesterday morning -after a good dance which finished at 3(ish)!
The Skye man from the Oban Times liked the sound of our own Tiree beef and got even more excited about our Nan burgers, and the fact that we are now members of the Scotch Beef Club - so Denny did an impromtu interview during breakfast, followed by a photocall with a tray of beef at the front of the hotel - a new media career awaits. Expect a write up soon in the Oban Times.
A busy day yesterday between the bar and the restaurant, with a fuse going in the kitchen during preparation of the last food order. Thankyou Charlie for coming out at 9pm to mend the fault.
We think it may be our deep fat fryer, so it may shortly be making a one way trip to the end of the pier!
Sunday lunches looking busy prior to which Johnnie and a guest from San Fransisco need to be colected from the ferry. Must dash!
22/07/2006
Wow! - What a night! The best team effort ever saw us set the Scarinish Hotel dinner record at 92. Yes 92 dinners served last night with nothing but compliments all round for our food and our service. The effort put in for the mise en place (pre-service prep for all you non hoteliers), was immense and it really shone through when it came to service time. A great big thankyou to the whole team - well done!
Adam's Mum was dining with the Show Party and she had to admit that her son's chocolate orange cheesecake is spot on. Looks like family competition for Hynish teas, Monica!
The housekeeping team at the Scarinsh Hotel did particularly well at the show, amongst them a 1st for marmalade, a 1st for clootie, 2nd for cherry cake, 2nd for apple tart (pipped!) and a Reserve Champion Texel which we don't think is baking or jam! There were also prizes for our staff in handicrafts - more details will follow.
Denny was first to flag last night (nae stamina), and headed up the road to take in her washing at 11.30pm!
All change again today as our show guests leave and our next lot arrive.
21/07/2006
A mad morning this morning, with all our guests departing, and a new set of arrivals, most of whom are judges for the Tiree Show, and most of whom are other Argyll farmers and crofters.
Most of the ladies of the island have been up all night baking, those that weren't baking have been up all night blacking the feet of sheep with boot polish! There are days when it's great to be a "toonie"!
Sandra ate breakfast for the third day running yesterday, she hardly ever eats, so three days in a row is definitely worth a mention in the diary.
The restaurant had its busiest night this season last night with 69 dinners - tonight we will be busier. Lunches were also busy yesterday, so the kitchen is in full flow at present preparing for tonight - with Ishie organising Sandra on the veg and Adam on puddings. Arlene is on a hunt around the hotel for more teacups and teaspoons, the migration of which around the hotel is always a mystery! Off to collect the veg order!
20/07/2006
Another beach day - like the mainland it just got hotter and hotter!
Charlie had the power on and off yesterday as he isolated the problem with the fryers, so our hoovers upstairs kept stopping, then after we had abandoned them, they started all on their own, a few minutes later!
Our second hotel limo (the 10 year old Volvo 440) has returned from the garage, a mere 11 months after she developed a sub frame problem. She's now going like a wee dream, so it will be her first outing to the airport later this morning! Denny gave her a big hug in the carpark when she arrived in style with a wheelie turn, ably assisted by big Craig the mechanic.
Wilma found the key today that unlocks the laundry room window, so it's now a little cooler in there.
It's raining, and the boat from Oban is due in before heading for Barra this afternoon. The bank have just phoned to remind us that they close at 11am tomorrow because Friday is Tiree Show day -will the sun shine.
19/07/2006
More hot sunshine - we love it!
Well, in the middle of the heat yesterday, and in the middle of lunches, the deep fat fryer blew up! Charlie was swift to act, but even he was defeated, so the table who had ordered chips headed off in the huff! Hey - it wasn't deliberate!
The spare fryer was duly dug out of the loft and after a thorough clean down it was well in service last night.
The plane got in yesterday, so Johnnie got back to the office, Ishie got to Glasgow for her hospital appointment and Mairi got to party!
Lots of cool lager being consumed at our picnic benches, and one of our guest's even admitted to some skinny dipping yesterday - p..a..l..eese!
Fi, Norman and Angus have headed back to the mainland along with Shirley from BC, Canada.
The tar on the roads is melting, so we are busy removing the marks from the carpet.
Charlie has just reported that the fault with the fryer has been located, so another thermostat is on order from Portsmouth! Well done Charlie!
18/07/2006
Mist again, but the forecast is it will clear this forenoon- we hope so, as there will probably be a riot at the airport if the plane doesn't get in or out , second day running!
Our diners at table 1 last night thoroughly enjoyed their dinner, but were quite unnerved when they returned to their bikes and shopping in the car park, to find that the seagulls had opened the Co-op bags and stolen the croissants and pancakes, with the rest of the groceries being left intact. It wouldn't have been so bad, seemingly, if the said croissants and pancakes hadn't been on a two for one special - obviously our Tiree gulls like a wee bargain when they see one!
And then there was our Sunday diner who took one of the kids ( her nephew) to the loo, only to discover that when she got there, the child's urge had disappeared. Being of an economical nature, our guests thought that she would just use the time to satisfy any future urge she might have had! So - midway through the exercise the child decided to open the door and leave Auntie in flagrante!!!!!! Fortunately, there was no queue!
17/07/2006
Very misty on Tiree today. The plane didnt make it in and sadly neither did Fi's son Kenneth who was meant to be doing a training flight to Tiree (that would be the good old law of Sod at work again)
Busy day in the bar yesterday everbody getting in the holiday spirit or should that be spirits as in bottles of , it was a good atmosphere with the occasional burst of song( I think some peeps thought it was still Karoake )Everybody getting geared up for The Tiree Agricultural Show on Friday with the dance later. Lots of people coming home for that one. I need to Hi to my Goddaughter Lexie Spoto in Brisbane and Mummy & Daddy Spoto as I missed her birthday. Pressie is on the way.
16/07/2006
Karaoke a big succes (preceded by Mr Scruffy and "friends" on the accordian).The karaoke singing was led by Ali from Calinet. Don't give up the day job Ali!
Hot and sunny yesterday, so the beaches were busy (more than two people on each beach)! Have you noticed how happy everybody is when the sun shines - people were even smiling in the co-op queue, and even Jenny at the co-op said she was feeling happy, so shine on golden sun!
Johnnie has finally put his shorts on but not until after his visit to Skerryvore lighthouse with cousin Shirley from Canada.
Two guests' birthdays yesterday so fizzy and cards all round.
A few Sunday lunches booked and orders to be sorted for tomorrow. Must dash...............
15/07/2006
Great weather for the last two days and today looks like being another stunner. Warm and sunny!! Being Glasgow Fair weekend the island is livening up so we will all be busy serving the hungry and thirsty customers. Karaoke and cocktails in the bar tonight so Gemma, Fiona and Amanda will be tempting our customers with Woo Woos, Black Russians and Surfriders to name but a few! We have two different Canadian parties from Vancouver staying with us who met at breakfast and discovered that not only do they have the same surname but also their roots originate from the same part of Wester Ross. It's a small world. Hope Shirley and Johnnie are enjoying their seatrip to Skerryvore this morning.
13/07/2006
Yesterday turned out a stunning afternoon with a wonderful sunny evening. Our diners went cycling off into the sunset after their meal to get photos. Today has not been so bright but it's warm and everyone is out either cycling or walking. A steady bar and restaurant last night which ended up with Amanda and I doing our taxi run at midnight-don't ask!! Our crab claws are very popular-we just can't get enough of them!!
12/07/2006
According to the weather forecast the sun is going to shine on Tiree for the next 5 days. We await with anticipation! All our guests are either cycling or planning a seatrip today. With a pleasant breeze this should suit everyone. A steady restaurant and a busy bar last night. Angus is enjoying being top dog while Cron goes on his holidays at the other end of the island.
11/07/2006
The sun is making a valiant effort to come out this morning so fingers crossed it will make it, as our residents Graham & Karin are heading off for a cycle round the Island on thier hire bikes. (I predict sore posterior's this evening). The play that was on at the hall last night was a great success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
Its Strictly Ceilidh Dancing this evening and as our Adam is in the competition we are backing him all the way, Go Adam Go. Fairly quiet in the restaurant and the bar as the play was on and Skerryvore were playing, so we all had a fairly early night.
10/07/2006
The diary is either really late or very early, I will leave that up to you to decide. Our BBc film crew made it in safely after being out with skipinish, it was really wild during the night so it was a bit touch and go whether they would make it or not.then in true Tiree fashion it cleared up and was a really nice afternoon. Quiet night in the bar and restaurant, by all accounts the ceilidh was a good un.
Fi Green is trying to think of new and different cocktails for saturday night "Cocktails & karoake"
If you have any suggestion let me know.
09/07/2006
Very late dinners last night meant the girls and Michael being late for the dance -not impressed! Sunday dawned a very misty but warm morning after a fairly wild,wet night. Our camping friends left this morning after an eventful night. Their tent nearly blew away and they were frozen.They had tried to buy extra blankets-this is quite difficult to do on Tiree on a Saturday night at 8pm. It was suggested that they went to the dance to warm up but they headed for the tent. .Hmn...they returned promptly asking for a room. The sun has come out as promised so all our visitors are on the beach. Will they all remember to turn up tonight to watch the World Cup final??
08/07/2006
Sun, sun and more sun - keep shining through please.
Well, the Birthday boy had a good birthday, and the staff all stayed after dinner service to crack a couple of bottles of bubbly. The strains of "Happy Birthday to You" could be heard wafting across the machair. Michael has already formed a particular attraction to two of his presents - the mouth organ (he can't play it) and a top hat! So ................ if you see a young man wearing a top hat, playing the "mouthie" (badly) under the Hielander's Umbrella- it will be our Michael.
The skate wings were fabby. We were thinking about all these posh restaurants in London and reckoning that our skate wings in beurre niosette were even fresher than theirs!
Would you believe that we had feet on the table last night!. A dining party decided that they would just do in the restaurant what they do at home. They were asked politely to refrain. "No real", as we say in Glasgow.
Busy again in the restaurant last night, and a shift change today as Denny heads back to Glasgow and Fi arrives with Angus the border terrier.
Our Italian photographer is down early for beakfast - must dash.
07/07/2006
Happy Birthday Michael - 21 today!
Well the sun did come out yesterday, but it took until 5 o'clock. This morning is glorious, so Eric is whitewashing the side of the building, and it should be a good day for the sheep shearing training. Our trainers are here from the Borders, so maybe a new career beckons for some!
A first for Denny yesterday at breakfast when a couple came down and sat at separate tables. We thought at first that they had "fallen out", but the upshot was that he was not fully awake, and after visiting the breakfast buffet table had returned to the table he had been at the previous night, with his wife going to the one we had set them for breakfast! All a bit confusing, so much so that Sandra burnt the porridge, so we had to start again with another pot.
The busiest lunches so far this year as well as 60 + dinners last night, and just when we though it was quietening down, Willie Fish came in with a load of crab claws, lobsters and a huge skate which had been caught in the nets. Denny came to the rescue and took all the beasties up to the house where they were humanely prepared for tonight's table. Ishie and I are having the skate wings for dinner, and our residents have already ordered their lobsters.
Looking busy again tonight, but the team are pulling together well- so bring em on!
06/07/2006
What can we say, other than the weather this morning is nothing short of GRIM. It's one of those days that you remember as a child, if you spent your holidays on the west coast of Scotland - long and wet!
On the brighter side, we will definitely be busy for lunches today, as our Thursday day visitors may choose not to walk in the rain.
Fiona is very excited at the arrival of her new "baby" - yes the new microwave has arrived - all 1900 watts of it! The things that make people happy........
Charlie fitted the new element to our deep fat fryer yesterday, so the new, and the not so new kitchen equipment is slowly coming together.
Quiet in the restaurant last night, but tonight is already busier.
Our man in room 11 departed yesterday with his 9 boarding passes and the kilt that he had put on to sing in the restaurant the night before - when will we see your likes again - not for a while we hope!
Our airport is still being bombed, but the action stopped before lunch yesterday, so we await today's strategic missions!
The sun has come out, so cancel the first paragraph of today's diary!
05/07/2006
Not so sunny, but still not a breath of wind. The sea is flat calm- not something we often see here on Tiree.
The cloud and the rain came in yesterday around lunch time, so a few disappointed beach bums by mid afternoon. At least it stopped the RAF from their continuous bombing of Tiree Airport. We understand that it's a week long exercise, but the fast, noisy, pointy things are flying so low that we feel we should be opening the windows in the building to let them through!
Cron received a beautiful photograph yesterday from his girlfriend Rhona the spaniel. It had been taken in June when Rhona and her owners were holidaying with us. We will be choosing frames later this week!
Busy bar and busy restaurant last night with 3 out of 4 tables on in the Marie Stuart lounge bar.
Denny lost another wager on the football last night, so she has to serve Karen a chilled diet coke with ice, on a tray and up the stairs in the Upper Deck. She will not be betting any more, having lost two cokes so far!
04/07/2006
Sunny and not a breath of wind - perfect. Busy night in the restaurant and the bar last night. every one very happy and relaxed after a day in the sun.
I have just been informed that it is going to be a heatwave today( by Tiree standards any way.) Eric is out painting and strimming so we will all be dazzled by the whiteness of the Scarinish Hotel.
We got our consignment of Skippinish CD's yesterday available at £11.99 plus P&P if anyone is interested in purshasing one. Lots of new arrival coming on the boat this evening, what a perfect day to arrive. Amanda and Wilma are busy upstairs getting ready for them.
03/07/2006
Yesterday turned out to be wonderfully sunny, with that Tiree wind that really catches you with the sunburn. Today is the same, so factor 50 is the order of the day for our new arrivals.
These include the Thomsons, who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary having spent their honeymoon here at the Scarinish Hotel in 1966!
Naturally, it was Mr T who had organised the honeymoon, with Mrs T getting quite excited when she thought she overheard the words "The Isle of Capri"!!! Mrs T can't quite remember which room they were in back in 1966. She said they didn't come out that much! We said TOO MUCH INFORMATION!
A busy Sunday lunch and busy dinners last night, with Jenna and Sandra doing very well at the hotplate during dinner service.
More stocktaking today in anticipation of phoning in our weekly orders.
Our man in room 11 now has 9 boarding passes for his return trip to Oban on Wednesday! Don't ask!
02/07/2006
The day has dawned overcast and still - could this be a potential midge heaven? The hotel has been quiet, so we are wondering if others know something that we don't!
Our duty managers are enjoying the luxury of having only one shift to carry - so long may that continue!
Our guest in room 11 isn't coping too well with the prospect of no Sunday papers - but we have promised him Sunday and Monday papers all in the one day which has calmed him somewhat.
Sophie leaves us today for her holiday in Italy, so that sounds like a cue for good weather here on Tiree.
Cheers in the bar for a Portugal victory - whatever happened to the United Kingdom!
Come on Andy Murray!
01/07/2006
We have wind and we have sunshine! The ferry has arrived, the busiest of the year so far, we hear. The troops have arrived at the hotel to help out over the next couple of months, so Fiona has had a well earned long lie this morning, and Denny has had her porridge! Sandra's mushroom soup has gone down a stormer, so she is on soup duty again tomorrow.
The first of the summer dances last night, it can't have been THAT good, because the staff were all in promptly for the early shift.
Sheena has planted us some window boxes for the front of the hotel (direct competition for the Royal Bank of Scotland) so we have placed them at the top of the fire escape - no we're not blocking it - lest the sheep see a tasty meal!
The laundry beckons ..........
30/06/2006
Yesterday we revisited winter for a couple of hours with wind and rain, the as it does in Tiree cleared into a lovely evening. Busy bar and restaurant last night every body was in holiday frame of mind with the schools finishing. Everybody wanted crabclaws so willie got an SOS call this morning. We had a few singers in the bar last night (and they were in tune which is a bonus). Our new puggy machine arrived yesterday so no doubt myself and Charlie will be scratching our heads this morning trying to figure out how to set it up.
29/06/2006
Not quite as sunny today (not even close). As the summer holidays are just about to start its not surprising. Its the law of Sod that dictates these things. Happy 20th Anniversary to Mr & Mrs Taylor in Room 4. They had thier Honeymoon here 20 years ago in the chalet at the back. We did offer the use of the chalet but they declined (the chalet hasn't survived the 20 years as well as they have).
Busy night in the restaurant last night we had our group of walker/ sailors in for Dinner and to pick up thier packed lunches. They are staying on a boat overnight. Happy birthday to Amanda for yesterday (she was working but all in all had a good day). Gemma had a lovely evening in the bar last night being serenaded by the locals.
28/06/2006
Sun shine again today. Last night was really beautiful. The water was dead calm, blue skies and you could see Mull really clearly. Picture postcard stuff. Lots of people out and about enjoying it Fairly quiet night in the bar and the restaurant so we are all catching our breath before the weekend and summer starts in earnest.Charlie's making the most of the sunshine and is up a ladder painting the roof. The Curley family are leaving today, they had another trip out with Skipinnish last night and the basking sharks made another appearance to thier delight.
27/06/2006
Goodmorning another lovely sunny morning. Yesterday was the much the same so hopefully it will stay for a while.The Curley family who are staying with us at the moment went out yesterday on Skipinish Sea Tours to Skerryvore and said there were loads of basking Sharks and were just blown away by the whole experience. Jenna's Cullen Skink went down a treat in the restaurant last night. It was a lovely evening last night when Cron was out for his evening, very still and one of those Tiree nights when it didnt get dark at all.
25/06/2006
Perfect Tiree weather today, lovely & sunny with a bit of breeze. Cron really enjoyed his walk this morning. Football on today so no doubt the boys will be in the bar with curtains closed. (mad)Busy boat yesterday si the Island feels a lot busier this weekend. Lots of people booked for dinner this evening. Laura and Roly left yesterday and arrived home safely.All Adam & karen getting quite excited about school finishing so they can do more hours - give them a couple of weeks they will be over that excitement.
24/06/2006
A clear, calm morning so this bodes well for the sailors but it is not good enough for Mr Wright who is up for a stint at the airport.
A steady day yesterday with a late dash to Skinners for the veg order as we needed the Scottish strawberries for dessert at dinner.
We said farewell to Maureen who had been with us all week and welcomed a whole batch of new guests who are all very active being walkers and cyclists. Skipinnish sea tours made the trip to Skerryvore in the afternoon and left from right outside the hotel - we gained some lunch custom from this and the passengers could not believe the size of our crab claws - nor how delicious they are. Thanks for this are due to local fishermen.
23/06/2006
Hooray for a lovely Thursday! The cyclists and walkers had a great day and the Hotel Inspector reconfirmed our 2 stars. Jubilation! Our whole team pulled out the stops to go that extra mile and our food also hit the mark with the famous crab claws a high!
Guests from the Scottish Exec surveyed the pier as Scarinish Harbour is in a precarious state of disrepair.
The Local Enterprise Company came to call too and we had our meeting outside in the sun. Our weekly food and bar deliveries - held up on the mainland on Wednesday, all arrived safely. So as Cardiff University has researched yesterday as one of the happiest of the year - we all agree.
22/06/2006
Midsummer and the rain poured and the wind lashed the waves but - a busy lunch and boat and plane both made it. We waved off the Halls who had been with us for 5 days to celebrate Mrs Hall's 70th Birthday.
Photographers and cyclists have arrived and our Hotel Inspector seems happy so far!!! A busy night in the restaurant with a couple of parties and a full house of residents.
Sandra and Elizabeth were flat out making desserts but happy to report they are all eaten!
21/06/2006
A perfectly lovely day at breakfast that deteriorated rapidly into a squall - we did not think the boat should even leave Oban having read windguru! The usual leaks appeared and we recycled the water to the plants.
Charlie did a stack of wee jobs to prepare for the arrival of The Hotel Inspector tomorrow.
Steady dinner with a good number of people dropping in on the off chance including folk from Jura and Colonsay.
Elaine was at the hotplate and the lobster salad sold out.
20/06/2006
Monday just seemed to get "riper" as the day matured so by evening it was a bit of a classic - a breath of wind, very clear and mild.
George and Duncan left in the morning both thrilled to be let loose on the island with their bikes - schoolboy friends for the last 30 plus years. George is building a house on the island and is panicing about its size.
Vicky headed off too - but by plane having provided a tour bus service to other hotel guests first.
Steady bar later on but Michael tackled the strimming and made fair headway feeing up the nettle surrounded seat down by the waters edges where the squeeze box players sometimes play.
French guests for lunch and a chance for all of us to use our European skills.
19/06/2006
A day of firsts - saw the first duckling family taking a morning swim as we had our dog walk. Next up was the first campers wanting to heat up in our showers as it was such a wet day.
Then Vicky who is up visiting had her first surfing lesson - a 3 hour marathon from Wild Diamond that was a real high for her - but oh, those sore shoulders afterwards!
Then a water diviner arrived to tell us we had loads of water if we wanted a borehole - so that's good news.
Later on we wnjoyed a video in the bar of a guest's 40 yr old tortoise Timmy! Then out came a 1976 photo of same guest to show he was as cool as the young dudes in the bar. Finally we guided 2 guests and their night caps to the Upper Deck to watch the light - as even at midnight on a wet evening there was still light across our bay.
18/06/2006
Total change in the weather and anoraks back on but some of us were out and on two beaches yesterday watching the kite surfers whiz by then calling to the seals at Vaul.
Rolly is back and getting used to no trees or wheelie bins to pee against - Cron will keep him right.
All still very quiet this a.m. after the Karaoke of the night before - the tales will unfold no doubt as the day matures.
17/06/2006
My Apologies for the last couple of days, been a bit busy and I have to admit it forgetful, you cant be any harder on me than I've been on myself. Not very nice rainy and overcast today not a breath of wind though. Busy night in the restaurant, and there were a few in fine voice in the bar last night. maybe they were practising for the Karaoke tonight, yes its that time of the month again. I'm trying to convince Adam & Micheal to do a duet but they are having none of it. Our Morag's not too well at the moment, so all our love Morag and take good care of yourself, we all miss you.
14/06/2006
Weather looks promising this morning, a lovely day
yesterday nice and sunny. Fairly busy in the evening. Jenna's Carrot & Orange Soup went down a treat.Fi Green had the BT boys out round the bay whistling and calling our pet seal Sam (which of course isnt our pet seal) that was very amusing.
Sad day today the love of Crons life Rhona and her daddies are leaving we will all miss them its been great having them stay.
13/06/2006
Sorry yesterday's diary was missed, one of those days. Yesterday was one of the those bizarre Tiree weather days we had summer all day apart from a couple of hours in the afternoon when it turned to winter windy rainy etc. Rob & Shirley spotted a seal out in the bay, so they've seen it all while on Tiree. Seals, basking sharks and Nudists.We had our group of birdwatchers in last night, they are all having a lovely time and Ishies Bread & Butter pudding went down a storm, as did Elaines veg & lentil bake.
11/06/2006
A wee bit of rain late last night, but today dawned glorious, albeit with a good, but mild wind.
Our Dutch visitors have just enjoyed a morning coffee with shortbread, having walked from Balephetrish where they have moored their boat. They are circumnavigating Britain before going off to Ireland, si it's nice to think that we're on the circuit!
A steady day yesterday, with the bar proving busier than the retaurant, so much so that even Fiona Green had to ask for a hand around 8pm!
A busy night in prospect with 21 "twitchers"in for dinner, as well as a few other chance bookings,plus our residents. A birthday cake is being decorated for our residents in room 5 as I write! Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You......................................
10/06/2006
The weather is as good on Tiree as it is everywhere else. The sun was still streaming in the windows at 10pm - don't we just love summer. The restaurant was madly busy last night, with diners young and old.
The wine has arrived for the new wine list, so the chilled rose should go down well this evening.
The machair is fabulous right now with daisies and buttercups in abundance, and the yellow irises are a feast for the eyes. Eric was in swimming yesterday and his sporting his shorts today - competition for Johnnie!
09/06/2006
Running a bit late this morning, early boat and lots of thirsty travellers. Its another sunny day on Tiree.
Proof positive that we are the sunshine Island when its not raining anyway. It was a lovely night last night when I took Cron out, it was a nearly a full moon with the moonlight reflecting on the water and still light at 11.00 pm. Cron & Rhona the
springer spaniel are getting on well( Crons fallen for her big time and shes having none of it). Colin was out yesterday assesing the girls on thier NVQs and they are doing well. Sandra has now completed her level 2 and starting her level 3.
08/06/2006
Big Bill the Bar till is back in place, for those who didnt know he was away far a couple of weeks being fixed and was greatly missed. We have a springer spaniel staying at the moment called Rhona who is staying, I think Cron has fallen for her a bit but she's having none of it. The thrushes are stilling adding the finishing touches to thier new home. There was a boat out in Gott Bay last night ( Fi Green reliably informs me it is the lighthouse boat) and it looked fab at night when it was all lit up.Steady night last night in the bar & restaurant our homemade rice pudding and cinnamon sugar went down very well with customers.
07/06/2006
We have a couple of guests who are not intending to pay. They are two Thrushes who have made a nest on the back wheel of the hotel car, and very determined they are as well as yesterday we had to move them to get the car, as soon as the car was brought back they built the nest again. So if anyone has any suggestions as to a safer place to rehome them please let me know. Busy night in the bar last night though the restaurant was fairly quiet. Cron has had his hay fever injection so he was skipping about the flowers at 7.30 this morning , funnily enought I wasnt.
06/06/2006
The mist lifted eventually (the plane didnt make it though) and it was a lovely sunny day. No more leaks, fuses etc in the hotel, so that was quite nice.
Fairly busy afternoon in the bar everybody seemed to be on a halfday. Took Cron out about 10ish last night and the views were stunning, it really did take your breath away.We sat up at the lighthouse and it looked like a painting it was so still and perfect. It really was one of those how lucky am I moments. Its another hot and sunny day today, Crons away to the vet this morning as his hayfever is playing up(bless him) and Max our lovely labradoodle is leaving today.
05/06/2006
Hello is anybody out there. It feels a bit like that this morning as it is so misty, you couldnt see a thing needless to say we didnt venture too near the old harbour- not doing falling in first thing in the morning.I doubt there'll be a plane this morning unless it clears sharpish. The general feeling is the boat should make it. Put it to the vote this morning. No major of minor disasters yesterday thank goodness. Grace is away with a school trip today for the week, have fun Grace!
04/06/2006
Lovely day yesterday weatherwise the forecast was rain but it was dry and sunny all day. So heres hoping we get a bit more of the same today. The forecast is still rain.We have a labradoodle staying in the hotel this weekend its lovely. I starting to think we are jinxed last night we had a leak in the laundry( luckily Charlie came to the rescue) The tar was melting yesterday so summer is officially here.
03/06/2006
Sorry, Sorry it was a bit hectic the last couple of days so didnt manage to get it done. Wednesday was an interesting day, we had a problem with the water which lasted all day, then the fryer's blew up much to Jenna's horror. No one was hurt and Jimmy and charlie managed to rectify the problem.
Willies Crab clews and lobsters are proving very popular with the visitors and locals alike. Though I have to say they werent too popular with us when
we were cooking and weighing them and trying to get the crab claws out from under some fairly upset live lobsters, I didnt think the full body armour was to excessive, do you.
01/06/2006
A bit overcast this morning but the wind has dropped again. Sorry about the lack of diary yesterday, it was just one of those days when you could do with an extra 5 or 6 hours in it. So I decided to get an early start on it this morning.
Busy day yesterday on lunches & dinners, steady in the bar, Lots of visitors still around which is good.
Fi Green on Hols this week so she popped in all relaxed and chilled out. Congrats to Mairi Green on passing her driving test. Commisserations to those who failed I know exactly how you feel.
30/05/2006
Another beautiful sunny morning and the wind has dropped. Good news for our guests who are on the Skippinnish sail to Skerryvore. A busy restaurant last night with 36 dinners and a steady bar. A quieter morning so a chance to get all the cleaning jobs done-a never ending task. A big welcome to Anne who has joined the cleaning team!!
29/05/2006
Lovely morning this morning when I took Cron out
very sunny with a slight breeze. Busy lunchtime yesterday. Sandra & Jenna did a brill job as usual.
Bar was steady during the day but quiet at night. I think the last week has taken its toll on even the most determined socialites. It turns out Fi Greens bruises were not the worst casualties of the dance. A couple of broken toes as well, our Amanda has one of them. So it really was a good ceilidh. Idid not realise how dangerous a Strip the Willow can be especially if you are doing a Sandie Shaw ( that means no shoe's to any one who is too young to remember Sandie)
28/05/2006
Sorry about the lack of Diary page yesterday, hotel was busy all day. We had the majority of people from the homecoming leaving, so a few tears. Lots of Hairy dogs being consumed in the bar after the Ceilidh on Fri night, by all accounts it was a great dance and Fi Green's got the bruises to prove it.Tiree itself is still very busy with visitors so another busy night in the restaurant. Lovely morning this morning with only a slight breeze, lets hope it keeps up all day.
26/05/2006
Had a nice long lie this morning Fi Thompson did breakfast. Everyone is getting revved up the final concert/ceilidh of the Week. It should be a great ending to a great week. I think there will be a few tears shed by the ones who are leaving, it will be poignant for the ones leaving on the boat as they will get a small inkling of how thier great grandparents etc felt. I think there are quite a few who will be back for a visit.
25/05/2006
What a lovely morning we woke up to, took Cron a walk along to the pier and the sun was shining with a light breeze. Everything is still all go on the Island and our visitors seem to be enjoying as much as we are( which is always a bonus). Eric pushing on the with the painting, so we are going to have a nice white hotel for the summer apart from the wooden parts obviously.Dishy has survived a pump bypass operation and is back working at its full potential.
24/05/2006
What a bizarre day yesterday was weatherwise. Brilliant sunshine early morning then rain and wind late morning followed by massive hailstones in the afternoons. (weird weather at the moment).Another busy day in the Bar and restaurant. Angus (skipinish) was in again in the afternoon on the old accordian (great stuff). We are going to start doing a recipe a week on the diary as some of the visitors keeping asking for the Clootie dumpling recipe. so watch this space.
23/05/2006
Jemma's Learning Curve!
Our new employee Jemma got stung twice yesterday! First time was when she popped into the kitchen at An Talla (the island community hall), where we were preparing the A' Bhuian lunch for 200. She just popped in to say hello, but we kidnapped her for 4 hours to help decorate the finger buffet. She is now a dab hand at filling baby baked potatoes!
As if she hadn't learned her lesson, she was caught out again in the bar last night. Just when she was about to close, the musicians who had been playing at the concert last night , conned poor Jemma into the "just one more drink and we'll go routine"!!! She was still tryting to shoo them out at 2 a.m.
The musicians included our own Skippinish as well as Malcolm the guitarist from Runrig - so a good night was had by all.
Our lunch buffet was a great success, with the Tiree lobster and crab being as popular as Nan's homemade sausage rolls.
Laura has added two more swear words to her vocabulary - "Outside" and "Catering"!
22/05/2006
Today is the start of The A'Bhuinn - The homecoming. The Island is really busy at the moment and lots going on this week. Concerts & Ceilidhs all week.There is a really nice buzz about the place at the moment. Busy bar and restaurant last night.Quite a few locals out celebrating the homecoming even though they never actually left (bless) great atmosphere,. Tiree really is the place to be at the moment, if not always.
21/05/2006
The weather stayed lovely for the wedding by all accounts the bride was stunning, and our Jenna looked fab in her bridesmaid dress. I'm sure there will be a few sore heads and smiles this morning.
Denny & Laura are whirling dervishes this morning getting everything prepped for the buffet tomorrow.
I think Roly is trying to help as well. I am now trying to finish the diary 4 hours after I started, busy day but everybody happy bunnies so thats good. We have our first arrivals for the A'bhuain today and it is a a lovely sunny day so they will be able to appreciate the true beauty of Tiree.
20/05/2006
Congratulations & good luck to Graeme & Lindsay on thier big day. I think the whole Island was out celebrating last night. Very busy night in the restaurant and the bar- but everyone having a good time it was a really good night, rounded off by Willie turning up at 11ish with a load of crabclaws and crayfish. My mum had a lovely time cooking them all. Denny & Laura are up today to get the prep started for the A'bhuain buffet on Monday, so they are having a fun packed day cracking & shelling all the crab claws (lucky old them)
19/05/2006
Congratulations to the Macall family on a new baby
boy- Archie!! A grandson today and a wedding tomorrow talk about a big weekend. We hope David is feeling better.We've all got our fingers crossed that the weather picks up for tomorrow. Not too bad today the sea is flat calm. We had the fire brigade and Police staying last night so we all slept well. All we needed was a couple of Ambulance men and we would have had the full set.
Happy Birthday Sandra from us all.
A very belated happy birthday to Cameron my groovy nephew. ( Sorry Aunty B was away at the time)
18/05/2006
Its a bit wild this morning,I think there may be a few people feeling a bit queasy when they get off the boat this morning.As I am writing this the sun has just come out and the cloud is clearing a bit.
We have all got our fingers crossed that the weather clears for Saturday and Jenna's sister has a sunny day for her wedding. We have Gemma starting today on the bar for the summer, which is great. The Denness party are leaving today but they did manage to fit in a bit of golf yesterday, though they were starting to feel it a bit last night.
17/05/2006
Had a lovely walk with Cron at silly oclock this morning, it was misty but no rain. Nice and peaceful, it has cleared now though still cloudy.
Busy night in the restaurant last night, and it was a mad dash to the co-op this morning as they had no milk for two days,so we had to stock up today, luckily we didnt run out. The Denness party arrived last night, they are with us for 2 days, then onto Coll and Mull.They were loving thier Crab claws and tablet last night (not together obviously).
16/05/2006
Its stopped raining though I have a funny feeling its not for long.We've all got our fingers crossed
for Saturday that the weather clears up for the wedding and also next week for A'bhuain, it would be great if all our visitors could see the Island at its best, mind you it is fairly spectactular no matter what the weather. Quiet night in the bar last night
though the restaurant was busy.
15/05/2006
Its a very dreich day today,no wind but lots of rain.
Very quiet night in the bar last night about 9.00 pm it was just Mina and Amanda watching Braveheart on telly. Restaurant was busy for a Sunday night.
Jennas getting excited about her big sister's wedding on Saturday as she is a bridesmaid. More tablet and shortbread getting made today.
14/05/2006
Karaoke & Cocktails went down well, quite a few
turned up and were in fine voice. I'm sure there will be a few poorly heads this morning.
Not so sunny this morning much to relief of Mr & mrs Maccartneywho went out for a walk yesterday and didnt worry about sun tan lotion as there was a cool breeze, thier a wee bit red this morning. We've all done it before though.
13/05/2006
Well it is very nice to be back after a week off.Lovely sunshine you could almost be in the maldives if you took away the extremely chilly breeze and a few other things like sheep, cows etc.
The Cowboy boots and hats are ready for this eveinings Coyote Ugly in the Bar - be afraid, be very afraid. It will hopefully be a monthly event.
Cron has got his hayfever back, funnily enough the vet on tiree has not come across this problem before so he has had to send away for the medication. Remember and log on tomorrow and hear all the gossip, after a couple of Fi Green cocktails inhibitions and a lot of other things go out the window.
12/05/2006
Late, late.late! Busy busy busy!
The phone just won't stop, so no end of interuptions today and a forgotten diary. Standards what? Whales and dolphins spotted yesterday on the Skippinish trip, so all our guests who ventured out into the bright Atlantic waters were well pleased. We have a botantist who has eaten with us regularly and was well impressed with our floral table decorations. We told her it was the Plantus Ikeas, a new species as yet unknown outside Tiree! Busy bar yesterday and so far today, but it looks like a quiet evening in the house and in the restaurant. The party girls have gone to a gig in Dundee. Do we wish we were 20 again? No- we'll stick to Tiree. Excitment mounting re tomorrows Karaoke and Cocktail night. Stetsons and line dancing - "Hawd me back!"
11/05/2006
Flying fish on Tiree?
Charlie & Jimmy, our maintenance duo, who, when they are not "maintaining" the building, are sitting out the back having tea, were disturbed yesterday by a loud thud on the chalet roof. Turned out to be a half pound saith, dropped from the sky by a squadron of fighting seagulls! The suggestion is that the back door now becomes a "Hard Hat Area" to avoid injury by falling fish!
All outdoor expiditions by our various residents were accomplished in style yesterday. This included Mina, who is on one of her regular visits to see her sister in the home. Mina managed to push the wheel chair from Taigh an Rudha to the pier (via the hotel for a dram in the sunshine) - so well done. Great weather brings out the adventurous spirit - n'est ce pas! The hot water urn is back in business - a sure sign that the season is now officially underway.
10/05/2006
The tar is melting! Hot! Hot! Hot! Another stunner, and a few pairs of shorts have been seen which really should be in a museum!
Our twitchers were thrilled to have seen a female marsh harrier yesterday - according to John Bowler our RSPB man this is a rare occurrenece in Argyll, let alone on Tiree. Our octogenerian cyclists have headed off for the day, so let's hope they don't overheat.
Helen arrived back on the island yesterday. She came over by plane, via Benbecula - don't ask!
Fi and Angus the border terrier have returned to Oban. Alls well when the sun shines.
09/05/2006
Yesterday was a stunning day weatherwise-WARM! Today looks like being the same. Monday was a steady day in the restaurant and bar. Plenty of jobs-a bit of painting and safe breaking(don't ask!!)Watty's new sound system is par excellence-what a difference it makes to the ambience in the dining room! Joint care taking management from Fi and Denny-the staff are cowring in the corner(NOT!)
07/05/2006
Saturday was a quiet day all round-our 8 diners enjoyed the peaceful, candlelight atmosphere. Today dawned another bright and sunny morning. We hear it's raining on the mainland so we are fortunate. Hopefully Amanda and Sandra will be on the boat back from Oban with their supply of chocolate!!
06/05/2006
Beautiful sunny and quite warm day- just perfect. A quiet lunchtime-everyone must be on the beach!Looking ahead the forecast is sunshine for the rest of the weekend. Fiona Mac is now off for a well deserved rest. Sandra and Amanda are off for a 24 hour excursion to Oban - hope the sun shines for them too!
05/05/2006
The blue skies didnt last very long yesterday by lunchtime it was rain, rain and more rain. This morning however is looking quite promising.So
fingers crossed, Fi thompson is arriving today, as I am off tomorrow for a week. Happy days. Denny is coming up later in the week. The Millhouse couple managed to hire a car, someone got a copy of his license to him. Much to thier relief as I think the novelty of the push bike wore off after the 5th Mile.
The raffle tickets are selling very well for the An Bhuinn.
04/05/2006
The boat did make it yesterday, but I certainly wouldnt have wanted to be on it. It had to drop
anchor then turn to get in to the pier. You would think it was a wee fishing boat the way it was being thrown about in the water. There were quite a few who were estatic to be on dry land. The afternoon and evening were lovely once it cleared and this morning its blue skies and sunshine, the winds still there but who cares!. Testing cocktails last night for the karoake night ( its a tough job but someone's got to do it) I was assisted by quite a few volunteers in the bar funnily enough.
03/05/2006
Did anyone spot the deliberate mistake yesterday! The boat didnt make it yesterday, by about 7.30pm the the rain had cleared and we had lovely blue skies, it didnt last long. This morning is wild again but Roddy confirmed the boat is on her way.
Hopefull Dr & Mrs Swann will make it over from Coll, I day late. Mr Stone is on his way home (though I think he would be quite happy if he didnt make it). I havent attempted to take Cron out this morning as he is still sleeping I think he may have
gone into hibernation.
02/05/2006
It is a very wild day on Tiree, I will be very surprised if the boat or the plane make it. I took Cron out this morning for his morning walk and he reserved back in to the hotel and was looking pleadingly at the door back inside ( that is a first ).
Amanda is convinced that our wee lamb was back again last night lying outside the back bar window,
it did look ver similar but then so does every lamb
in Scarinish at the moment. It was lovely watching them yesterday running about in the sunshine.
Its a different story today with the spray coming right over the top of the rocks. Its makes you realise how spectacular nature is when she wants to put a show on.
01/05/2006
It was very wet last night and this morning though hopefully it will clear by this afternoon. There are
eight of our guests leaving on the plane this morning. One of them Mr Mccullough is away with Elaine's recipe for Minted minced Lamb flan, he enjoyed it so much. He has promised to keep us up to date on how it turned out. Elaines bread & butter pudding & custard went down well last night . Bar was relatively quite last night, Though the restaurant was steady.
A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO WILMA (EVERYBODY SING)
30/04/2006
The Waverley (its a paddle steamer ) did nto let us down, lots of people in the bar and lots of coffee & cake/ soup & sandwiches in the restaurant. The Homemade Carrot Cake and Raspberry & White Chocolate Cheesecake were getting high praise.Mr Catterson liked it that much he decided to stay the night. It was only here for an hour & half so it was a bit rushed, everybody left happy and full.
THe weather wasnt great for them but a t least it stayed dry. Every one from Tiree seemed to enjoy
the trip round the bay. We waved to them from the restaurant (everybody say ahh)
29/04/2006
Getting geared up for a busy day today,Waverley
this afternoon and busy Hotel and restaurant tonight.
The bar was busy last night a few were oiling the old vocal chords before heading up to the Lodge.
Talking of Karoake on the 13th May we are doing Cocktails & Karaoke ( Fi Greens world infamous cocktails- looking forward to that.)
Anne & Gilliespie were in last night for dinner, it was lovely to see them as always, Anne got tablet so she didnt have to pinch any as she and Murdoch were prone to do in Somerset.
No visiting lambs last night (maybe they were at the karoake)
28/04/2006
THe weather finally made up its mind yesterday and the sun shone ( in Ernie's words "it always shines on the righteous" ). Our wee lamb came back for a visit it wandered in through the back door into the boiler room, bleating away. This time its mum was waiting outside, so they must have bonded after all.
There's a fair a bit of excitement about the Waverley coming on Sat, the Pier will be heaving as will the Scarinish Hotel Bar & Restauarant. So if you are coming on Saturday make sure you pop in and see us.
27/04/2006
We rescued a lamb yesterday. There was a lamb born at the back of hotel and its mother went off and left it, so at first we tried to get it back to its mother but that didnt work. So we called Lachie to come and get it , in the meantime we had it in reception keeping it warm ( only in Tiree) . Lachie
took it away and mother and lamb are bonding, we had all bonded with it as well. So that was our excitement for the day. It was a lovely day yesterday, really quite warm when you got out of the breeze. Today's not looking too promising but it is dry.
26/04/2006
Broadband was stroppy again this morning. Lovely
sunny day with just a light breeze.Quietish day & night in the bar, I think everyone is recovering from the Mull Music Festival. Thought I'm sure they will be fighting fit again by the weekend.
Everyone in the kitchen is going into a bit of a baking frenzy for the Waverley on sat as it doesnt
arrive until 2.15 so we are preparing for an invasion of afternoon teas etc, if they get weather like this it will be great.
Sandra arm is well and truly on the mend you will all be pleased to know.
Happy Birthday Eilidh 21 again.
25/04/2006
Diary update is a bit late today as the broadband went in a bit of a strop this morning. Weather doesnt know what to do today , sunny one minute
raining the next. Jimmy and Charlie are busy installing our new sound system in the restaurant.
Sandra's off to the nurse to get her arm redressed, as Amanda played nurse last night and nearly cut off the circulation to poor sandra's arm, luckily the bandage was loosened before any permanent loss of feeling.
Busy evening in the bar & restaurant so that was good, people braved the elements. Cron (the dog)
decided to take off after a hare last night on his late evening walk so it turned into a bit of a jog for me. I can assure you the hare was in absolutely no danger of being caught by either one of us unless it started running in the opposite direction.
24/04/2006
Not so good weather wise this morning at least its not raining. There were a few in to watch the Footie
yesterday afternoon and they all enjoyed Elaine's homemade lamb & spicy chicken pasties.
Mr & Mrs Wadsworth are away today after being with us for 8 days, they had a lovely time and were very lucky with the weather. They are going to Coll for a week.
Sandra and Elizabeth are making Tablet today much to Jennas joy, we will need to hide it so we have some left to serve with the coffees.
23/04/2006
Yesterday must have been a blip because we have resumed sunny service.Very quiet day yesterday, there were a few in for the footy.
On the 29th of April the Waverely Paddle Steamer
is coming to Tiree, it brings people over then drops them here for a few hours, picks up the people from Tiree for a quick spin round the bay. Ideal
day trip for some one whos never been before (try
before you buy kind of thing)
22/04/2006
Its a bit windy today, I dont envy the ones going
over to Mull for the music festival,it will be very choppy.Quietish night in the restaurant last night
though fairly steady in the bar. I would imagine
it will be fairly quiet tonight as well, as half the Island is over in Mull.
Sandra's bandage fell off last night so Elaine did a
Florence nightingale routine, I am pleased to report her burn is healing nicely.
It was a lovely evening last night when we took Cron out , clear night with a slight breeze.
There were 6 boats out as well, you could just see the lights bobbing away on the horizon- magic.
BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JESSICA MACPHAIL MY
FAB NIECE. XXX
21/04/2006
Summer is here, or at least that is what it feels like today. Its nice to be back for a rest after two days of moving furniture.Busy night last night in the restaurant.
Wilma reckons spring is here as the seagulls are very frisky. Fi Thompson is away today.
Sandra & Amanda are both wandering around with bandages on Burns etc, the place is starting to resemble an episode of casualty.
Happy 60th for yesterday Mr Mackinnon and I hope
Kirsty is on the mend. Frank & Carolyn headed back yesterday with a very empty van and my back is feeling every bit we carried upstairs. Had a trip round the island in the back of a transit not to be recommended on these roads.
20/04/2006
Another sunny but cold morning. Still no wind-unbelievable! A quiet day yesterday in the bar and restaurant. Jimmy and Charlie continuing with the painting of room 4. Fiona's furniture removal went well-thankfully a dry and windless day. Business is hotting up in the restaurant for this evening. It's the Barra boat day so maybe a few extra customers later??
19/04/2006
Tuesday was a calm day-some of our windsurfer guests left early to look for wind...in Wales... must be a first! Here it was sunny but still cold. The bar and restaurant ticked over nicely with 16 lunches and 22 dinners. Today is looking good weatherwise. I will attempt to sort out the flower tubs at the door- save the plants before the next lot of sheep(plus lambs!) start nibbling!!
18/04/2006
A steady day all round with an afternoon musical interlude in the bar. A few singers helped the piper and accordianist along. A biting wind for those who ventured outdoors but the colours and scenery were just spectacular. Definitely a day for the cameras!!
17/04/2006
another busy night in the bar and restaurant, everybody very much in the holiday mode, but with this weather who could blame them, another sunny day on Tiree.
We almost ran out of desserts last night so the Jenna and Sandra will need to get busy baking.
16/04/2006
Running a bit late this morning. It was such a lovely morning I had to go out with the Cron the dog for a walk.
We've got our first wedding taking place on the 11th August, Kevin and Margo are actually getting
married at the hotel, so we are all very excited about that.Hopefully it will be good weather so it
can be outside.
Belated Happy birthday to Hugh Hector on the 14th
Busy day & night in the bar and restaurant yesterday. We had all the people who are camping up the road in.
15/04/2006
It was a really gorgeous day yesterday, the island was very busy. Quite a few siiting outside having drinks which is always nice to see.
Very busy night in the restaurant and the bar, though there was a mass exodus from the bar about 11 pm as they all headed off to the dance. Some are probably still wandering over the machair in that general direction.No doubt they will all be back in early doors for a wee reviver.
14/04/2006
Its a warm sunny morning on Tiree this morning. You would think it was summer not Easter.
The New Lean To sign went up last night - looking good. Mairi couldnt find anymore pieces of the old
one so that quest was given up.
Busy day & night in the hotel yesterday. There is a dance in the hall tonight, so I am sure there will be a few stopping off enroute for a couple of wee drams.
13/04/2006
Wild night last night- weather wise. Wind & rain all
night. Busy day again yesterday in the bar & restaurant.
We had some impromptu singing in the bar last night. Bless them. The girls got a bit of scare yesterday, they are convinced the bar is haunted
as some thing were moved about while Sandra wasnt there and nobody else was in. SPOOKY
12/04/2006
Lovely morning this morning,though no doubt we will have snow and fog by lunchtime, going by the last few days. Busy day & night in the bar & restaurant, lots of visitors and people home for Easter. I had a couple of days off so I am just catching up on the goings on. If I hear anything
juicy I will let you know.
10/04/2006
What a beautiful evening it turned out to be, after the snow and the cold earlier in the day.
Lots of visitors in for lunch and dinner yesterday, although the bar closed early as the revellries of the night before (5 a.m. home, we hear!) caught up.
Helen's return from her wind surfing in South Africa has introduced Crocodile Pate into the repertoire of some of our team. We're not sure if Morag has given some to Jimmy yet, but we have noticed teethmarks on his cupboard door in the freezer room! If he looks approachable, we'll ask him today!
Guinness must be good for you, as we seem to be selling loads of it.
Off to place the orders as stocks have been depleted this last week.
09/04/2006
We has showers of sleet again this morning, though
the weather may improve again, last night there were lovely clear skies, didnt even need a torch
when I took Cron for his evening stroll.
Another busy day yesterday, lots of people visiting
for easter.
Congratulations to Archie & Janet MacDonald (Tobermory) on thier first Grandchild.
08/04/2006
We had Snow yesterday,it didnt last long but still
it is Easter.Busy night in the Bar and restaurant last night. Elaine had Rhumbaba on which tempted quite a few of our diners.
The bank has a brand new sign which lights up at night. So now we've got our own strip - Scarinish Vegas. looks like the weather is improving this morning. Denny arriving tomorrow for a few days
and then Fi Thomp is up, which will be great.
07/04/2006
Another six season day again yesterday.Very wild night last night it has settled down again this morning.My Family arrived safely very nice to see them and my dog is shattered as about 5 people took him for a walk yesterday.
Quietish night in the bar last night I think everyone was recovering from the raw fish eating display of the night before - Tiree Sushi. - Dont Ask
We had a familythe Morelands arrive last night from barra who are doing a bit of an Isalnd hopscotch, they're onto coll after here.
.
06/04/2006
Good morning, you will be pleased to hear that the Island cucmber shortage has been restified and we
have plenty, so dont let that put you off coming.
It was a bit windy through the night, but is very calm this morning and it looks like it will be another lovely day. Very busy day & night in the bar& restaurant. Footie on so the boys got chips, pies and Elaine's Pakora at half time.
Very happy today as my wee dog Cron (gaelic for mischief) is coming today with my mum and my wee brother.
Saw Helen at the co yesterday so dont worry Fi she
arrived safely.
05/04/2006
Running a bit late this morning, bit of a hectic one.
Overcast today but no rain as of yet. Early boat this morning so the ones that are going have gone and the ones arriving have arrived. Hopefully the co-op will have a delivery today as there was a mix up on Monday and they didnt get one. I had to go on a quest for cucumber yesterday and found the last half cucmber on the Island, under a rock on
Gott Bay strangely enough, only kidding it was Macleods actually.
04/04/2006
Yet another Sunny morning this morning. We had a very odd day yesyerday, four seasons in one day except maybe yesterday was six seasons in one day not sure what the other two were. Very busy lunchtime and evening in the resatuarant and bar.
Sandra & Mairi are off on a course today to thier great joy.
03/04/2006
Pleasant morning this morning, though we did have a few hailstones this morning. Nice & Sunny between the showers. Yesterday was a great day really warm in the sun. We had a couple have lunch outside so I think that is the first of the year.
Busy bar with the football on and they all got chips
and onion rings so very happy chaps. Gavin came in with his new 9 week old boxer puppy which was very cute.
Happy birthday to my wee Bro Niall.
02/04/2006
Another great day on Tiree, the Island is quite Busy at the moment, I didnt realise quite what a difference very quickly the daily boat makes and Easter Hols. Busy day in Bar and Restaurant all day yesterday, which is fab.
There were 2 seals messing about in the bay last night much to the delight of our diners. How lucky
am I to be here and how Jealous are you!
Happy Birthday to Kimberly who is 10 today.
Good day yesterday on the no smoking didnt even
think about it all day.
01/04/2006
Lovely morning this morning. Our group are leaving today so they have good weather for it. They all really enjoyed thier ceilidh at the hall and have had a really good week.
We had a bit of a spooky morning yesterday the clock in reception fell off the wall for no apparent reason, so we all had a bit of a fright.Quietish bar last night as the karaoke was on at the lodge
31/03/2006
Very high spring tide the last couple of mornings, the Pier has almost disappeared.Busy night in the restaurant last night, the Brownriggs were in for the 3rd time (they obviously have taste) very nice couple.
Sandra & I made some gorgeous Lemon Curd yesterday even if I do say so myself, which went down a treat in the lemon Syllabub.
Congratulations to Wilma as shes been working here for one year exactly today.
THE REALLY BIG NEW IS THE FRIDAY BOAT STARTS TODAY - YEAH (Feel free to clap loudly)
30/03/2006
No Hail or cold sheep this morning.Our Northern
Scottish studies group who are staying are having a lovely time and enjoying Elaines cooking.Eilidhs oatcakes went down very well with the starters.
Bar was steady again last night and they were all
nipping outside far a puff .
I think a few of our group are planning a vist to Nans they were so impressed with her lamb.
Finding the no ciggies a bit trying the last couple of
days, I knew it wouldnt be easy.
Congrats to my mum who passed her ECDL yesterday.
29/03/2006
Hailstones this morning, all the sheep are huddled round the building this morning trying to keep warm
Busy night in the bar and restaurant yesteday and last night. All our wee smokers have returned-bless them, the huff didnt last too long. We didnt have anyone try to light up in the bar, not even as the evening progressed which I'm very pleased about, they think they may be overdosing on fresh air every time they have to go out.
28/03/2006
Fiona T , Helen & Angus are away on the boat today
its been lovely seeing them, and I've had a couple of days off. Its been great catching up with the family. I was also feeding Hugh Hectors Lambs which are very cute.
We have a group from the Scottish Society for Northern Studies staying this week, so it should be a fairly busy one. The smokers are still in a bit of a huff since the ban came in though I suspect by the end of the week there will be a steady trickle back to the bar. ( I can say this now as I have been a non smoker for a whole week now)
27/03/2006
The bar looks great and has a wonderful pleasant atmosphere-no smoke! Jimmy and Charlie have done a marvellous paint job. Sunday was quiet until four unexpected air crew turned up for accommodation late afternoon. It will be touch and go if they manage to get away today due to the misty conditions.
26/03/2006
Saturday afternoon turned out warm and sunny but alas the rain is back. Mothers Day is here and we are expecting a few lunches. Frantic activity in the bar since 8am (new time!) this morning as Jimmy and Charlie give it a fresh coat of paint. Hope all is in order before our first customer!
25/03/2006
25/03/06
A calm start to the day yesterday but then wind and rain returned later. Jimmy and Charlie continued with the paint jobs. A party of 14 for dinner livened up the restaurant in the evening. One of the locals commented that the windsurfers were out earlier and this indicated the start of the season. Will things get busier I wonder? It's a misty, grey day and it's quiet but lots of activity planned over the next 24 hours starting with a wash down of the bar walls and ceiling and a fresh coat of paint before 12 o'clock opening tomorrow. Goodbye nicotine for ever!!
24/03/2006
Cold but dry day on Tiree this morning. Fi & Helen
arrived yesterday with Angus the dog.
We have been trying to think up ideas for Sunday
smoking Ban, and we are doing
PINT & PATCH DAY.
Free nicotine patch with your first pint. Hopefully
the patch should keep them sedated for a while,
failing that it will need to be tranquiliser darts.
Mairi's quest for the remaining pieces of the sign
continuing no luck yesterday.It's like watching
Bilbo Baggins set out on a wee adventure every day.
23/03/2006
Fred, Doreen and Riba the dog are away on the boat today. Doreen felt it was time to go as she
was getting too comfortable in the bar in the afternoon's next to the fire. Fi Thompson is
arriving today with a car full of goodies for
mothers day & the smoking ban.
Mairi found another piece of the bar sign while
she was walking Riba yesterday, at this rate
it's going to make a good jigsaw puzzle.
Still no completion date on the kitchen floor, I am working on it though. My last resort is to suspend
Jenna from the ceiling so she can cook while it is
drying.
22/03/2006
It's snowing this morning, only about 5 flakes but
snow none the less. Mr & Mrs Macallister & thier
Lovely choc lab Riba are staying at the moment .
It's thier first time in Tiree and they are loving it.
Riba's loving Roly's dog biscuits.
We've also got Alan Bradwood staying who came out on the Tues boat to do a job at the bank, which
took 1/2 an hour and he cant leave till the Thurs
boat. He's not loving it so much.
Still not smoking- 3 days.
21/03/2006
I got a bit of a shock yesterday, which is not good
when you're trying to stop smoking. Mairi brought
me back a bit of the sign for the bar from the co-op.(they were'nt selling it she found it outside). It
seems that the sign came off during the bad weather we had last week. So my morning inspections werent as thorough as they should have been, though I was focusing on the big things
like walls, roof etc.
Very calm day today, we had 2 windsurfers in the bar last night who were crossing everything that the wind would pick up today- bless. Looks like
they'll just be paddling again.
20/03/2006
I have stopped smoking today, so you may notice
the diary page becoming a bit terse as my stress
levels go up and my nicotine levels go down.
I'm on the good old nicotine patches, which will be
handy next Sunday when the smoking ban comes
in as I can either hand them out round the bar
or wear 20 myself to remain calm.
We are running a competition to come up with the
best idea for recycling the old ashstrays, so if anyone has any ideas let me know.
Its a bit cloudy today, but no wind and no rain.
Mr & Mrs Hendry are away back to Strathaven today, with all the insider knowledge on the Tiree
pipe band.
19/03/2006
Music night not as busy as we would have hoped
as thier was curryoake on at the Glassary. The
music was great though, and everyone that was
there had a good time. Fiona Green tried every
tactic under the sun to get Adam to dance but he was having none of it.Our residents enjoyed it
and as two of them are from Strathaven where the
band are going it was quite apt.
Hi to Alex from Ireland it's nice to know someone is reading this, thanks for the email.
We didnt draw the raffle last night as we are going to sell more tickets first , I will let you know who wins what.
Ps- weather still great.
18/03/2006
Guess what- it is another sunny morning on Tiree.
Busy night in the bar and restaurant, the good
weather is bringing everyone out of hibernation.
Music night tonight for the pipe band should be a
good one. Raffle tickets selling well so that should
help thier next trip. I will let you know tomorrow
how it all went. I am sure there will be quite
a few tales. I will change the names to protect
the identities.
Happy Birthday to my Mum, and Happy Anniversary to Neil & Nikki for yesterday.
If anyone would like to wish someone a happy
b'day etc on the diary feel free to email me.
17/03/2006
Another Sunny day, lucky old us. Jimmy & Charlie
made it down off the roof, However our 3 roofers
who arrived yesterday cant go and do the job
theyre meant to to do as the wrong fireplace was
sent. So they are having a very relaxing day
today as they cant leave till tomorrow on the
boat. Its a hard life.
Busy night in the bar and the restaurant last night.
Sandra & Jemma were cooking up a storm and Grace made sure nobody left thirsty.
16/03/2006
Yet another clear morning, which is good as
Charlie & Jimmy are on the roof today.
Full house tonight ,so the girls will be busy in the kitchen.
There was a mini fitness class in the bar last night,
which left us all in no doubt that we arent as fit
as we should be. It was all downhill after touching
your toes.
So I'm just off for a 2 mile jog. If the diary isnt
updated over the next couple of days, youll
know it took a bit longer than expected.
15/03/2006
Lovely morning on Tiree. The boat and plane
arrived yesterday. Which was good news for
the Old Folks Home as Gerard & Ian were
flying in to fix the central heating.
Sandra & Jenna were busy making desserts
yesterday, they made some lovely Bailey
Choc pots which went down very well at dinner.
14/03/2006
Woke ep this morning and thought I had gone
deaf, all quiet on the Western Isles front. No wind
just a bit of rain.
Plane didnt make it yesterday, so there a couple
of anxious people waiting to go. The boat was
stuck at Lochboisdale last night so were not certain
if it is going to arrive.
Charlie & Jimmy are keeping us occupied by stripping ( room 7s wallpaper) thankfully.
No News on the kitchen floor finale, but I am ever
hopeful.
13/03/2006
Another wild night and morning, still no snow
though.
Fairly steady night in the bar last night, the
combination of the weather and the fire must
have done the trick.
Well fingers crossed that final bit of the floor
will be done today. Will let you know tomorrow.
12/03/2006
Good Afternoon, sorry about the late update
very sorry about the late update.
Very Stormy weather here last night and today
so was unable to get online this morning.
Feeling quite smug after speaking to Laura as
she has 8 inches of snow, Roly was voiceing his
disapproval in the background.
Grace has lit the fire in the bar, so it is quite
tempting to sit in thier nice and cosy all day.
Hopefully lots of people will have that idea.
BIG NEWS IS THAT THE KITCHEN FLOOR MAY
BE FINISHED TOMORROW, WATCH THIS SPACE.
11/03/2006
Gorgeous Sunrise over the harbour this morning- lucky old me.
Frazer 2nd attempt to leave was succesful no probs
with the plane. Cameron & the co-op fridge man away on the boat today, in the secure knowledge
that our chilled goods are at the perfect temp.
10/03/2006
Heavy rain this morning on Tiree, though it has
eased off a bit now. Frazer from Southern electric
is making his second attempt at leaving today.
Couldnt go yesterday because they kept finding
more jobs for him to do. Now the work is finished
he hoping the waeather wont stop him as happened
on his way here on Tuesday.
Fairly quiet night last night, I think everyone is a
bit tied up with the lambing- not literally I hope
09/03/2006
Sorry, diary update a bit late this morning, its been
one of those monrnings. Bye to Denny as she's away on the boat today along with our friend Humphrey and the BT boys.
The plane did manage to land yesterday so
all our strandees got away.
Another clear & starry evening on Tiree.
Carolyn from An Tirisdeach came in for a chat
about the hotel and me,turned a bit z-list celeb
for a second till I saw the photos she had taken.
I can only apologise if they scare any animals or
small children.
Sandra made a lovely pot of Potato & Leek Soup
which went down very well with the guests last
night.So thats my lunch sorted.
08/03/2006
Another lovely day on Tiree, though I am slightly biased and find most days on Tiree
lovely. No plane yesterday due to weather problems in Glasgow, so a couple of our guests
were stranded, fingers crossed for today.
Footie on in the bar last night and hot pies were served at half time. Who needs Ibrox when
you've got the lean-to!
Happy Birthday to my Big Bro Neil and everyone else whos birthday is today
07/03/2006
A quiet day yesterday, but not without excitement and incident. Fiona Mac arrived on Tiree to take up her new post as Manager here at the hotel.
We are all very excited. Fiona got a beautiful day to arrive and we even managed to persuade Gavin the fisherman to carry her big suitcase from the airport to the hotel limo (only a little excess baggage charge!). Fiona hails from the island and she will tell you more in her forthcoming hotel diaries.
Matt the GRAB man forgot his key last night so had to batter on the fire escape door to waken Fiona to open the front door. Welcome to Tiree Fiona! The school music examiner stayed with us last night, a bit traumatised by her flight from Glasgow!
10 visitors from Iona arrived yesterday for lunch, so fish and chips were enjoyed by all in our cosy bar.
Fiona says a big hello to Jessie and Cameron.
06/03/2006
A bit later this morning with the diary.
We had no broadband access this morning, due to our 2 hour power cut yesterday, but, as usual, the maintenance boys solved the problem, so here we are.
Sunday was very quiet, but most people in recovery mode after a mad weekend of karaokes. The Baird/ Deuchar party came in for Sunday lunch and decided to eat in the bar, as it was warm and quiet and it also meant that Jack the dog could join in. Jack enjoyed his fish and chips and the party left when the power went off. They were heading back to Balephuil to the half finished kitchen. Hope the renovations go well folks!
No power meant that the new bar till was jammed shut and Adam could not reheat his lunch in the microwave. The till waited for the power to come on, Adam did not!
Matt the GRAB man enjoyed his Nan steak last night and after the usual Sunday visit from Margaret, Archie Dubh, Rocky* the dog, and the fishermen, the bar closed and we all had an early night. Glorious sunrise over Mull this morning.
* Charlie had to phone Sheena to remember the dog's name. Thanks Sheena!
05/03/2006
Carry On karaoke!
The stories from Friday night's Karaoke duly emerged. It appears that Amanda and Natalie are fluent in Karaoke Spanish (must be the influence of Natalie's recent holiday in Brazil). It has also emerged that the only words that Tommy knows to The Green, Green Grass of Home are "The Green, Green, Grass of Home!"
So as the weather deteriorated yesterday afternoon, the pub got busier and busier, with the "oldies", and, it has to be said, some of the youngsters. And before we knew it the Karaoke machine was out again and the oldies were giving it "laldie" - badly!
Those who hadn't left because of the noise wandered off quite early, so we had an early shut for a Saturday in the pub!
Matt the GRAB man has arrived to stay with us for a few days. He is from the Group for Recycling for Argyll & Bute, so more recycling proposals on the cards for the Island. Quite a lot of calving going on at the moment, so it's nice for the new borns that today is milder and sunny.
04/03/2006
Another dry, cold morning. The morning after the karaoke. A good night was had by all, but no doubt the really meaty stories will come out later. Enough to say that the "oldies" stayed away, but the youngsters croaked and shouted their way through the songs - sheer torture if you were listening and you hadn't had 12 vodkas!
We are expecting a quiet weekend, but then things don't always turn out as expected on Tiree. Orcadian chiropodist still ib bed - hope she makes the boat at 11 am!
03/03/2006
Another gloriuos morning on Tiree, although it is amazing that our snow has lasted this long - three days to date! Tommy, the school janitor arrived this morning to collect Anne, the bagpipe examiner to take her to the school, and reported black ice on the road - a rare occurrence on Tiree.
Much hilarity in the bar last night as locals were spotted making their appearances on the weekly Gaelic programme. No prisoners taken!
One of our regular guests, Steve, is now framing up the graffiti board! Steve looks after the fire station doors at the airport, so is a regular visitor. He fills his extra day on the island by bartering his joinery skills. His list is long!
Laura and Rolly left yesterday after a 4 month stint as Duty Manager and Duty Hotel Dog. Things are much quieter!
Karaoke night tonight, so all raring to go including our visiting Orcadian chiropodist! Full report tomorrow!
02/03/2006
A spectacular light show to the East this morning thanks to snow lying on Tiree and the showers on the horizon in greys and pinks.
Quiet Wednesday with still a patch of kitchen floor to go - but it is right in front of the cooker.
We were booked for a 10th anniversary dinner by The Rays who came to Tiree on a motorhome. Mr Ray phoned ahead to organise peach roses (Fiona Green sourced them for us when in Oban) and champagne. Then, at about 3pm yesterday, a scooter arrived at the hotel with Mr Ray asking if he could book a room for himself and Mrs Ray as their motorhome had become stuck in mud and there was now way they would make it safely home after their meal. Later on at dinner, it transpired that they chose Tiree as a venue for their celebrations after hearing Laura on the Mo Dutta Saturday Quiz on Radio 2!! What a marketing coup. This called for a twirl in the Radio 2 dressing gown as dinner was served. Only at the Scarinish.
01/03/2006
Snow showers throughout the day but both boat and plane got in though the latter was delayed by a tractor on Coll.
A buzz in the hotel from the residents and the regulars are already pacing themselves for the Karaoke Night on Friday.
A liberal sprinkling of snow this morning so just a quick walk with Hotel Dog as his feet were cold. The texture of the snow was polystyrene like balls and so scenic a camera was demanded - again!
Jenna at the helm for dinner last night but our crepes and banana and almond pancakes went down a storm for Shrove Tuesday.
We had been hoping to give up Kitchen Floor Painting for Lent. But.....
Sandra's chocolate souffles are the temptation for tonight's menu.
28/02/2006
At 6.50am this morning it was pleasant and light outside. In the next 10 minutes, we had a white out and by 7am it was monochromed views from the front windows over the harbour. The Hotel Dog was not best pleased to be hauled out of a cosy basket for his constitutional and cold feet but as a bonus, there were plenty of seagulls to bark at. As I type, all is calm again but white and the snowfalls can be seen on the eastern horizon - oh that we were all speed artists and could capture yet another spectacular view from the Scarinish.
The floor painting epic will involve night work tonight as the section right in front of the cooker is the only bit left. Charlie and Jimmy did the dire area under the cooker yesterday after Charlie had found a piece of wood on his way to work that made a perfect runner for the cooker to bring it out from the wall. Only on Tiree.
27/02/2006
A lovely Sunday with the Sunday Lunchers tucking into Nan's Roast. The chocolate truffles plus chocolate icecream and sauce hit the spot too for afters.
The Sunday Golfers had a fine time at the medal and arrived back at the Lean To for chicken soup to heat them up.
Quiet pub all day but we were all entertained by the swarms of swooping starlings and the flirtations of the many oyster catchers at the waters edge.
No floor painting, so stress levels lowered until Monday morning when the really tricky bits get done including in front of Dishie.
26/02/2006
Another spectacular morning. We are recovering from the wonderful Scotland performance at the rugby yesterday. The vocal bar were over the moon at the result. The lights were off and the curtains left open as darkness fell with all eyes on the TV. Some of us sneeked a look at the stars outside and Ian the fisherman provided a mini fireworks dipslay welding his boat.
Earlier Jimmy had painted more of the kitchen floor than intended so a Mission Impossible exercise was needed to reach the onions for coleslaw. When it was accomplished Karen offered a round of applause for the effort!
Quiet night in the restaurant with Rolly invited to join the diners (retired vets) for their dinner.
25/02/2006
The ongoing red effect on the kitchen floor was really complicated yesterday with access to the grill and oven by a tarzan type rope. Fortunately lunches and dinner were quiet tho the pub was busy as the darts were on the go. Not the Spring Cup as yet - just an intense friendly.
Good article in the Oban Times about the Tiree and Strathaven Pipe Bands and a photo of the latter in our restaurant. A good tale from Tiree as opposed to the headline of car crash in Tiree in the same paper that happened outside the Scarinish Hotel. We all missed this big event but it turned out that the crash was NOT outside our hotel but outside the Co Op.
Bucks Fizz in the Pub at lunchtime to celebrate the end of winter as the sun streamed in through the open windows. Amanda had cleaned all the windows inside and out and how they gleamed - until the next downpour and salt attack.
24/02/2006
No pressure on us writing the daily diary as we welcome the wider audience of Hotel Review Scotland. We are all thrilled here that you find our island/hotel life of interest.
Looking at previous will bring you up to speed on the current project/saga namely painting the kitchen floor. Charlie offered to install overhead ropes yesterday to help us access the sections beyond the wet bits. But as yesterday - though a boat day - was quiet, we did not accept.
Morag and Wilma gutted another bedroom in their spring cleaning mission. The guests who left two pillows of their own behind, still have not contacted us about their return though we have posted back to them their cleaned pillow cases. Amzing what is left behind. We have a great collection of phone chargers and often jump into the car to head to the pier to drop off left articles with guests in the ferry queue.
Sulphur in the coal gave us all runny eyes in the bar last night but at least we were cosy.
Another fabulous morning and so mild.
23/02/2006
Busy bar last night as the Rangers fans came to hold their breath. The Agricultural Show Committee came for their Show Planning Meeting and the programme is out. The Hotel Dogs are interested in the pet section especially the class where owners dress up like their pets and together all 6 legs enter.
Charlie and Jimmy continued with the floor but a section lifted so cement came out and the rest of us walked miles round the kitchen avoiding the wet bits.
2 nights now with not a breath of wind for the late night Rolly walk.
22/02/2006
Our 5 guests over on business had a brilliant day for their journey home. 3 of them had coffee and shortbread outside on the pinic tables in the relative shelter of the Lean To - sunglasses were on and only 11am!
Jenna and Sandra made Delia's chocolate torte followed by STP and then more freezer tidying. This latter task was well timed as the EHO arrived for a look round and he admired all the new stainless steel tables, the dish washer (affectionately called Dishie though other suggestions welcome) and all the team's efforts to improve a badly planned kitchen that has eveolved over the decades. The EHO made further recommendations but left happy. No residents and a quiet bar - then 9 kg of crab claws arrived that had to be cooked. But still an early night.
21/02/2006
Sun now rising over Mull at about 7.45am and though breathtaking - the timing is now too early for our breakfasting guests.
Another fine day on Monday and the kitchen floor has become a chalked roadmap with bridges planned to reach the toastie machine. Once again a quiet day expected and the painters hit it. So the lunches arrived.
Elaine back from New Zealand and lovely to have her at the hotplate with her famous lentil soup ready for today.
Big sky of stars last night and so mild - perfect for a walk though some guests felt it too risky to walk as far as the lighthouse despite armed with 2 torches.
20/02/2006
A wonderful Sunday for weather - the golfers got out and the Jones family moved into Crossapol during a spectacular weekend for sunrises and sunsets. Busy lunch with Nan's roast beef helping the cook. The diners looked out across to Dutchman's Cap 14 miles away then to the snow capped Ben More a mere 34 miles from Tiree. Learnt all these distances from the Mast Men who have been using the bar nightly and are a fund of information.
19/02/2006
What a glorious Sunday morning - hot, calm and quiet. Our guest is off on a long walk and we have 10 Sunday Lunches booked so at least we know NOT to rearrange the kitchen today.
The boat got in no problem yesterday and there was a mass exodus as it is also half term here. Steady bar from about 1ish but it died like the fire in the evening. So we all had an early night.
Spelunking is the word for today - with special thanks to Chris Evans.
18/02/2006
A stunner of a day with rumours of temperatures reaching 16 C! A great bonus for those who were stranded. The further good news was that an extra boat was coming at 6ish - and it did. Some of our guests took the golf clubs and headed up to Vaul. No lunches after the hectic time on Thursday, so Jimmy & Charlie pressed on with the floor and the emerging results are just a transformation.
Big starry sky last night and no wind - a perfect evening for a walk in the dark and a good old chat - so that's what we did!
Colin Baxter sunrise this morning and a choir of blackbirds in Mrs Weatherson's bushes.
17/02/2006
Wild morning yesterday. Although the boat arrived, two ropes snapped so no loading or unloading and some very disappointed passengers.
As we had thought we were going to be quiet, we had a blitz team in for the kitchen as Elaine is back from her NZ travels on Monday. Then - wham - we had the busiest lunch of the year to date so many hamburgers and soups! Thank goodness, Sandra had made a delicious chicken and leek soup and Amanda stayed onto help while Fiona Mac womanned the bar.
Stunning sunrise this a.m. and the miniature daffs are flowering in Mrs Weatherston's garden.
16/02/2006
The local fishing boat retrieved the Mast Man from Coll so he was back in the Lean To last night playing darts with a tale to tell and a nickname that I am too modest to repeat!
Great team effort in the kitchen transformation with Amanda forsaking her white jeans for a pair more in keeping with kitchen heavy cleaning.
Mild day but wilder last night.
15/02/2006
Quite a few lunches yesterday and a busy bar over tea time with BT men, Hydro men and Mast Men. The latter were one man down as he drove a vehicle onto the boat and did not get off in time as planned and landed up iin Coll - until Thursday!
Floor srcubbing continued and serotonin levels rose with the results thou Amanda in her white jeans, was a challenge to keep her tousers clean! Sandra kept calm throughout but spayed her jumper in designer fashion with some sort of indelible chemical! Quite a few chance dinners and the steak pies with Nan's meat were in demand.
14/02/2006
Great activity with work in the kitchen and doors and windows wide open on a mild Spring like day. Seeing the snow in New York bodes badly for us in the days to come. So winter may actually happen next week.
A couple of lunches and a stream of pets visiting the bar. Lots of flirting amongst the dogs with owners telling doggy tales as a result.
Tiree featured on Blue Peter so we had a wee crowd in the pub to watch the programme as the Blue Peter Valentine was delivered to the Tiree School.
A beautiful morning with most of our rooms going out to guests on the boat today.
13/02/2006
A wild Sunday morning with few folk about after the parties and dances of Saturday night. Had a squad of regulars in the bar for sport so they tucked into pies and hash browns with spicey dip as a half time treat.
Eric is back and the squad sat down to a game of dominoes once the telly had resumed coverage of the Winter Olympics. The banter was vintage and better than a soap.
12/02/2006
What a hive of activity the island was yesterday. Cattle sales so two boats. A curryoake and a dance at night.
We waved off Fern the dog, her owners and friends and took in a wandering Lab who arrived with Susie, a walker up from London, who doesn't even like dogs. The owner was traced and the pair re-united. Detanking was the word of the day thanks to the streamline credit card machine people somewhere in a call centre on mainland Scotland.
11/02/2006
Weather has broken this morning with wind and rain and the usual leaks in the hotel once more. However, a bit more of the kitchen floor is now a stunning pillar box red thanks to Charlie and Jimmy.
The SVQ girls are in this week's Oban Times. Lots of feedback from the photo.
Nan's steaks hit the spot for Steak Night last night though the restaurant was not busy. Lean To was steady all day with the later light night having a positive effect on everyone's mood.
10/02/2006
Another perfect day with no hats required. Two families from Dunfermline and their beautiful dog, Fern, have arrived for half term and are deparately trying to book a house for the summer. Rolly and Fern have hit it off. The familes have brought their own welly boot remover with them which wins the prize to date of most unusual but useful thing to bring to Tiree on hols.
Laura's prize form Radio 2 arrived so the Lean To were entertained by the dressing gown, worn later with the Prague hat to take Jenna home - it was a dare. Wilma and Morag were busy upstairs and have been spring cleaning another room to keep us ahead. Still watching paint dry in the kitchen - but at least it's a lovely bright red on the floor.
09/02/2006
It's worth being at breakfast for 8.15ish at the moment to catch the brilliant simplicity of an intense sun rising over the horizon of islands.
Regulars in the bar last night - some in just for a quiet drink, were surprised how busy we were. Nathalie and Willie are back from Brazil so we heard lots of tales of this foreign land.
Room 8 in use with its new hanging space and what a difference it has made whan showing even a single into the bedroom.
Families arriving today for half term.
08/02/2006
A stunner of a morning after a hackett ( word of the day) yesterday. Mini daffs are showing thro at the house up the road and our own Spring bulbs indoors are out with hyacinths, amaryllis ( 6 trumpets on one stem!) crocus and now Cheerfulness. One guest had to get up to feel the pot in in the restaurant to see if the flowers were real!
A quiet day yesterday but the girls tackled cleaning jobs and made a sticky toffee pudding the smell of which was just divine as it permeated the whole hotel. We want them to make the same today!
07/02/2006
Bar Streamline machine moved in time for chip and pin so that our customers have easy access to the keypad. Here was Amanda thinking it was a new drawer for her jacket and bag! We have easy access already at reception but a cordless hand held card swiper is not for us as the thick walls of the original building scupper this.
Jenna cooked up a storm last night and her tomato soup and vegetable cous cous hit the spot with the vegans who head for Coll today.
As 15 for dinner unexpectedly both Jenna and Sandra are in today with sweet making the plan and more soups.
06/02/2006
A quiet Sunday but arrangements were being made for our next music night - we raised over £150 for the Pipe Band funds at the last one.
Sandra was experimenting again with curried mince pizzas and Shepherdless Pie. Both were hits as was Jenna's courgette and cucumber soup.
Forgot to mention about the hotel being buzzed by a light aircraft and then it landing and parking on the beach. What a fantastic arrival on Tiree.
05/02/2006
Our new double glazed window is in The Lean To and it is so much lighter for the bar it is affecting the light on the TV adversely! The regulars all commented on it and we have kept the abused board that was our "window" for a month for another wall.
Sandra's pizzas sold like hot cakes - even to folk having drinks outside- yes here on Tiree in early February! Our vegan pizza was a hit as was Jenna's roasted vegetables and rice array with peanut crunch topping.
Champagne in the restaurant last night for celebrating grandparents with Peyton Place script in the Lean To as a side line and yet another marriage proposal for kathleen.
04/02/2006
Zorbing was the word of yesterday thanks to Elaine, our cook, who is currently celebrating her birthday in New Zealand today.
Johnnie's vibrating soap caused lots of smiles at the darts match in the bar at night. The soap really does move!
The Darts Trophy has been admired and photos of old Tiree from the shop who provided the trophy were handed round and caused a lot of discussion.
Charlie and Jimmy rearranged the Lean To Gallery and helped us on our way to enabling chip and pin come 14th February.
03/02/2006
Changeover day at the hotel as Kirsty sails off after a memorable stint where she leant to cook crab. The good news is she will be back. Hasta la vista, Kirsty.
A quiet day and with no wind the fire did its best to smoke us out in the afternoon.
We had guests for dinner who are avid daily diary readers - they actually heard the dishwasher after they had asked after it!
This morning is very still and so mild - we are blessed again. No rain for nearly 2 weeks.
02/02/2006
Boat and plane both in so it's farewell to the Pioneer Film Crew who have promised to warn us when the show will be aired on Channel 4.
Just a couple of lunches but Rolly the dog now has his plaque up in the bar on his favoured spot.
The Darts Trophy has arrived as has the new window and boy was the latter heavy! It took 4 women and a man to lift it from the van. The challenge now will be to get it installed.
01/02/2006
We had a great night in the bar last night with excellent music. The film crew managed to get all the interviews completed and enjoyed the atmosphere in the bar. They had been out on the boat yesterday and had brought back crab for their dinner which was a challenge.
31/01/2006
The film crew were stranded in Stornoway as the plane couldn't get into Glasgow due to fog which resulted in them missing their connecting flight to Tiree. This upset our day slightly however they are arriving today, weather permitting and the music night has been rescheduled for tonight.
30/01/2006
Another lovely sunny morning. We are busy preparing for the music night tonight and are awaiting the arrival of the television crew. One of our guests spotted 18 seals sunning themselves on the rocks down at caolas.
29/01/2006
The sunrise this morning was breathtaking. Busy pub last night with a few evening meals as well. Our guests spotted two otters yesterday in the loch whilst on a dinghy. Lauras success on the radio went down well as we have had a number of emails congratulating her and there is a possible bidding war for the dressing gown.
28/01/2006
A new safe arrived at the hotel thanks to Paddy and the boys and a set of rollers. It is enormous and replces the one we left the combination inside and had to JCB open.
Busy pub and our mud guests had success in their quest for mud!
Laura on Radio 2 this a.m. with free publicity for Tiree and the prize of a dressing gown! Such excitement to go with making potato scones for some guests.
27/01/2006
Another perfect day. We have Interesting guests who are here to investigate mud. There was a disaster yesterday with the fire door in the bar as it fell of and the glass broke however Grace has managed to patch it up until Laura picks up a new one. There is still no sign of the window for the bar.
26/01/2006
Yesterday was perfect - you could sit out most of the day in a sheltered suntrap! And it's only January. We got our topper window fitted - the one that blew out in the restaurant. Just the big bar one now - but its frame was not on Tuesday's boat. Patience!
Haggis neeps and tatties on the menu and presented as the crescent of the morning moon, the orange of the rising sun and the white of Tiree's beaches!
Apparently, a satellite flew over heading east like a bright star last night. It was a big starry night which appealed to our astronomy loving guest.
25/01/2006
Early risers have been blessed this morning. Crystal clear, orange glow over the silhouetted islands to the east, a crescent moon and no wind. One of our guests was having her morning tea outside - yes in January and on Tiree!!
Quiet bar but hoping our window arrived on the boat yesterday - no update from the supplier as yet.
Gluwein planned for the tourists tonight - but we will have to sample it first!
24/01/2006
Another mild day so walks possible. Jimmy & Charlie got the font lights back on in the bar and are working on tracking the phone line. We need to move our credit card machine in the pub so it is more accessible to guests by 14th Feb - chip and pin day. As it is wired down the payphone line, this is critical to its new position.
Another SVQ lunch meeting. We were discussing housekeeping and what were our individual hates and likes when doing the job.
23/01/2006
A mild Sunday that allowed the golfers to play at first light but then deteriorated to rain later but no wind.
Plans put in place for a music night on 30th January for the cameras and a Pipe Band Fund Raiser. The TV company is coming to Tiree to film the wind and the Band's bus costs for their trip to Glasgow is a £1000. We will provide the venue and some great raffle prizes and hopefully the atmosphere will come across on the TV as to something we do out of the wind!
22/01/2006
Mild day so boat and plane all arrived easily. Two birthdays here so Sandra made each birthday girl half a cake - two excuses for sparklers and candles. We just have to dream up a way of using runny glace white icing as we have loads left. Sunday lunch desserts will be unusual today!
Lots of geese and ducks about and when they fly over the road in front of you it is such a privilege.
21/01/2006
Blue lights of the fire engine at the pier yesterday but nothing major - no injuries either.
SVQ girls all discussing their work in the pub early on yesterday as they made more progress with their projects.
Big discussions on the upcoming Music Night for the film crew on Monday 30th Jan. The Pipe Band accordian and pipers will play and we will be putting up our stage again.
20/01/2006
Lightening over Jura this morning.
Thursday was turnaround day as boat and plane got in and guests changed.
Big discussion about the length of Lismore in the pub last night as we are having a Lismore/Tiree wedding on Tiree in May. Fortunately, we phoned the Groom's Mum for the answer - about 12 miles.
Orcadian words are Words of the Day as Amy from Stromness is a guest who will be staying with us every 6 weeks from now on.
19/01/2006
Good driftwood is helping provide fire fuel recently. Must be all the choppy seas. No plane yesterday - mist here I think so no papers and stranded guests.
Major cupboard is now moved as is a carpet roll as we make way for the new to us safe we are taking over from our bank. It's not every day your branch gives you a safe!
18/01/2006
No Vodaphone or TV reception for a chunk of the evening but not major as we never have phone reception here at the hotel because we are in a dip.
Boat and plane both in so half of residents all here on Tiree for work purposes.
Pizza dough became pizza bread with olive oil and garlic and the guests want more tonight but it is a bit like Richard Harris's MacArthur Park so we will see.
17/01/2006
Spooked yesterday with the kettle warm in room 8 when it was not in use. What with bells ringing in the bar when it is locked and noises in room 2, the ghosts of owners past are still making themselves at home.
Fire alarm test yesterday was well timed as only staff were in situ - we were having a brain storming session and SWOT analysis on the hotel. This was over a power lunch of chicken nuggets and chips!
16/01/2006
Very wet and windy for most of the day. Golfers did not go our and our Sunday Lunchers lingered on. Adam was looking after them as our inaugural bread and butter pudding went out for afters.
The day started late with breakfast at 10am as agreed with our two Welsh guests who are here until Tuesday but can not do any work,(they need a chopper). Our slection of videos is proving handy for them.
15/01/2006
A rare red breasted duck has been sited here on Tiree but no twitchers staying with us so far - just Sam and Paul from Wales who can't get on with their work unless they get a helicopter!
A 2nd boat yesterday to clear the backlog of freight from no boat on Thursday.
The moon in the morning was so bright - we though we had left lights on.
More SVQ work done yesterday plus wotk on the next TTT weekend away.
14/01/2006
Dancing in the kitchen yesterday as Jimmy and Charlie solved the water puzzle of no hot in the kitchen and in the bar but hot flushing the WC in room 4! It came down to an American valve in the dishwasher that has now been overridden and all is as was. The sand pool at the back door from the overflow has also gone.
Brillian moonshadow this a.m so it bodes well with the boat.
The girls are making the most of the stranded SVQ man and progressing well with their projects following Amanda's success.
13/01/2006
No boat or plane for the first time in 2006 so stranded guests who coped well with their change of plans.
Wild day but not cold so managed a spot of beach combing and got wood for the pub fire which the regulars broke down for us.
The graffiti board in the bar is getting quite crowded and is the first thing a lot of people read!
Moving furniture to augment the comfy seats in the Upper Deck and create a seaview room with a fabby view of the diving gannets in season.
12/01/2006
SVQ Day yesterday as Amanda passed her level 2 and got her certificates and a cheque for £300. We were all thrilled for her and her hard work. Sandra, Jenna and Mairi have also got their projects well in hand and are looking forward to similar results. Colin from Argyll Training spent a lot of time with each trainee and it is paying off. The hotel and our guests all benefit as does the personal development of our staff! Wow - sounds like and HR sermon!
A swathe of sand is cutting through from the lighthouse to the road to create a new dune - it is growing every morning in a spooky way.
11/01/2006
Moon shadow is back and really strong even though the moon is not yet full.
Sandra, despite a huge bump on her head and a soon to have black eye, made more pizzas then sat with Colin, her SVQ trainer, to go through the module she had been working on - remember the BBQ in Dec?
Fiona G made gluwein last night and all our guests indulged - it was shades of our Prague trip.
10/01/2006
Pizza experimentation continues with the simpler the better. Roaring fire from Sandra but few guests to enjoy it.
Plaques and hooks have gone up in the bar and the graffitti on the boarded up window ( new one in two weeks) is the talk of the isle and the first thing everyone checks out on entering the bar. Ernie and Jimmy have markers on their special places and others want same.
09/01/2006
Moonlight is back so no torches needed at night. Fabulous pink then bright yellow sunrise this a.m. but gusty and cold.
Very quiet in the bar all day and only 5 Sunday Lunches but jobs got done and the e mails for the summer are coming in at an amazing rate.
All our usuual fishermen are away on hols - diving in Egypt or sunning in Brazil and Elaine our cook is in New Zealand - follow her trip on www.elephantsend.com
08/01/2006
The winter Darts Tournament ended last night with Donald, Grace's husband, narrowly beating Big Stuart. The trophy is still in Paisley but at least there will be a name on the plinth at last. Spring tournament starts soon.
A quiet day but lots of prep done in the kitchen with Karen making a perfect white sauce. Then we all got confused and made runny pizza dough by reading lbs for grams! Worked in the end.
07/01/2006
Yesterday was a raw day and a very quiet evening. Post Festive Season financial constraints are biting in as 12th Night brings on a bit of SAD for all of us. Still - beautiful sunrise this morning.
Our broken bar window has been measured and a new one with two working toppers should be in place in two weeks. Watch this space. The current board is now a mass of cartoons and the place everyone looks at first.
Darts final tonight.
06/01/2006
Gusty day but many old faces have returned after the New Year break. Amanda got the fire on early and Grace kept it up until about midnight.
Our first accommodation guests of 2006 are here and Morag is on the go again upstairs.
It is amazing what you learn here - all cattle grids have ramps for hedgehogs to use in case they fall in!
05/01/2006
A quiet day in the hotel but all the Christmas decorations came down and lists were made of good and bad ideas over the festive season for Christmas 2006.
Fire on in the bar and more Happy New Year toasts made.
The plane did not get in due to fog in Glasgow so more folk than anticipated went to the disco in The Lodge and we closed early as a result.
Guests due on the plane today which is mobbed so we are told.
04/01/2006
Farewells at the pier and plane for many visitors to the island yesterday. No takers for our New Year Lunch - just folk in for bar lunches who seemed relieved that we were able to do just a burger.
Our Christmas Bottle from Denmark was filled with port but it is going down gently as folk come into the bar for the first time this year and get their Ne'erday. A very balmy day - did not feel like January.
03/01/2006
A mild day for the 2nd of the year. Island very quiet but we were all out for walks and met quite a few folk doing the same. A couple of rounds of putting and watching a brave duo on the course.
Then back to the hotel, fire on and the pub where some brave folk breezed in before the next party. A lovely evening with craic, darts and even Portuguese lessons for Nathalie and Willie before their trip.
02/01/2006
A good day for long lies, late breakfasts and a walk before a Danish meal set on a beautifully set table with decorations from Copenhagen. A very different scene for the Old Harbour Restaurant.
Hotel closed all day but Rolly got lots of walks and it was a very starry night for us to take a stroll along to admire the Christmas Lights on some of the houses in Scarinish.
An early night for most of us.
01/01/2006
A day of rainbows. The tourists were out and about after brunch where they were entertained by 4 men, a borken window and the repairing ply!
Quiet bar as folk nipped in only briefly to have a couple of drinks before heading off home to prepare for the bells.
Our temporary stage was put away for the next time and the staff were all excited about their outfits for the Hogamany dance at An Talla.
We feasted, fireworked on beach then first footed.
31/12/2005
It's 3 am on Hogmanay. Fabby night in the pub with at times 6 pipers giving it a belter. John Campbell was the MC for the evening and there seemed to be music all night.
Earlier on our Dutch Danish guests arrived on their 1st trip to Scotland and Tiree - got all 7 in my car with Rolly on my lap from the airport.
The "children" are now towering over their parents and have been waitressing and waitering already.
Tiree beef hit the spot.
30/12/2005
If yesterday was a wild day - last night and the morning are continuing in the same vein. Very quiet all dat with just the arrival of the vibrating singing reindeer lighting the mood.
The Christmas Draw has been done and Mairi is not best pleased with her donkey from Blackpool. Wee Jimmy won a pair of knitted bootees, while Craig got his and hers Tshirts.
Danish Dutch friends due on the plane today so fingers crossed it gets in.
Music night to night - pipers in the bar.
29/12/2005
A wild day but the boat got in with its sad cargo of Peter's coffin. A crowd and a piper at the pier. Plane late as the wind picked up and wild by lunchtime - so wild one of the topper windows blew out in the Old Harbour Restaurant.
Changeover time for us as Denny and Johnnie head for New Year on the mainland and Laura arrives with an hotel dog for Hogmanay. Hotel dog is post poodle parlour and prstine white - so that will not last!
28/12/2005
Another glorious day here on Tiree. Although the wind is back the sun is shining out of a clear blue sky. Christmas Day and Boxing Day were the best for weather for many a year - mild, sunny and no wind at all! Folks were out on the golf course both days and even the locals were strolling along the beach to walk off the festive excesses!
The island is very quiet and subdued in anticipation of tomorrow's big funeral.
24/12/2005
We can't believe that today is Christmas Eve. The weather is fabulous - mild, sunny and hardly a wind at all. There are even a few folk heading for the golf course! The last boat this week has been and gone, so there will be long queues at the Co-op as folk arrive to collect their Xmas turkeys. We are offering turkey toasties in the bar today- so we await the rush!
Quiet, calm and beautiful sums up today.
23/12/2005
We are all devastated by the tragic accidental death of Peter MacLeod of Heylipol. Peter was on home on leave from the Navy, and it would have been his 22nd birthday on Boxing Day. The island is in mourning and we are all thinking about his family, especially his Dad and his brothers
20/12/2005
Dreight day but Shona went to doctor and is now on crutches and no driving for a month!!
Only a bit of moon shadow late on last night but the hotel dog enjoyed it.
Chasing up on our final spirits order of the year as it has gone AWOL and vodka is a very important part of our New Year Celebrations.
Quiet lunch and dinner but we did a candle lit supper in the Lean To again.
19/12/2005
The morning after the night before and the back to normal team hit the bar and restaurant so that by 11am things were looking "normal" if that is possible.
Brunch was caulieflower and stilton soup - delicious followed by tea and cake at Elephant's End in lovely sunshine. Shona walked back to the hotel with Rolly but fell when avoiding a cow and is now hobbling. As the bar was quiet we held a candlit fricasse of frdie supper by the bar with the curtains open to enjoy spectacular moonlight. The watching fishermen - in the bar that is were so envious - they've booked a meal for the 30th!
18/12/2005
Kirsty and Jan arrived for a jolly and a weekend of hands on so we donned Santa hats for a team photo to send to VisitScotland.
Glorious day so we all walked Gott Beach then returned to fully set up the Old Harbour Restaurant for the Co Op night out.
The place looked lovely with snowmen themes. And then the lights went out as a goose few into a line.
Guests started arriving and candles went every where including the loos. Our first function with a dishwasher but no power to use it. Elaine did brilliantly as we started to serve dinner and the Karaoke looked like just being songs. They yippee - Beano the Hydro man did his stuff and restored power by about 9pm and things got going.
As we had no spirit delivery in the morning, the only thing we ran out of was Apple Sourz. Amanda was serving shots of it and After Shock for straw sucking races at the bar. Fiona Green has taught her well.
The party continued at Hynish and the clear up is right now - 9.am. Sunday
17/12/2005
The decorations are up - Shona did the tree in reception and the decorations for The Old Harbour Restaurant. The girls have done the bar including the lights at the window and I must say it looks very festive - great at night looking back across the water. The hotel looks so cosy.
Super moonglow last night - so light. Jura can be seen clearly this morning as it is a glorious one but much colder than recently.
Party night tonight. Will be a late one.
16/12/2005
Just getting to the end of Friday's diary when the power tripped. Oh well - back to the beginning.
Collected Shona and Louise from the plane. It's 10 months since Shona was up so pointed out the new sites enroute - the Play Park and Charlie's enormous new shed. Lots of oohs around the hotel at all the renewals but a wail as we hadn't painted room 4's door yet! It will go to the top of Charlie and Jimmy's list today.
Quiet bar but Graace made progress on programming the reception till and the fire in the Lean To brought a few more people in for a drink.
Elaine at the hotplate for preparation for Saturday's first Turkey Events.
15/12/2005
Steady in the bar last night and the fire helped. 10 for dinner rather unexpectedly but Nan's sirloins made the night for a couple of BT guys.
The intercom between bar and kitchen is a bonus as of course is our now beloved dishwasher.
Very mild and calm yesterday and this morning. Not so much of a moon last night but horns tooting at 7.30am this morning - very unusual - will need to find out why.
Went for the veg yesterday but shop still closed at 12.30pm and so many people saw me sitting outside and have commented to me.
Fiona our barmaid is out of hospital and back on the isle on antibiotics. Still feeling a bit poorly though.
14/12/2005
The moonglow of the last couple of nights means no torches needed and once again, it is Tiree mild. Only fleeces needed - the multiple layers are still on the coat hooks.
Busy with residents last night as we have 7 guys in at the moment up working. 5 of them have a sweet tooth and enjoyed our cherry pavlova - a Mother's recipe.
1 more sleep until our Christmas decorations go up and we have quite a selection of cards already.
13/12/2005
A quiet Monday with reorganisation returning to the Breakfast Room now that the dishwasher (still awaiting a name) is installed. It was stored here.
The first turkeys are now in the freezer and Elaine is coming to inpsect them on Wednesday to see how many people they will feed.
Our decorations go up on Thursday when Shona arrives as she loves that sort of thing - as do all the staff who cannot wait for her to appear.
More performances of our singing snowmen last night in honour of the eve of baby Ben's first birthday.
Quiet a few guests expected off plane and boat today.
12/12/2005
The boat docked no problem and staff arrived back exhausted with shopping and being away. Quiet lunch then we prepared for Morag and Jimmy's 40th wedding anniversary and our 2nd birthday. Fiona G phoned her apologies from Glasgow as she has a suspected kidney stone. Elaine made a wonderful cake with a spray of icing red roses on the top. The siamese snowmen have been renamed Jimmy and Morag. Jimmy was so smart in his suit - we all commented on this. The regulars headed into the Old Harbour Restaurant from the bar and we supped cannabis vodka and plum brandy before moving on to "normal" drinks to have with the cake.
Archie and Margaret fretted about their chicken dinner as they had put the oven on at home but forgotten to pop in the chicken. So they phoned round until they found a friend who would nip into their house and do this wee job for them. Being Tiree, such a help is possible!
11/12/2005
Mass Christmas Shopping exodus to Oban on the boat yesterday by most of our staff. The shop takings will soar with the Tiree numbers
Drama on Friday night whenwe discovered late we were out of lager gas - but Sheena at the Kelvin Hotel and MacLennan Motors all helped us out magnificently and we had gas as we opened on Sat. Big Stuart had to resort to drinking Guinness!
Wee Jimmy spent the day in the bar as many islanders are also away shopping this weekend.
Adam made coronation chicken salad and it was delicious so we dined well at lunchtime.
Quiet bar so we were closed by 11pm with thoughts for today in our heads as it is Morag and Jimmy's 40th wedding anniversary and our 2nd anniversary of ownership. Libations will be taken this afternoon at 4pm. Your update will follow.
10/12/2005
A dreight day but jobs got done. Our tourist left on the plane and we ended up having a steady night in the restaurant with command performances of the singing Westies, Cat and Craig followed by the singing siamese joined snowmen, Jenna and Malky.
All this naming has caused Karen to want to name the dishwasher as she thinks it is wonderful. She cannot believe how much better it is compared to a domestic one and she wants one for home! So we are having a competition with a prize for the name chosen. Anyone can send an entry and the results will be piblished.
COuld this be island fever - so soon?
Anyway - a new starter had trials last night - a pot of baby craysih in a sweet chilli sauce - an Oracadian product but one that went down well on another island.
09/12/2005
Quiet calm day for the boat arriving.
Christmas cards arriving and being delivered including one from Jean, a guest from New Zealand. It was a lovely card with a note inside and a cutting from a paper covering a story about a Tiree boy, Donald McLean who went out to NZ and became a successful timberman and early wine grower in the 1880s. We have passed it on to An Iodhlann who specialise in family history and Tiree connections.
08/12/2005
Very wet last night - even the dogs did not want to go out.
We have staying with us one of the engineers involved with An Turus. All his work was done from Edinburgh and he is up on holiday to view the result.
Fine tuning of the dishwasher continues as do performances by the two Westies and the Singing Snowmen.
2nd anniversary celebrations on Sunday taking shape with a double whammy since it is Morag & Jimmy's Ruby Wedding Anniversary too.
07/12/2005
A few name checks today as the Prague tales evolve. The Hotel Opera was great - 5 star service from all the staff.
Gerry and Denise who shared our table on the dinner cruise - how are you doing? You were such a nice friendly couple unlike the Mills & Boone duo with whom we were also forced to share.
Our Czech money we brought back is exchanged today and nearly all the gifts have been given out.
Very quiet but a fabulous day so mild for December.
06/12/2005
Hooray - the dishwasher has had its first run through and it is just wonderful. Jimmy and Charlie have done a wonderful job installing this monster of a piece. Then Mairi and Saint Sandra programmed the new till for the bar and got it up an running. All so posh!
The day started off with a sparrow in the breakfast room and ended with pesto rice. Contrasts!
A further bonus of 5.12.05 is a mention in the new edition of Scotland the Best. Hooray again!
05/12/2005
A quiet business day with only some of the Girlie night outer suffering.
Indoor jobs then nipping out when dry - and very mild - with the dogs as both Angus and Roly are around.
Neil got his Prague Tesco Lifeboat Tea and Roddie has yet to collect his goodie bag.
First wash of the dishwasher today - photos will be taken.
04/12/2005
Another calm, mild morning. No one around as yet but plenty to do.
Girlie night in the bar with jugs of Tiree Blue cocktails on the go. At one point there were more ladies in the bar than men! Very unusual.
The singing twins have been in demand with 7 performances so far for charity. More about them as they settle in.
03/12/2005
The last Prague traveller returned to Tiree on the boat on a perfect crossing in hatless weather.
Gifts to the staff who did not go have been given out, pictures have been developed and the tales are evolving!
The dishwasher looks terrific in position and the chemicals are now bought to try it out. A new till for the bar has also arrived which should make life easier.
Quiet weekend but some visitors around and they have been into us for lunch.
28/11/2005
229/11/05
Apologies to all diary readers-yesterday's entry seems to be non-existant due to technical problems. Anyway to up-date everyone the weekend has passed quietly- a few residents, lunches and dinners. Our dishwaher is now in position. Charlie and Jimmy have finally got the pipework and electrics installed. Can hardly wait to try it out when we get the system up and working. Fortunately the wind has eased but still a northerly chill in the air. Latest from our globetroters is that they have returned safely to Glasgow from Prague. Seems like a good time was had by all-lots of sightseeing and a lot of gluwein!! Can't wait to hear the stories!
25/11/2005
25/11/05
The gales are back! A noisy night of wind and hail-no snow here...yet but with the Northerly winds gusting it is freezing! I came down to breakfast early just to check that Sandra had not been blown away between her house and the hotel! She and Wilma both said they got here in record time due to the wind at their backs! It was touch and go for the plane yesterday but Fi got here and Laura, with Roly the dog, Fiona and Morag finally arrived in Oban after a slightly rough sail and then on to Glasgow before the snow. The plane MUST get in today as Grace and Elaine are flying to Prague very early tomorrow morning. The sun is now shining (still very windy) so we hope the all travel plans work out. We have 6 rooms occupied so a few dinners and breakfasts to organise. Charlie and Jimmy still working on the dishwasher installation. When and if the wind abates we will venture out and inspect any wind damage. Definitely a bad hair day!!!
24/11/2005
The puddle at one entrance to the carpark had dried up in the perfect winter days. But it's back this morning after a night of wind and rain.
Will the boat get in to take 3 of us and the dog back to the mainland for the start of our Prague trip?
4 panels up for the dishwasher and plumbing starts today.
Full last night and Sandra's crumble or cheesecake both went down well.
23/11/2005
Another beuatiful morning. Plane late today due to Glasgow's weather. It brought back Louise and Jenna from The Tiree Dance weekend. They had tales to tell and are still very tired after a packed weekend of pubs, pubs, and pubs.
Two splashback panels for our dishwasher now in place - with the 3rd one going up today. The uneven walls don't help.
Full on Tues and Wed nights - excellent for November.
A couple staying at Island House to let it through a HolidayLetting Agency came to check us out too.
22/11/2005
SVQ work today with baked potatoes done in the oven and microwave - the former won but we covered the economics of having the oven on for one potato!
Historic day in the life of the kitchen - the dishwasher installation started!
Elaine has brought some of her paintings to exhibit in the hotel and, importantly, brough the Czech spending money for the weekend!
21/11/2005
A quiet day which allowed rotas for the Prague weekend to be put in place plus final details for our trip - spending money, night out on Friday and of course, our return to Tiree. Myra has tipped off the Press - The Sun or The Oban Times - we are not sure which.
A very mild day which saw our guests taking long dry walks. Islay people for lunch and all chance for dinners.
Quiet bar with Earache last in the golf again.
Another stunningly unique sunrise this morning.
20/11/2005
Amanda continued her fundraising in the bar and Sandra's Pudsey biscuits sold well. Fiona G launched sales of our Christmas draw where of the 100 prizes, 90 are guaranteed to be "good" with only 10 booby prizes - Big Stuart will be happy.
Big meeting at An Talla on the future on the wind turbine project and the vote was in favour by 84%. So there will be a new landmark on Tiree in years to come.
We had the post meeting meal with Elaine cooking and Adam serving. A busy evening in the restaurant and bar compared to last Saturday.
Pink sunrise this morning - then the sun vanished - but very mild. No hats required.
19/11/2005
18/11/2005
What a stunner of a day. At 10.30am, Amanda and Sandra with a buggy, bucket and dog set off on their walk. Laura walked with them as far as theDump and we cajoled all passing drivers to pay up. Glorious views and so mild in the sun. A few songs were sung from the musicals as a warm up for the Karaoke on Friday but Sandra and Amanda kept quiet and raised their eyes!!
Mairi held the fort back at base while guests from Ireland in their own plane, Zimbabwe and London checked in. After lunches, we started looking for the girls and Jenna and Mairi went out to meet the walkers for the last bit from Crossapol. After 4.30pm the weary girls and bouncy dog arrived back frozen, ravenous but elated at the £247.oo raised. Their tales of generous drivers and being chased by cows will keep us going for a few weeks!
Our dishwasher is on the isle and should arrive chez hotel today! The red carpet is out.
Stunning full moon last night and it was so clear we could see Mull after 10pm!!
17/11/2005
Another perfect sunrise and no wind. A great start to the day for Amanda's sponsored walk for Children In Need. Sandra is walking with her along with Rolly Poly in a pram! He has an outfit for the day too and a hat. Photos will be taken.
Mairi is manning the office and Jenna and Louise hope to walk part of the way.
Our new dishwasher is on the water as I type - great excitement at the prospect of its arrival - our hands will all benefit!
Children In Need in the pub tomorrow night and a busy night is expected.
16/11/2005
A standing ovation in the restaurant last night as we drew back the curtains, turned off the lights and watched the moonlight over the harbour. Breathtaking and all the guests in the restaurant voted to keep the lights off and dine by candlelight.
John, Andrew and Graham then retired to the bar to savour the malts, the fire and talk to Rolly Polly now perched on his favoured bar stool out of the draught and within view of the bar counter. Fi and I had to laugh at three grown men talking animatedly to a dog! But hey - it's Tiree.
A lovely evening after a calm day - but turning colder.
15/11/2005
Two nights in a row, we have had the BEST moonshadow in weeks. Like a halogen torch from the heavens, evning walks have been a pleasure after the storms.
Quiet day but steady dinners with a group of windsurfers and the AGM of the Agricultural Show.
Amazed at the bookings coming in already for next summer. We are already fully booked for spells in May!
14/11/2005
Someone heard Laura on the Chris Evans Show Radio 2! She was on the Results of the Week in relation to the gales. No autographs requested as yet.
Glorious day for most of yesterday but cold. Busy bar over the lunch time but quiet lunches - Adam was in control in the restaurant.
E tickets have arrived for the Tiree Tarts Teambuilding weekend away in Prague - excitment is mounting.
Children in Need plans firming up with a front page mention in An Tirisdeach and Amanda planning survival clothes in case the weather is dire for her sponsored walk.
13/11/2005
A pink perfect sunrise this morning and calm as a mill pond. A complete change. Having the hotel dog in residence means and early rise every morning.
The flight crew had us up at 6 am yesterday on a good day aiming to leave once the Twin Otter had left Glasgow. Unfortunately the Saab was not used to being left out overnight and when Cpt Taylor switched on, the battery was flat! Poor man - Friday was his last ever day with Loganair before joining BMI and he got stranded on Tiree! All the Saab passengers and the stewardess were disembarked and boarded on the Otter. It took them back to Glasgow where a battery and engineer to fit it were loaded on and returned to Tiree. The Saab finally left the isle after 1pm and tipped its wings to us as it flew over the hotel. We are special.
Quiet day except for the start of the darts tournament in the bar using the new board. The new spot lights have still to go up.
Quiet dinners with Fi and Laura doing the serving and cooking. Early night as 25% of the island were at a birthday party in the hall.
12/11/2005
Word of the day? WINDY!!!!
Another storm but in daylight. High water was at 2pm and the busy pub watched the waters come to the top of the pier. About 4ish we ended up in a cow patted field lashing things to gateposts with rope. We couldn't get in the front door of the hotel and needed the more sheltered area by the bar to get in.
The Saab plane landed but couldn't take off so the 3 crew are with us. They had no luggage so in addition to feeding and watering them, we clothed them. Poor Shaz from Brunei was chittering but a Tiree Scarinish Hotel polo and sweat shirt warmed him up. Free fleecy bedsocks were also provided.
Two planes will leave Tiree today for Glasgow - a first.
No power again last evening for a couple of hours - fortunately just after all the main courses went out.
11/11/2005
The boat got in without a hassle and we had a guest changeover.
TV, radio and Vodaphone are all back on - no internet server in the office so back measures kick in.
Tickets have arrived for the Tiree Tarts Teambuilding Weekend in Prague plus an enormous box of T shirts and glasses from Tennents for our 100 Box Christmas Draw 2005. It looks as if there will be fewer fun prizes this year thanks to generous donations and wise buying by Grace to ensure we benefit from offers.
Quiet bar but Sandra set a great fire.
10/11/2005
The Hydro boys did their work and choppered off yesterday. We still had a few flickers and no radio or TV or vodaphone reception till late afternoon. However, TV was on for the football - fortunately.
Girl on boy in the bar as Rolly Polly the Bichon fell for Sasha the Lab Collie cross and played most of the afternoon. Camera phones came out to record their hugging and all in front of the fire.
Quiet evening in the restaurant with Nan's meat the big seller.
Charlie has been assessing the storm damage - minimal really compared to others on the island and we are bracing ourselves for another Gale Force 10 tomorrow.
09/11/2005
Ilana left yesterday with a bag so enormous with her kite, we will be expecting huge muscles when she returns in April 06. Ilana and Helen are off to South Africa to take a kite instructors course in the Cape having become TV stars on Sunday's Adventure Show on BBc 2.
Power came on in time for dinner - thank goodness but went off during the night. However we had everything on for breakfast - a glorious sunrise then hail!
Late bar for Fiona last night as a couple of guests tried a wodge of cocktails including Tiree Blue. Then the Hydro boys came back................
08/11/2005
Over 24 hours ago in a raging wind, the power went off. The Co op carpet boys loved the candle lit bar as did Andy and Lynne who supped on as the wind howled.
All night long - no power. In the morning, no bins, an empty gas bottle had blown 400yds away, bits had come off the chalet that we don't use and a picnic table took a shuffle.
But we were all in one piece and used gas for breakfast and lunch for the Scottish Opera touring team who loved the Lean To's fire. By 3ish - some power but only for about an hour then off again. The school, bank and Co had been closed all day.
Then - hooray - the Hydro Boys checked in and the power came on and has been on since.
Apologies to our regulars for this delayed posting!
We fed 6 Hydro boys tonight and have 4 in residence who have gone back out to work. No Vodaphone service and the TV and radio has just gone off now too........
All guests are being issued with torches.
We have been very lucky as the Co has thrown out £9k of stock and a local had her caravan blow away.
Apologies to our regulars for this delayed update!
07/11/2005
The natural foodist has gone home and the carpet boys are in situ but can only work when the Co Op is closed so the bar is a natural haven.
Quiet Sunday lunch with Sandra doing her SVQ work with vegetables. Steaming, blanching, boiling, roasting, combination cooking ......we had it all covered and our freezer is overloaded with blanched carrots.
A busy bar at night with the drama of Nathalie parking beside a dagger in the grass in the carpark followed by a bit of a shouting match latter on that resulted in wet floors and the carpet boys looking on amazed!! That's Tiree - always variety!
06/11/2005
Cows in a very windy carpark this morning.
Supported the Bank's Children in Need fundraiser at An Talla. The Mrs Mops had baked up the most terriffc sellection of cakes, biscuits and lighter than light scones. Mairi, Morag and Laura then snapped up three plates worth of baking to bring back to the girls who were manning the hotel while we partied.
Helen went off in the boat today full of excitement about her pending trip to South Africa in Ilana's wake to take a Kiting Instruction Course. Both girls will be back for Easter next year for kiting on Tiree and to work at the hotel.
05/11/2005
Busy bar last night as the winter darts tournament was drawn and lots of regulars got in a bit of practice. Laura did not enter as only one dart in 4 hits the board when she throws!
Amanda is doing really well with sponsors for her Children in Need walk.
Helen heads back to the mainland today for the winter trip to South Africa on a Kite Trainer Course. Ilana, who wintered there last year, has been the lead on that one and Ilana too is heading to the southern hemiphere for the same course. Both will be back at the hotel for Easter 2006.
Sandra was at the hotplate last night and did some great garnishes. Her cheesecake went down well in the bar and the baked bananas in brandy were lit by sparklers for a birthday and a farewell in the Old Harbour Restaurant.
04/11/2005
A balmy day with little or no wind. Mainly dry so got the door mats out on the fence for a buff while Helen gave the entrance way a good going over.
Amanda covered the bar and Sandra made soup and puddings.
Only one guest who was so tired he did not appear for dinner.
Darts on the go in the bar but we did not need the fire.
Karen has done well at this year's Mod and cracked a mention in the Tiree newsletter that I can't spell/say!
03/11/2005
Our Cosy Corner was used by the first resident as he supped his coffee and waited for his lift. Even the staf are taken with the soft seats and the views.
A very quiet night so when Stuart dropped off the crab claws in their new red nets, (honest - fish nets now and red too!!) Jenna had time to cook them. Fi and Jenna both went home early and after the fire had been lit too and was so welcoming.
02/11/2005
With help from Jenna, the Cosy Corner in The Old Harbour Restaurant has been created. It had its initiation by two campers in for a heat and a cup of tea off the boat. They read the Sunday Papers ( well it was only Tuesday!) and lolled on the chairs and sofa.
Erin called by again with Gramps for a juice and a G 'n T and fed Rolly, her new favourite small dog.
Progress has been made on theTiree Tarts Teambuilding weekend. First flights have been booked and Prague looks the likely venue of our custom.
01/11/2005
The sheep have breached Scarinish village defences and gone on the rampage this morning.
Guising last nt and as The Sream was the only mask for sale on the isle, all the ghouls had the same faces. Rolly and I met them on our last walk of the night - a posse of guisers with torches and swag bags.
Erin came as a pumpkin on Sunday nt for her trick or treat but was happier feeding treats to Rolly than performing her poem.
31/10/2005
Well. the boat docked yesterday on a very mild day. Long blustery dry spells after the drive thro car wash rain of the other night.
Our sole guest due on the boat did not appear so just bar meals last night for a couple of regulars. Quiet lunches too but this allowed Elaine to make profiteroles and for us to mark up the 100 prizes for the Children in Need draw on 19th Nov.
John Campbell, piper and soldier, was in the bar last night so we fixed up the burl for the bar for the 30th December
30/10/2005
Fiona had an early night in the bar after a steady day. Elaine's onion soup kept the regulars going at night. Lots of leaks due to the direction of the wind and rain. Leaks we thought Charlie and Jimmy had solved are back along with some new ones. But the back corridor is sound - hooray.
Wild this morning so wonder if the sole guest on the boat for us will make it.
29/10/2005
Changeover day with Fi off in the boat and Laura arriving. Touch and go as to the second boat getting docked to take off the cattle after the final cattle sales of the year. The machair will be quieter with so many four legged Tiree residents on the boat for mainland.
28/10/2005
28/10/05
It's 11am and although windy, the sun is appearing so hopefully a sunny day. We had a party of 11 for dinner last night so with our other guests which included 4 Begian surfers we did 21 altogether. Everyone has departed today by plane and we are left with our 4 tourists who it seems have the island to themselves. Looks like a quiet weekend ahead but one never can really predict anything. In the meantime it's onwards and upwards with the cleaning and maintenance!
27/10/2005
27/10/05
A beautiful sunny day here but very windy. The boat got in OK and we are full tonight. Celebrations are in order for Amanda who is our first member of staff to achieve an SVQ Certificate in Food and Beverage Service. She completed it well within the given time and is now keen to embark on the next stage - Reception Level 2 which is under the Modern Apprenticeship scheme. Cokes all round!!!!
26/10/2005
26/10/05
A fairly quiet day yesterday in every way - customers and weather. The bar and restaurant were quiet-everyone seems to be busy catching up on jobs(and sleep!) Our new arrivals are all working on the island, most of them for 2 days as we have no boat until Thursday. So the winter pattern is setting in already with almost every room occupied from now until Friday with the weekend looking quiet.
Our SVQ assessor is currently on site and keeping our girls on track with their training modules. Lots of encouragement and enthusiasm in this area from the staff and Colin. Lots of little maintenance jobs on the go - a never ending list for Jimmy and Charlie. With more gales forecast over the next 24 hours we are prepared as we can be for the odd drop of water finding its way into the building! Just hope Willie catches our crabs and lobsters before the storm!!
24/10/2005
24/10/05
A quiet calm descended upon the island yesterday morning after 2 very full boats left with the last of the windsurfers and spectators. Having said that quite a number of visitors and locals booked Sunday lunch -we did 30 and with 20 dinners stretching on until 11pm! it seemed a long day(especially for those of us who were up at 4am to catch the boat from Oban!)
Today is wild. wet and windy - just as well there is no boat due (we are now on winter timetable)as it would be a very choppy crossing ! We are praying that the plane gets in-visibility is poor so it will be touch and go whether our guests get away or not. An anxious time for all!!!!
Morag was delighted to be left a very large sweetie jar. She was very surprised to find what its real function was!! Maybe we could use it today to catch the leaks !! Never a dull moment at the Scarinish. So it's time to gather breath after a hectic 10 days and catch up on all those jobs. Plenty of cleaning jobs to be done!!!!!!!!!!
23/10/2005
Another day of great weather in Tiree. The Saturday boat went back to Oban fully loaded with only 3 cars left on the "wait list" who will get themselves and their vehicle on one of the two ferries which will arrive early this morning.
Helen and Illana are now media stars, having been filmed and interviewed yesterday by the TV crew from The Adventure Show, which along with the rest of the programme on Tiree will be going out on BBC2 Scotland on 6th or 7th November 2005.
Busy dinners last night (54 covers) and lots of people drinking champagne. Fi arriving today with angus the border terrier. Calmac beckons.
22/10/2005
Well-the sun shone yesterday for the last day of the Tiree Wave Classic - not that there was much wind. We had a big change round in rooms, with a big family party of 12 arriving for the weekend.
We were kept busy with lunches, and managed a very respectable 67 for dinner. The team worked well together, as ever, and were motivated to be quick and efficient in order to get to the dance. They were away by 10.15, with Grace piling them all into the jeep and heading for An Talla. Jeremy,
our extra policeman for the weekend had dinner with us last night before going out into the night to do what a policeman has to do! We will hear the stories later today.
The boat for Oban is full today, with two promised for tomorrow to take the last of the windsurfers and lhalf termers home.
We expect to be quieter today.
21/10/2005
The rain stayed on for most of the day yesterday, so two of our guests stayed upstairs in the lounge all day until they headed off for the boat back to Oban around 18.00hrs. Previous to that, the boat from Oban, which came in around midday en route to Barra had lots of folks over for the day - their last opportunity of the season, as that link with Barra ceases until summer next year.
The island was quiet during the day yesterday, with only a short spell for windsurfing as the wind picked up towards the end of the afternoon. However, our busiest night yet in the Old Harbour Restaurant which included the spectacle of one of our ornamental candle-it lighthouses going on fire!
At the time we thought that table 1 were becoming a bit anxious because we had not cleared their joint plates in readiness for pudding, but, in fact, they were quietly shouting "fire"! Denny calmly removed the conflagration (which was conveniently sitting on a cork mat) to the car park and doused it with water.
Some washing for one of our TV crew got stuck in the machine last night, but big Stuart came through from the bar and worked his magic. We only hope that the lengthy soak in water has not shrunk the garments beyond recognition!
Troops arriving for the weekend in the form of Siobhan and Ciara, and the end of week windsurfing dance at an Talla tonight. The girls on the evening shift tonight will be wearing their "rocket boots" and will be finished faster than ever so that they can get to the dance - but will we have any staff for tomorrow's early shift?
20/10/2005
A bit dreich again today. Yesterday did not improve weather wise so not much windsurfingn on the island.
More TV crew and journalists have arrived and are arriving, so we are expecting wall to wall media coverage for Tiree and its outdoor activities!
What rooms which are not being taken up by the media seem to be occupied by those looking to buy Tiree property. One couple were adamant that the properties they viewed would never sell; for one they are far too expensive and in addition there are no shops for shopping and no "organised" entertainment. Maybe Tiree is not for them! The other property seekers say that Tiree is just what they are looking for, so we are helping them to make things happen.
And now the story of the "wrong boots"!
Our walking guests from Carlisle came down earlier this morning to put on their boots for the day's walking activity, only to discover that the only two boots remaining in the boot rack were two right boots, almost exactly the same in design, but definitely not a pair. After much consternation and accusation (it must be the TV crew - but they must have sore feet and/or be walking around in left hand circles) our familiy from Edinburgh who were returning to the airport (see candle episode from yesterday's diary) owned up to the fact that they had packed the wrong boots! A happy ending for all.
Our many and hungry diners enjoyed our seafood mornay and smoked mackerel last night, and the Croft Original Trifles went down a treat.
Sandra & Ilana are producing carrot & coriander soup and sticky toffee pudding as I write.
Lots of bookings for tonight, so here we go again.
19/10/2005
Well - another day of good weather yesterday, so plenty of outdoor activity for all. Today has dawned cloudy and rainy, with little wind - so this may be with us for a while. The "party" girls managed their shifts yesterday despite, little, if any sleep - were we really that mad when we were that age! The revelling continues, so the compound effect should kick in around Friday, which SHOULD be the last party night of the week.
We were busy again yesterday - loads of lunch customers appeared simultaneously (we think it was a conspiracy), so that kept us from snoozing! One of our customers insisted on having a salad toastie which we feel is unlikely to get a slot on Ready Steady Cook! Ilana's Courgette & Carrrot Soup was so good that we ran out, so another pot was hastily prepared for dinner.
Dinners were busy, with surfers just appearing from nowhere.
Table 3 got a bit agitated because we had not lit their candle, so we said to them that they must be nice and relaxed and enjoying their holiday, if that was the only thing they had to worry about - all in good humour of course!
TV production squad had a good day and await the arrival today of their famous presenter - we hope the plane gets in, which will also allow our BBC London crew to return to the smoke!
Scarinish Burgers were popular on the menu last night along with Jenna & Sandra's Biscuit Banoffee Pie.
Our maintenance boys have fitted a new draught excluder around the fire exit door in the Old Harbour Restaurant, so the inside temperature has risen by about 5 degrees and the wind whistle has reduced by about 5 decibels! Progress indeed.
18/10/2005
Tuesday is now with us, following a pretty quiet Monday, for which we were thankfull. The wind surfers and other visitors to the island decided not to do too much "eating out " last night so we were all able to make some recovery from a non-stop weekend. Those who did dine with us enjoyed the Ham & Haddie Pie which Jenna & Denny put on as a special.
The weather yesterday afternoon was fabby - once again warm sunshine shining on Tiree's white sandy beaches so, whilst there was no doubt not enough wind for the surfers, there was plenty for the walkers and the bikers!
Our TV crew were off to film the Karaoke at The Lodge last night - I wonder if the singing will continue at breakfast?
Today we will have our last "Tuesday Boat" of the year, as we slip in to winter timetable later this week.
Sandra spent all last night on the computer working on our 2006 PDF brochure, only to lose all her work when the power surged around 9pm. The moral is, use the "save" button, Sandra!
Alistair & Lachie were pregnancy testing the cows yesterday so we can look forward to at least 8 new calves next year!
The winter painting programme is being planned by our maintenance boys so better go and check the colour charts.
17/10/2005
Glorious Sunday weather yesterday - sunshine and blue sky (but not enough wind for the very, very, very, very good windsurfers)! Lunch was busy - a mix of the G&T and liqueur brigade, and the family brigade, not forgetting the pies in the bar for the Sunday darts and football brigade.
Then there was dinner service - Our team were nothing short of fantastic last night. With Elaine on a night off, Jenna and Mandy took charge of the kitchen and together with the unfailing support of Sandra they produced nearly 50 meals. We are truly proud of their efforts. Let's also mention the rest of the team - Amanda and Mairi, and Louise in the bar. If only the surfers would book before they turned up, or phone to tell us that the party of 5 is now a party of 11!!!!! - We will try and get the message across, although I fear our efforts will be futile.
The boys in the bar (Sorach, big Stuart, Tommy etc) spent the night trying to calm Denny down, as the diners poured in from all airts and pairts.
Our TV crew (including the man with the £6,000 camera lens) seem to be happy with progress so far. They were leaving early this morning to "shoot" the pony trekkers.
We all had a drink to celebrate our teamwork and it has been decided to start a collection for a "stress ball" for Denny. The bar closed reasonably early and most folk went off to the Lodge for yet another party!
16/10/2005
Another packed boat yesterday, bringing the rest of the surfing competitors. The first day's action was at the "Maze", and although overcast, it stayed dry with a fair wind and some excellent waves.
More television crew have arrived at the hotel, so we are just waiting for the floor upstairs to collapse with the weight of equipment!
As well as surfers, we have lots of half term families over for the week, so plentyof lunches yesterday as well as a phone that never stopped!
Busy bar and busy dinners again last night, with one or two locals bashing out a few tunes on the accordian, which we keep behind the bar, for just such occassions.
The party animals did what party animals do last night - so bears and sore heads come to mind for this morning.
As we are the only place on the island offering Sunday lunch, bookings are pouring in, so must dash and check what puddings are required.
15/10/2005
Oh! So busy
Lots of check outs and check ins this morning. Our friends from Wick who visit us in their private plane decided to head over yesterday. We waited for them to "buzz" the hotel then we headed off to the airport to collect them. We dropped them back this morning, and thanks to the lashing bars, the aircraft had not moved in the strong wind.
Busy bar and busy restaurant last night, with lots of surfers looking for good food and drink. As usual we obliged!
Restaurant now fully booked for tonight, so hope there are lots of frying pans in the kits of the big white surfing vans, because I have a funny feeling that meal demand will outstrip supply ce soir.
The parties have started - only six days to go!
14/10/2005
What an amazing day we had yesterday. The sun shone out of a cloudless sky and it was as warm as August. Not much wind, so we even had people in swimming!
A walk along the beach was a joy, and visibility was over 40 miles. All the islands were visible: from Jura, through Iona, Mull, Eigg, Rum, Muck, The Western Isles and Barra - quite a vista.
The sunset was spectacular and the moon shone brightly all through the clear night.
Sunrise was 07.56 (we know that because we have journalists staying who wanted a photo shoot), but the sun over Mull by 07.10 this morning was as good as the sunset the night before.
Today we have a little cloud, and a bit of a wind, but still dry and sunny.
The surfers are very happy, as are all journalists, photographers and spectators.
Our beer order has arrived safely, Fi and Angus are off on the boat and Denny has taken over for Wave Classic Week.
Bring them on!
10/10/2005
Severe gales yesterday prevented the boat getting in so a few stranded guests had another 24 hours with us. We had 34 lunches and 20 dinners and with everyone forced to stay indoors all day we were kept busy. Hurray for the children's puzzles and games!! Two brave souls attempted to cycle-they returned very quickly...soaked. The wind has gone but it has been a dreary wet day. However the sky is clearing now this evening and the clouds are moving. The forecast is better for tomorrow.
07/10/2005
A lovely atmosphere in the restaurant last night with all our guests chatting to one another. A last night for several of them before heading off for the boat this morning (some of them nearly missing it!) Our American guests were delighted to finally find the broch they had been searching for. The sun is shining this morning so everyone is hoping to make the most of the weather before the predicted rain arrives later today.
06/10/2005
06/10/05
Wednesday was a relatively calm day in all ways including the weather-overcast but dry. A few lunches and 20 dinners kept us going. Today looks brighter but windier so our guests are out walking and will no doubt return with rosy cheeks. It might be a little choppy for those arriving off the Barra boat!
05/10/2005
Where did all the guests come from? A buzzing restaurant at lunch time with a mix of business and visitors. All of them seemed surprised too that we were so busy.
Amanda and Sandra waltzed through lunch and Sandra even found time to make a delicious lemon cheesecake for sinners at dinner.
Lord of the Isles brought a whole hotel load of guests who felt a bit delicate on arrival but perked up to take dinner.
Only 26 boxes to sell in our Children in Need charity raiser.
04/10/2005
Another quiet day but had a couple of fellow winos in the restaurant in the evening who savoured our reds at the right temp.
Willie's special crab dish sold well of an evening - so much so guests have booked a return visit for dinner on Friday. Once again, Jenna was at the helm.
Karen with her herbal tea has cured Aaaron's cold and is fair chuffed with her success.
Our beer order, of last week, is held up in Oban due to the loss of a key so we are having to eek out our supplies - no 70/- which has upset Jimmy so much he stayed away all day. We are promised our delivery by Wednesday. Fingers crossed.
03/10/2005
A day of low cloud - but the big boat is back and was on time. Very quiet day in the hotel with Illana and Helen in charge of the housekeeping and Elaine presiding over the stove for Sunday Lunch.
In the bar, the TEDS were fined £1 every time they mentioned golf and so far £18.00 has been raised in 12 hours!
The 100 prize box for Children in Need is going well with the onus on us to find all these prizes. There will be some fun ones too - we have just taken delivery of a case of bubbles for instance!
02/10/2005
Forgot to mention Friday's rainbows. There were so many of them throughout the day and against the dark skies they all looked that wee bit different.
Boat late yesterday but it brought back Elaine, our cook, who had been away on a First Aid course. SO, with Elaine at the hotplate we hoped for a busy night that did not materialise. Quiet bar too so Fiona also had an early night.
Our ironing is mounting up as Fiona, the ironer, is off to see Donny Osmond in Glasgow. But oh- how we envy her.
01/10/2005
Isle of Arran on the Oban run for a couple of weeks and she takes longer in rougher seas so we did some extra breakfasts this morning.
New shelves are being made for the bar and we are planning a Children in Need night for 18th November. Mairi was doing some prep for this. Handing over money and singing (with actions) will be involved.
Jenna did really well as cook all day - her dinners tasted great and the lobster and prawn salad starter sold well.
30/09/2005
Real change in the weather - will the boat get in? Howling gale last night but we were cosy in the Old Harbour Restaurant with Jenna and Amanda in the kitchen doing the cooking. Elaine's mushroom soup was well praised.
Quite night in the bar after the four o'oclockers went home. Run on our malts including the the Indian whisky and the new Johnnie Walker Green Label from residents.
No arrivals today so a chance to catch up.
29/09/2005
Glorious day. Boat and plane both in without a problem. Really blue seas and a good wind for kite surfing (so I am told).
Hoping to have our bulbs planted today so that we have indoor bowls for the bleak times of January and February.
Thinking now of music nights for November and December.
28/09/2005
29/09/05
Well our stranded pipe band finally got away last night on the ferry. After 31 hot bowls of soup at lunch the singing resumed once again in the bar so more entertainment while waiting on the boat which was running an hour late. A burst of activity between 5pm and 6pm with around 15 fish and chips ordered plus a busy bar not forgetting the umpteen trips to the pier with pipes and drums kept us all going. A bit of an anticlimax as the hotel evacuated for the boat. Time to give the restaurant a quick turn round before our dinner bookings.Only a few residents dined last night but at the end of the day we did a respectable 33 evening meals!
Last night's wind and gales kept some of us awake and things have not improved this am but at least the boat got in so it will be a mad dash to the Co-op for replenishing the milk and bread. Alas we only have piles of laundry left as a reminder of our fun weekend. Roll on next September!!
PS. Laura last heard of relaxing in a bath in Uddingston!
27/09/2005
Entire Pipe Band of 31 guests storm bound on Tiree! Boat got to Coll then turned back. What do you do with 31 people on a wild and wet day? Send them on a coach tour of the island to Sandaig and Hynish. Then back for a bowl of soup, band practice folowed by fish and chips out of newspaper, choc ices from the trolley dolly and Big Dave's birthday cake. Next on the agenda was another music night with World Premier of the Strathaven Pipe band Tiree Song. Brilliant! Encores demanded and the Sound of Music was featured again.......
As I type at 1am, Angus and Duncan are playing away in the Upper Deck. The breakfast has been set by the Band and Gladys has starred as bar glasswasher. Will the boat get in tonight?
26/09/2005
It's 2am and the Strathaven Pipe Band are STILL singing! Highland Cathedral has been played in every public room in the hotel and 50 people packed into the Maire Stuart - never to be the Marie Celeste again. Duncan and Angus of the Tiree Pipe Band joined in and an violin playing visitor from Blantyre also jammed with the teams! Steve and Laura then sang I am 16 going on 17 unrehearsed! It brought back memories of how we had bought the hotel!!!
Earlier, the Band enthralled/intrigued by playing on the rocks and on the beach outside our hotel. What a sight.
12 bandsmen went off fishing on Skipinnish and 1 minute after the piper stopped playing in the Sound of Gunna, they all started catching fish!
Alana, meanwhile caused a stir and concern by getting into difficulties with her kite surfing and had to be rescued. Fortunately, our newest member of staff is OK but she is in shock at her close shave just because the wind changed.
25/09/2005
A cormorant on a rock off our beach this morning in calm waters after the wildness of yesterday when outdoor piping on Tiree became a new extreme sport.
Thro high winds in full waterproofs and kilts the band marched to the old folks home and played then returned to the Scarinish and played and sang all night. Highland Cathedral with 12 pipers folllowed by Show me the way to Amarillo and ending the night in the Upper Deck with a sing song and Sound of Music!!
24/09/2005
8.50 a.m and a lone piper, Alan, is parading the bedrooms in an spectacular wake up to Tiree fashion. Next he parades across Scarinish's machair to the house where more of the pipe band are staying and ensures them the gentle wake up too!
Last night we had band practice in the Old Harbour Restaurant followed by the band changing into kilts for the dance.
Quiet night in the bar as the whole island seemed to be involved one way or another in the dance at An Talla.
The actual dance sounded fantastic - updates as we hear all the news from it will follow.
23/09/2005
Wild morning but better now. All the Strathaven Pipe Band has arrived and piped themselves off the ferry this morning.
Busy lunch but the girls did all the grafting and are looking great in the special pipe band weekend T shirts brought across for the occasion.
Band having a wee session between 6pm and 7pm tonight before the main event at An Talla.
22/09/2005
A bit wet and windy yesterday, and not much better today. A quieter day in the pub and in the restaurant, although we did have requests for four lobster thermidor after our fisherman brought some live lobsters in about 7pm last night.
Scallops and crab claws also went well on the menu.
A few serious surfers starting to appear, now that it's getteing colder and windier - seems a bit strange that such conditions should attract people who like to strip out of their wetsuits whilst getting blasted by a cold wind!
The Strathaven Pipe Band arrive tomorrow for the weekend, so preparations are well in hand with 37 cases of provisions arriving yesterday from our Oban food supplier.
The wine also arrived yesterday and the beer and spirits will be here today or tomorrow.
It's going to be a cracker of a weekend with lots of music in the bar.
Our touring musicians who have stayed with us over the past 2 days are leaving today. They are very clever doing three point turns in the hotel corridors with their harps! Their concert at An Talla was well attended last night despite the weather.
Barra boat today so island activity at lunchtime and again around 7pm.
21/09/2005
A glorious sunny day yesterday with warm sunshine - great for our Canadian friends who enjoyed their first visit to the island.
Our training assessor from Argyll Training spent the day with our team wo are all studying for Vocational Qualifications at Level 2. Amanda is almost finished, Louise and Sandra are bowling along and Jenna and Mairi have now started. We are proud to have them all studying for further qualifications.
One of our guests hit a sheep yesterday on the road to Crossapol - seemingly a suicide bid by the beast, but our guest took excellent evasive action so the sheep has lived to tell the tale.
Sorrach's birthday yesterday - so a few laughs and jokes in what was otherwise a quiet bar.
Very windy today - no trips to Skerryvore. Warming up for the Pipe Band weekend with a further order from the co-op for eggs, bread and milk.
20/09/2005
Well - too busy to write the diary. Busy bar, busy in the Old Harbour Restaurant last night and Sunday night, and the house is full. What more can we ask for in September apart from 5 more staff!
More tomorrow.
17/09/2005
16/09/2005
A quiet Thursday at The Tiree Scarinish Hotel - somewhat uneventful in fact. A quiet bar, although the Old Harbour Restaurant was busy as it was Curry Night. Some discussion regarding the strength of the lamb curry - we said it was hot, but our 3 gents from Glasgow said that it was only medium! They suggested that if we really wanted to know about hot curries then they knew one or two curry shops in Glasgow that could oblige!
Amanda won £74 on the fruit machine yesterday (I hate to think how much she has put in) so we wrestled £40 from her for her contribution to the Teambuilding Fund which is growing by the week. Plans now being drawn up for a November trip, so we'll keep you posted.
Prices for Tiree stock at the sheep sales were fair, but nothing spectacular. One ot two crofters in for dinner last night as they were tired after a long day. A few less sheep to "baa", but this years lambs that remain on the island are growing big, and thus the cycle continues.
The Friday boat has been and gone, and the word is that Anne at the pier has got engaged to a man she met on Ebay! Tiree is truly part of the global village!
15/09/2005
Gary from Edinburgh and the dove in the co-op bag are today's stories.
After arriving on the Tuesday boat in the driving wind and rain, and walking to Balemartine and back a soaked camper arrived at the hotel on Tuesday night looking for a room. He was unable to pitch his tent as it was dark by then, and too windy. We really felt sorry for him, especially as it was his first visit to the island so we found him a B&B and we drove him over to Balephetrish.
We established that he was from Edinburgh and that his name was Garry.
At 5.30 yesterday we were buying newspapers for our guests at the shop at the other end of the island ( we always head up there on Wednesday's to collect our fresh veg order).
Who was outside the shop but Garry from Edinburgh, witha few locals, peering into a co-op bag he was holding which contained what appeared to be a quiet and contented young dove. Debate ensued as to whose it was or where it was from, but as ownership could not be established, Garry let it out the bag for a wee hop around and then picked it up again and put it back in its new house.
He was last seen heading back to his tent at Balephetrish beach with the promise that he would check things out with John Bowler our RSPB man on the island.
A quiet bar yesterday, but a few surfers in for dinner. A glorious day for the sheep sales, with Lachie and Alasdair still busy from early morning rounding up the sheep and shouting loudly at the dogs!
We wonder how prices will be at the mart today?
14/09/2005
Apart from the naked man in the Upper Deck lounge, yesterday was uneventful.
What weather - wet, wet, wet.
As it was so wet, one of our guests decided to walk down to the pier to cancel his bike hire for the day. By the time he returned he was soaked through and had no dry change of clothes. The result was that the wet clothes went into the tumble dryer and the man took one of our big beach towels and waited in the lounge (because he was leaving and we needed to service his room)! Our two elderly ladies from Kingussie did ask if this was a usual ocurrence at the TSH.
Popular on the menu last night was Elaine's mince and dough balls, but that was not as popular as the smoked haddock, potato and sweetcorn omelette the night before.
Lucy has left us and is heading home to see her Mum, but Helen is back today from her partying in London and Jenna is back from her wedding in Glasgow. Once Louise and Morag are back next week we will be back up to full staff complement. Can't wait.
The sun is shining, and the Wednesday boat has been and gone. The sheep are being gathered for tomorrow's sheep sales, so we better go and check the whisky levels in the bar!
13/09/2005
Well - Monday came and went - just so busy and staffing levels well down now that our students are returning to "yoonie" and some of our permanent staff are on leave. Sunday night and Monday night were both busy in the Old Harbour restaurant which more than made up for such a quiet Saturday. The team did well, especially on Sunday night with only Mairi and Amanda out front.
The weather today is atrocious - the tail end of Katrina we are told, so nobody sane will venture out today - except the team from the Tiree Scarinish Hotel who will be delivering an outside catering job for a funeral later this afternoon.
That remind's me - we think that room 2 is haunted. The girls went to service the room yesterday and the shower was still running, with the bathroom door snibbed, and nobody there!
On a brighter note - Charlie and Jimmy cleaned our laundry equipment yesterday and from below the filters we salvaged a total of £1.55 (now in the charity box).
Late boat today. Will the plane get in?
11/09/2005
What a cracking afternoon we had here in Tiree. While the cricket was stopped because of rain we really had an afternoon that was too warm at times to sit out in the sun. A glorious evening to watch the sun go down behind Mull, from the Old Harbour Restaurant. Talking of which - the quietest evening we have had since about March, we think. That said, lots of bookings for tonight, so we will make up for our quiet Saturday. The bar was also quiet last night - we think it might be withdrawal symptoms due to the departure of the digeredoo players or maybe it's because they know that Denny's back on duty!
There is a family golden Wedding on the mainland today, at Ross Priory to be precise. Congratulations and Happy Days to Neil and Sheila. We send our best from Tiree and wish everybody an enjoyable lunch party. We know that there would be nothing on our Sunday lunch menu here that Neil would like anyway!!!
So, we must go and prepare for lunch, and launder the laundry- another Sunday is well underway at the Tiree Scarinish Hotel.
10/09/2005
Today is flat calm and the island is quieter. A change of management shift today, so Denny and Fi exchanged notes and keys at the pier. One of tonight's guests has phoned to say that she has missed the boat, but can she come tomorrow! Dinner bookings look quiet tonight - but we shall have to wait and see.
The midges are gruesome today so a breeze would be nice.
09/09/2005
Last night's sunset was spectacular to say the least-our visitors dashing out between courses to take photos. Even the locals were commenting. The digeredoo players returned to the bar once again for another wee session so another l.30am finish. Today is sunny but a lot fresher. Time for fleeces!
08/09/2005
Wednesday turned into a wet and windy one. The only people celebrating were the Scottish football fans which ended with a 1am finish in the bar! Our guests were delighted to wake up this morning to sunshine and have disappeared off on bikes and walks with packed lunches. Expecting about 30 dinners tonight.
07/09/2005
Tuesday was a steady day for business with a full house. We did 26 dinners and our Australian guests entertained the bar with some didgeredoo playing plus an interesting mix of spoons and guitar- something a little different for the locals.The day ended with rain and wind so a bit fresher. At last the kite surfers are happy.
06/09/2005
After a misty start the sun is shining giving us another warm day. Hope our Japanese guests enjoy their trip to Skerryvore. Yesterday's good weather meant guests could sit out and enjoy their drinks. Michael kept hoping one particular guest would sit outside permanently!
We now have a new paved back entrance thanks to Jimmy and Charlie-what a difference! A supply of lobsters was delivered late last night so a busy kitchen. The word is Sunday's power cut was caused by a goose flying into power lines. Poor thing. The island seems to have quietened down but we are full for the next few days so keeping us all on our toes.
05/09/2005
A lovely warm,calm day weatherwise.The wedding party had their final fling last night with dinner for 20. Add to that an 80th. birthday party plus our house guests.A busy Sundayevening. Just to add to the atmosphere we had a power cut over the dinner period. Lights out for over an hour! Candles and torches to the rescue. Oh and then there was a wee flood from an overflowing bath just to keep us all on the run(and a smashed picture-don't ask) Panic over as lights come back on just as guests stumble out into the pitch black. Another fun day at the Scarinish!
04/09/2005
Great day for a wedding! Flags out - guests splendid in their finery including hats that needed a lot of holding on in the wind.
Had a triple sparker/double bubble at dinner last night! 3 birthdays and with excellent team work and timing we had all three sparklers lit on each dessert as they arrived at the table in a billow of bubbles.
Long day today with a very busy bar - Grace at the helm - and a golfing party in the restaurant. Topi's duck went down a storm and her lamb in apricots with a hint of cumin was melt in the mouth.
03/09/2005
The day after the stag and hen parties and the day before the wedding.
Iffy start to the day but glorious by noon.
Fantastic mix of guests off the boat. Sue Anderson, the postcard photographer and her husband plus their 2 cats ( who stay in their van). Then Lorraine and her Mum from Oz. It is Lorraine's Mum's 1st visit in 47 yrs and boy were the relatives surprised! But they came for dinner to us.
Then the Cornells who had a stag jump out on top of their car enroute to the ferry and have arrived carless. Finally, Mr Healey the cyclist, who said he was not sure if he would like Tiree or not, but, after meeting his fellow guests and cycling 40 miles on Tiree - he is hooked.
02/09/2005
Transvestite Thursday at the Lean To as Justin celebrated his stag party with guests from India, South Africa, the UK and Tiree. Topi's curries on a plate with homemade samosas hit the spot. Justine looked fetching in a feather boa, Fiona Green's black bra ( not pink Johnnie!) and a dog wrapped round his ankle. (not mine- just a cuddly toy). The line was drawn at lipstick.
A beautiful day with sea trips to Staffa and Skerryvore taken by guests. Large basking shark spotted and dolphins.
Great team work from all the staff to cater to the demands of a busy day here at the hotel.
Big skies of stars for the last walk of the night with the singing in the bar from the assembled nationalities in the pub celebrating Justin's impending nuptials. Grace and Fiona did a sterling job behind the fonts including the high concrete Tennents T installed today.
01/09/2005
The safe bashing is still the talk of the pub - luckily -as it was an awful day yesterday with constant rain, but not cold.
Topi was at the hotplate last night as Elaine took off for the wedding preparations. Flags are out already for the nuptials.
Quiet in the restaurant but and an early night for all.
Glorious this a.m. with some of our guests off to Staff this morning in the Skipinnish boat.
Stag night for 30 in the pub tonight. Don't know if the strippers are coming or not.
31/08/2005
WHAT A DAY!!! We cracked the safe!! Paddy came with the JCB. Craig and Fraser got the safe out of the hotel on the beer trolley. Alan directed Paddy and we had an eager audience of staff and guests. Tickets were a pound a head and cameras were poised.
Blow me - the combination numbers were in the safe. It is now a wreck but we have everything out and a new safe drawer with no combination is installed.
Fresh mackerel from a guest sold well in the restaurant. Sandra and Mairi made the desserts and Topi arrived to cook for a week.
WHAT A DAY!
30/08/2005
Beautiful day after Sunday. David one of our student staff members, returned from a weekend of partying in Glasgow with a banjo. Three Wheels on my Wagon is his aim.
Still cannot get into the safe with all staff having a go at safe cracking.
Had a busy lunch with Sandra at the helm in the kitchen. Nanburgers were the most popular.
Topi, the cook, returns today as Elaine takes some time out - but to cater for a big island wedding on Saturday.
29/08/2005
Blustery wild day yesterday and touch and go whether the boat would dock - but it did. It took friends and family off for schools, colleges and Uni so tears at the pier.
Here at the hub, dramas continue - our safe is now so safe it will not open. Anyone knowing the combination for a 20 yr old Diplomat safe -please help. Dynamite is an option that will be investigated by Jimmy and Charlie today.
No lights overhead in the bar last night so standard lamps added a frilly, girlie touch.
Busy dinner - so thank goodness Elaine was at the helm. Nan's roast Tiree beef was just delicious.
28/08/2005
A total contrast to yesterday! Wild. But the boat has got in and the ferry is packed heading for Oban.
Farewell to Mandy - off to college in Glasgow after a send off from her friends in the hotel with dinner in the Marie Stewart finishing with Sandra's special Lean To Chocolate Fudge cake.
Music at The Lodge last night - so two nights of island partying.
27/08/2005
Bikers up with the sun yesterday a.m. for Elaine's homemade rolls and bacon on the Skipinnish boat to Skerryvore Lighthouse. As it was a bit choppy, Pete took the wheel so Angus the skipper could lie on the deck to play his bagpipes in sight of the lighthouse.
Busy bar all day and lots of familes in for dinner in a last pitch before schools all return. Lots of icecream sold at dinner - about 50 covers. Staff worked hard so that they could head to the Dance at An Talla.
What a big starry night they have for the walk home - whenver that was !
26/08/2005
Crab Claws are still going very well on the menu. Last night one party ordered them for starters. The gentleman's arm was in plaster so his partner was helping him break the claws into manageable pieces - it was a work of art to watch!
We had a stray black labrador accompany another group to dinner last night as they strolled from their their holiday house and after their meal the dog was still waiting form them outside the hotel to escort them home.
A group of bikers are staying with us for a few nights - not quite Harleys, but still plenty vroom - they're off on a boat trip (minus bikes) and enjoying the island air.
The evenings are getting darker earlier so the candles are lit from early evening in the restaurant so there is a feeling that the summer is coming to an end as we said farewell to one of our young staff as she leaves for the 'big smoke' to attend college.
25/08/2005
Torch of a moon last night over the harbour. We now have another hotel dog in residence. Angus the Border Terrier was the first. Rolly Poly the Bichon is next for his inaugural Tiree visit.
The dog walking makes you take time out to view the views and see the sites.
Crab claws and chocolates pots went down really well last night at dinner.
24/08/2005
Crabs claws arrived in at 11.30 pm so it was a busy morning getting them prepared for our guests.
We have discovered that another author has been staying with us this week - his recent book has been selling well, it's about the life story of an RAF pilot who had a fascinating War, had been stationed for some time in Oban and had flown over Tiree many times but never set foot on it. Our author can now go home to show the hero his holiday shots.
The storm forecast has not come up to the strength expected yet but it certainly is windy! Our maintenance team, Jimmy and Charlie have been fixing the guttering and re-felting the roof in anticipation ....
23/08/2005
Our famous authoress and her friends have left, having thoroughly enjoyed their weekend on Tiree, despite the appaling Sunday weather. It will be interesting to read her Tiree tales one day!
The Duke,the Duchess and the mini Marquis have also left so we have a definite feeling that the end of summer is approaching. According to our (not always accurate) weather forecast we are to expect 70 mph gales later this week, so we will need to do a quick check of what bits and pieces we have sitting outside, just in case they decide to go walkabout in such conditions.
Wonderfull suet from Nan the butcher made wonderful old fashioned steak and kidney puddings the other day, as requested by one of our regular visitors. We are also now featuring our own beefburgers, also made by Nan which we now have on the menu as Nanburgers.
The new bell has been fitted in the bar.
It may be getting a little quieter but it's still all go!
20/08/2005
Fabulous day - a perfect summer Saturday. The island is suddenly very quiet as all the lambs have gone - sold yesterday through the mart and off to pastures new for the winter. Two ferries came in late last night to take most of the transporters, with one or two more going on this morning's ferry. Diners were very busy last night, as was the bar, but today will be quieter. The moon over the water was exquisite last night, right out of an Agatha Christie movie.
Some wonderful trout handed in this morning so the menu is almost complete for tonight.
19/08/2005
Showery this morning, but the sunny periods are very warm.
Yesterday saw the arrival of the mainland buyers for today's lamb sales, the first of the season. In order to transport all the lambs to the mainland (where they go for winter fattening, mostly to the east of Scotland and to the north of England), Calmac will put on two extra ferries around midnight tonight.
We had a full moon last night so the tides were unusually high and low. However, the full moon shining on the water of the Old Harbour was quite spectacular for the later diners.
Lamb Sales Dance tonight, so The Old Harbour Restaurant and The Lean To bar will empty earlier than usual. Hope the buyers leave the dance in time to catch the late ferries, otherwise they will be sleeping on the pier!
18/08/2005
Yesterday remained a dreich day but today the sun is shining and it is warm. All waterproofs have been collected from the boiler room and packed away, for a good while we hope.
Today we have three splendid Morgan cars in the car park of The Tiree Scarinish Hotel (not a common occurence). Very patriotic in their respective red, white and blue liveries. Their occupants are partaking of coffee and Sandra's shortbread prior to roaring off to the pier to catch the boat. The Morgan convoy has already visited Mull and Coll and is now heading for Barra. We have all decided that we would rather travel through the rest of the islands in a Morgan rather than on a bike - so we will all dream on!
A greyhound and a terrier staying at the hotel at the moment with their well behaved owners.
Today is a good drying day so we should get the towels out on the line.
17/08/2005
The weather today is not good. So far we are on indoor pursuits only apart from the surfers who are all out at Baile Mhuillin.
Yesterday the plane got in eventually after a bit of a delay due to low cloud. The recent weather has produced a lot of potato shells on the beach - always good for the window sill collections.
Angus, one of the island pipers was in the bar last night. You always know it's Angus as his first tune is always Jingle Bells, which is usually greeeted with a bit of consternation by our guests.
A big batch of shortbread baked yesterday by Sandra and Amanda so we are ready for those who want a nice cup of tea or coffee out of the rain.
16/08/2005
The diary is back. Lots of happenings over the last few days.
The theme today is fires. The fire brigade were out yesterday at a microwave fire up the other end of the island. Then the plane had to turn back only 5 minutes out from Glasgow as there was a fire in the cockpit. It did eventually arrive in Tiree in the late afternoon, so all well and nobody hurt in either incident.
The fishing boys handed in another beautiful crayfish as well as the biggest monkfish we have ever seen. Both had been cuaght up in the nets. The monkfish looked really evil, and the teeth are quite something. Roy cleaned and gutted it and some of us had a wonderful dinner.
We were also lucky enough to land some fresh mackerel at the weekend and that was enjoyed by our Old Harbour diners.
The mist is down and the plane looks dodgy for today. Musical beds tonight!
11/08/2005
Busy, busy, busy again yesterday so sorry about the diary. No plane on Tuesday so a bit of reorganisation needed re rooms as some of our guests were unable to leave the island. This included our Swiss guest who obviously missed all her connections back to Switzerland, compromising her promise to dog sit for friends in Zurich the next day!
Loganair managed two planes yesterday as by then there was a backlog, so all passengers finally arrived / left Tiree.
One of the fryers in the kitchen at An Talla (our community hall) was out of commission, so we were delighted to be able to send our maintenance boys along after a wee request from the Hall Committee. The boys diagnosed and fixed the problem within 2 minutes so a nice feeling for all.
The mist is down, and at this rate the plane will not be able to land today. Boat due in early this afternoon so must dash.
09/08/2005
Too busy to post the diary yesterday, but the day was full of interesting happenings.
We'll call today's diary 'The Ironing Lady, The Nappy, Seamus Heaney and the Cray Twins' and here goes:-
It was Fiona's birthday (she who runs the wonderful ironing service on Tiree, and without whom we would all be barking mad) so she went to Staffa for the first time, on an Angus Skippinish tour. She said it was great, and she couldn't beleive that as a native of Tiree it had taken her so long to get there.
Then we had the nappy episode. Can you beleive that someone would leave a filled nappy on the table for the staff to clear. How gross! We did manage to see the funnier side and please be assured that the said table has been well disinfected. Kids will be kids, but we thought that the adults would have a little more consideration!
Now Seamus Heaney and the Potato poem. This subject definitely split the Old Harbour Restaurant last night, with our Siobhan getting a bit upset with the anti Potato lobby!
And finally the Cray Twins. Our fishing boys brought in another couple of big, beautiful crayfish, quite late last night and just after service (the kitchen were thrilled at having to put on the big boiling pot just when they were clearing up). The said crays were duly executed by Adam and we left then peeking out from a cool ice bed around 11.30pm. The deal was that we got the cray fish in return for some raw sausages and bacon for the breakfast on the fishing boat which Natalie was cooking for her boys this morning somewhere in the Sea of the Hebrides.
Yesterday was some day!
07/08/2005
The weather gets better and better. Glorious for Regatta Day yesterday, which culminated in the 'trawler race', won convincingly by Ian and Neebs. The pipe band played (having survived the Coll Show and playing on the ferry all the way from Coll to Tiree) and a great day was had by all. The hotel was kept busy from early on, with regatta guests popping over from the old pier for a beer in the sunshine throughout the day. A ceilidh in the bar followed with pipes, accordian and flute. Kirsty had her first busy day in the bar and will have slept well last night- unless of course she is still partying! Sunday lunches looking busy.
05/08/2005
Still more sunshine and a bit of wind, but we'll keep this thankyou.
Well we had two boats last night, both at the same time and the diners had fun watching from the restaurant and wondering which would make it to the pier first. Our guests from NZ have left, having had an enjoyable and emotional visit delving into the local archive for info on the ancestors. Our visitor from landlocked Austria was overwhelmed by the seashores and their contents and spent most of his visit marveling at our shells and pebbles. We forget how lucky we are to have all those beaches. Today is the Coll show, so our pipe band have been 'lent' to Coll for the day. Lemonades will be taken, and they will pipe themselves home on tomorrow's boat, having slept little or not. Hope those who work with us will be bright eyed and bushy tailed when they come on shift later on Saturday! We will report acordingly.
04/08/2005
Well. weather still pretty good, which is more than can be said for the Calmac fleet. The Clansman broke down yesterday so no usual boat, which was a bit of a bind as it had all our groceries and frozen food for the coming week. By the time we had nipped up to the supermarket the milk and the bread had all gone, but at least we had our wee cache in the freezer to save the day.
Now, the story of our two ladies from Edinburgh, their return trip and a boat to Barra! They had decided that a night sail on the boat to Barra and then on to Oban next morning was better than walking the Oban esplanade at 2 am with no accommodation. So with the emergency Calmac timetable in full swing, off they went around 8.30 pm into the night and on to Barra. Their friends, whom they had met here, decided to leave on the second boat which came in around 9.30 from Colonsay and was headed for Oban. They are all meeting up in Edinburgh for drinkies next week to compare notes, and relive tales of strandings on the islands.
Our frozen food order was delivered around 10pm, so after a very busy day we shut up shop and headed for bed. Will we have a boat today?
03/08/2005
Windy and bright this morning with lots of sunshine.
The island seems busier than ever with a source saying there are currently 3500 people on Tiree, a significant number, given that the resident population is around 800!
We are now trying to move our longer term future plans forward so that we will have a brief for architects by the end of the summer. We must also work on next year's cash flows so that we can keep our bank happy. Sometimes I think banks forget just who's who in the customer/client relationship. The posters are out for Regatta day on Saturday. This year it includes a trawler race for the first time, so the fishing boys were talking tactics in the bar last night.
A quieter day yesterday, but today is the day that our big food order comes in from the mainland, so must dash.
02/08/2005
We have a bit of a wind today and some heavy rain showers. We are not amused. Willie the fisherman says that it will clear later, and be a nice afternoon - so we await with anticipation.
A herd of cows (Duncan's) including the bull, did a walk past the hotel yesterday, so for the uninitiated it was a very quick immersion into rural life!
It looks like our plans for a water treatment plant are back on track for the hotel, after telephone conversations yesterday with SEPA and our environmental consultants. Also pursuing some rewiring and replumbing possibilities for the back end of this year.
Busy yesterday, as we will expect to be for most of the month.
01/08/2005
Yet another glorious day- a good bit warmer than we have had. Sunday lunches turned out a bit busier than usual - the good weather must have brought our visitors out. A really busy and late night in the Lean To bar, thought it would never end! Angus the Border Terrier has gone back to Glasgow with Fi, and Siobhan arrived this morning to see us through the month of August. The summer is passing fast.
31/07/2005
Bright and breezy this morning - not sure how it will end. A couple of big parties on the island last night so the bars were quieter than usual for a Saturday. The Co-op will have done a roaring trade in carry outs. Helen and Kirsty went off to one of the parties with fresh mackerel they had caught. The BBQ was warming up around 8pm. A few private planes buzzing about at the moment, over for a wee look at our island. Some of the girls are off on the boat today to Oban, then on to Glasgow for a bit of retail therapy. They will be back on the Tuesday boat and in to work on Wednesday with all the scandal from the mainland and their trip. The prep for Sunday lunches and dinners has commenced.
30/07/2005
A little duller this morning, so we await the day's weather. The Barra revellers returned at 7 am this morning - the music was good and theyslept on the boat - no wonder!
The loft - when we were going through the boxes from the loft yesterday we found what we think is a big diamond ring. Fi is going to take it back to Glasgow for a valuation, and if it is the genuine thing then we will sell it and put the proceeds to a Tiree charity. Charlie started the Surgery Fund with a donation for one of the necklaces, part of what we are now calling the Lost Treasure of Tiree! Busy again tonight .
29/07/2005
Sun is splitting the heavens again. Hope it stays for the weekend.
Well, the loft in the old building was cleared yesterday. It took 5 of our boys all day. The result is that Michael has a 3 piece suite for his new student flat in Glasgow, the local archive has a set of 1899 Gaelic OS maps and Charlie has some insulation tiles for his new shed. The local skip is full and the cat and dog home in Oban will shortly receive a lot of old blankets. The deed is done.
28/07/2005
A little cloudier today, but another splendid day in prospect. We think that our swing sign at the top of the road is responsible for our increase in business, so we understand that the staff are considering sabotage. The last diners left the restaurant at 10.30 last night (having come in at 7.00) so we reckoned that they enjoyed their meal, given the length of time they stayed and the generousity of theitr tip. The fishermen handed in two beautiful crayfish which we put in the pot late last night - so that will make a wonderful starter this evening. Our first bag of Tiree potatoes has also appeared, so the local larder is almost at its peak!
27/07/2005
Can't beleive that we've been so busy that the daily diary has been forgotten again. Better late than never. Weather still fabby, island busy and all hands to the pumps. The loft of the old building is being cleared tomorrow, so we have our boys primed and ready to go. The sunsets have been just great - we are heading for another one tonight. More lobsters arrived yesterday along with another 11 kilos of prime crab claws, so we are ready for the invasion of fish "afishionadas"!
25/07/2005
Yet another good day - a little cooler and a little windier, but the "wind" athletes will love it. We had our very first engagement at the hotel over the weekend - so many congratulations to our couple who chose Tiree to do the deed because it was quiet, away from it all and romantic. They say that the will be back - maybe for their honeymoon- who knows! Lots of Sunday diners including a few yachties whom we collected from the pier. Order day today so the phone line has been hot.
24/07/2005
Another fabulous day with the sun shining out of an almost cloudless sky. We have our ubiquitous Tiree breeze, so everybody is getting very sunburnt. The Tiree Agricultural Show was a great success on Friday, with a record number of visitors. We had some beautiful fresh scallops from Skerryvore landed for us yesterday (Fi had to drag them down the pier, and Denny had to stand at the sink and shuck then most of last night). They were, as always well received by our diners. Another dance last night, with some of our local singers launching their new CD. My, but Tiree's becoming famous!
22/07/2005
21/07/2005
A bit duller today but still no rain. Lots of folks in for dinner last night, so kept us on our toes. We have been watching Horace the harbour seal today. He has been eating fish from the boats as they come in from fishing. Skippinish catamaran is heading for Mull later today for a day/night trip to the Tobermory Games Dance. Anyone mad enough to go will get back to Scarinish at 4am? Rather them than us! A birthday cake is coming out the oven for a party tonight. All in a day's work at the Tiree Scarinish Hotel.
20/07/2005
20/07/2005
And still we have sunshine. Less showers so far today, but still a stiff breeze. The wind surfers and the kite surfers are in heaven, although we think it might even be a little too windy for the kite surfer learners. Bikes, bikes , bikes! The island is just full of bikes. We think that every single one of our residents has either come with their bikes or they have hired them. We must be one of the most eco friendly islands on days like today! For the second day running the towels are out on the line to dry - about 2 hours does it, and they smell just beautiful.
19/07/2005
We have sunshine and a stiff breeze. The towels are out drying on the new washing line - we may have to repatriate them from Coll later today! A few yachties in last night including cousin Ranald on a detour from the Classic Malts Cruise. He hopes to head for Barra today, but the wind may be a limiting factor. We have a wonderful new Birds of Tiree brochure which John Bowler our RSPB man has done. We are proud to have helped sponsor the leaflet.
18/07/2005
We did have our quieter Sunday, as much due to the weather which did not match its earlier promise. Those in the bar watched the golf, and those who came in to eat enjoyed our Skerryvore Scallops and our Roast Tiree Lamb. Today is order day, always a challenge at this busy time of year. Our food order is for delivery on Wednesday and our booze order is for delivery on Friday, so we have to forecast 10 days ahead. The new soot box has arrived and will be inserted into the boiler chimney today. Don't ask!
17/07/2005
Our Tiree mini rock concert was a great success. The musicians and the roadies thoroughly enjoyed their early evening buffet at the Scarinish, and even us oldies managed a couple of hours at the concert. The dancing was something else, especially the "cave women" as Johnnie commented! Most of the visitors and musicians alike have gone back to Oban, the rest have gone to Iona for more partying! We hope for a quieter Sunday today!
16/07/2005
A damp start to today - we hope it will clear later. The Feis dance last night was a big success, so all our residents and staff who attended had a good time. Our Canadian guests leave today, without having traced the MacPhails that they came to find, but they have enjoyed their short visit to Tiree. A big concert tonight at An Talla - even us oldies have tickets, but we have a lot of hard work to put in before we get there, with an extra 70 to feed around 5pm. At least it keeps us off the golf course!
14/07/2005
A cloudy start to the day. Let's hope the plane gets in. A quieter evening for us last night but the hall (An Talla) was mobbed with the children's Ceilidh dance. Thursday means day visitors from Oban and tomorrow is Glasgow Fair Friday, so we will expect another busy boat. Come on sunshine!
13/07/2005
The sun continues to shine. The Feis is on and there's music in the bars on the island. The Feis tutors and the musicians enjoy relaxing after the events of the day, so the bar was lively last night, and well into the morning!
Our visitors from Hell have left, and we are rejoicing. Neither our product nor our service was satisfactory for them and they said we should be more like a 4 star guest house. We said that being a 4 star guest house is difficult when we are a two star hotel, priced accordingly! Perhaps they had booked into the wrong type of establishment! Ho Hum!
12/07/2005
Eerie mists rolling in from the sea yesterday, but today should be better - a bit frustrating when it's so hot on the mainland. At this time of year our visitors keep us busy, but the team pulls together, and each week we work together we get better and better. The 'uni' students working with us this year are studying architecture, engineering, theatre , English and psychology respectively so we have some intellectually stimulating meal services!
11/07/2005
Today is glorious and the mist has finally lifted after 4 disappointing days. Hopefuly the plane will get in today and we will have 4 days of mail and 4 days of newspapers to read (that will relieve the crossword addicts on the island).
Our old staircase which has been painstakingly restored and painted was yesterday fitted with its new carpet. It looks just great and we are very pleased with the result, as are Jimmy and Charlie who did all the hard work. Well done boys! Another tick in another column.
10/07/2005
The mist won't shift! Day three and getting a bit boring! The first regular dance of the summer season on Friday night - and most of the staff still in recovery mode. The island is definitely in summer mood as both the restaurant and the bar were swinging last night with visitors and locals. Live music at the Lodge Hotel tonight, so they should see most of the action.
08/07/2005
A bit dull and misty. We wait to see if it will clear up later on. The hotel is getting busier with lots of people wanting to eat with us each evening. Our party of twenty campers enjoyed their dinner the other night as did last night's eightieth birthday revellers! Tonight will be busy - it's Friday, and it usually is our busiest night of the week. New washing lines in the hotel garden for hanging out rather than tumble drying. Good for the planet and good for the electricity bill!
06/07/2005
Another great day with lots of sunshine and a healthy breeze. Like yesterday and the day before, it's one of those Tiree days that gets you very sunburned without you realising it!
J is here to play in the July medal at the golf club and it is Fi's birthday. A family left today to visit Mull on the Skippinish boat to continue their island hopping holiday. Crayfish on the menu tonight courtesy of the local fishing boys.
04/07/2005
Today is fabby and everybody is out and about enjoying the sunshine and a bit of a breeze. Our broadband is working again. The island is busy as lots of people have arrived at the start of the school holidays. We are busy and can't get enough crab claws, lobsters and scallops to keep folks satisfied. Our fishermen friends are on the case!
28/06/2005
Danish campers and Canadian yachties were guests in the bar tonight. One of the latter played the pipes so that led to a "jamming" session with local piper Angus MacPhail.
Welcomed the last of our summer staff to their first day back. Great to have guests from last summer returning to us for their holidays. They noticed our improvements which was a great buzz!
27/06/2005
Overcast today after a glorious weekend. Went down to Hynish to be a tourist and sample the terrific home baking done there every Sunday afternoon in the summer.
Quiet Sunday lunch but a busy bar with guests spilling out onto the picnic tables.
Lots of dogs in residence including a lovely lab from Arran.
26/06/2005
Best day of the week yesterday then the Broadband packed up. Back to dial up. Busy bar and the sponsored walk left from our carpark and ended up at our carpark. Our beer reaches the parts other beers give up on!
Corncrake chick spotted by a just over from the Isle of Seil. Big disco night at An Talla.
24/06/2005
Barra boat day so day trippers including a pre visit from the Stathaven Pipe Band player who was investigating bringing 30 members and wives of the band to Tiree for a weekend in September.
3 trips to the pier in the evening to drop off fresh lobster and crab to departing guests.
All picnic tables out and guests with dogs used them yesterday.
23/06/2005
Busy bar and local students are returning home for the holidays with tales of their city lives. Boy are they pleased to be home!
Kitchen now has 5 new metal tables in place and we are all walking less!
The hotel inspector reconfirmed our 2 star status with some improvement to our scores so we are well pleased.
First batch of scallops are finished but more are on their way!
22/06/2005
21/06/2005
20/06/2005
Bright with a few clouds. Yesterday was glorious so all guests managed a walk on a beach if not more active exercise. Sunday lunches kept us busy and we ran out of fresh lobsters again last night. Most of the new carpets are now fitted in the hotel corridors and they look much better than the old faded stuff that had been there for too long! The last two picnic benches for the front of the hotel will have their final coat of varnish and be in action for tomorrow. Is summer finally here?
19/06/2005
Today is sunny and windy. This means that our guest from N Ireland will be able to return home in his private plane, a path denied him yesterday by the low cloud and poor weather. All in all a quiet day yesterday, which obviously pleased our resident sea otter who came to swim and fish in the harbour for well over an hour last night. We ran out of lobster and scallops at dinner but the boys appeared later with more to fulfil our orders for tonight.
15/06/2005
Today is glorious. Our party of birdwatchers arrived earlier today and they have already seen a corncrake. Robbie Shepperd and the rest of his BBC crew are here and all the staff are off after service tonight to the recording of "Take the Floor" at An Talla. The new staircase in the front hall of the hotel is beginning to take shape, though each new ballister is having to be measured and cut individually. Our cardboard recycling bin has arrived.
14/06/2005
A warm but dull day today with not much wind. Yesterday was quiet after a very busy weekend which saw us host the dinner for the visiting golf team from Mull, as well as a 50th wedding aniversary dinner. Add to that a visit from a scallop dredging boat with its ensuing cargo and the girls in the kitchen will tell you they never want to see another scallop again! Our diners loved them. Late boat today so the island will be calm until 6.40pm.
09/06/2005
The mist rolled in from the sea yesterday and stayed most of the day. Our Canadian visitors from the cruise ship arrived as planned, and came out of the mist and on to the Crossapol beach in fashion reminisent of the D Day landings! The farmers market was quieter than usual yesterday, but the fresh (live) lobster and crab sold well. 6 bikes in the beer shed overnight. Barra boat today, so hospitality for day visitors is on the cards.
08/06/2005
A breeze is keeping the temperature down and it is overcast today. The hotel is busy as usual and we had lots of demand for our fresh lobsters at dinner last night. Two people said it was the best they had ever tasted - not surprising when it had been in the water two hours before they ate it. A cruise ship is expected in crossapol bay this afternoon, with 100 of it's passengers disembarking for a walk to Crossapol and tea at An Talla. This will be a first for the island.
31/05/2005
30/05/2005
A great bank holiday Sunday. The sun shone and all our guests got active:walking, cycling, golf and even a swim by J Duthie!! Sunday lunches were busy and late and the last main course at dinner went out at 9.45pm. A great team effort from all at the hotel which gets us into training for the rest of the summer. As the staff left at 11.30 pm it was still light.
29/05/2005
28/05/2005
The wind kept up yesterday although we did manage to avoid most of the rain which we know the mainland had. Some friends came over from Mull on a rib and they and their kit were pretty wet when they arrived! The big plane was full yesterday although the boat was only moderately busy. Steak and Hebridean Scampi popular in our busy restaurant last night. Some daft games in the bar late on!
27/05/2005
The sun is just pushing through some high clouds which are moving fast in a stiff breeze. Mull is a grey silouette in the background. We said hello yesterday to the "Mad May Campers" from last year. We remember them because one of them left a purse in the phone box next to the repeater station overnight and it was handed in complete with contents, to the Co-op next day! New season crab on the menu tonight.
26/05/2005
After another day of rain yesterday, today is sunny and bright with a bit of a breeze. The kite surfers are out on Gott Bay and there is a quiet calm before the weekenders start to arrive tomorrow. As today is "Barra Boat Day" (the boat goes to Barra after Tiree then comes back again around 7pm) there are a few day visitors off on a tour of the island with Mabel. Summer is not far away!
24/05/2005
Torrential rain a.m. then beautiful. We have great guests - Peter Diesel went to Skinners to buy staining then did 3 doors for us. Even offered to assist at dinner since Elaine was still off and Hana needed a night off. Great activity in the harbour again and, at 11pm, we could still see Mull. Not quite like 25th may last year and not the same evening.
23/05/2005
Lots of activity in the harbour in front of us all weekend as boats were launched, divers were shuttled to and fro on Skipinnish and kids played on the sand.
A certain team winning the foorball league caused immense celebrations in the pub but, by 10pm last night, the exhausted supporters had retired happy.
22/05/2005
21/05/2005
Beautiful morning. A hectic evening with 8 divers arriving late on for fish and chips. Very busy at the airport yesterday due to no plane on Thursday. Exhaust had gone on the car so a bit embarassing using it to meet a guest. Margaret and Margaret, two other guests, wanted to clothes shop and had brought 3 pairs of sling backs to wear - not quite right for one's Machair Cred!!
20/05/2005
What a range we have in our guests - next month is is a Welshman selling Spanish slates to Tiree!!
Sandra had a great 18th pulling a pint, pouring a whisky and a gin using an optic then opening her first bottle of French Champagne perfectly with that great, elegant, polite fart as the cork popped.
Full restuarant for curry night.
19/05/2005
Wild this morning. Pressing thumbs that the boat will get in. A new handrail finally made it to our steep stair last evening. Graham, and his wee daughter Iona fitted it in no time at all. Charles got the new basin and matching taps into the Ladies - another long outstanding though not urgent job done. The BT guys came in for showers and it's a big day for Sandra - her 18th birthday. She will be pulling a pint in the bar to celebrate!
18/05/2005
Lots of birdwatchers about but they still cannot see the corncrakes. Otters are hoped for too. Had a couple of crab claw novices in for dinner last night and they just loved our giant claws - but took an age to eat them much to their dining partner's dismay as they were hungry and a hour for the starter makes you hungrier still!!
17/05/2005
Really chilly yesterday after the hot weekend. Have had to water the tubs by the front door as no rain for days. BT are back in force on the island to work on broadband.
Full hotel again and the corncrakes are still being heard but not seen.
16/05/2005
The dolphin escorted the guests on the boat trip again yesterday so very happy cruisers.
Busy Sunday Lunch with Hana at the helm in the kitchen as Elaine is recuperating from her operation.
Island busy with so many birds in situ. One guest is going mad seeking the corncrakes that he can hear but simply not see
15/05/2005
Skipinnish is taking 6 of our guests out this morning on a wildlife watch - hopefully the dolphin and the basking sharks will be about.
Lithe on the menu last night from a local fisherman - delicious.
14/05/2005
13/05/2005
What a fabulous spell of weather. So hot the guests are out on their laptops at the picnic tables at 9am!!
The dolphin is visiting every boat that comes across from the Gunna Sound. The evening cruise had a brilliant night last night.
Honeymooners staying with us could not have had a better intro to Tiree.
08/05/2005
Glorious morning. Our guests had a terrific trip on Skipinnish with a dolphin escorting them for the last 20 mins of the trip and right back in to the harbour opposite the hotel.
Quiet weekend so far.
07/05/2005
A beautiful morning and late light last night. Skipinnish Sea Tours are taking out some of the staff this afternoon on a wildlife cruise. The rest of us will stay on dry land to manage the helm here.
06/05/2005
A very quiet boat but we have quite a few visitors over from it looking at ancestral aspects of Tiree and keen to see everything.
Lots of lambs but haven't heard a corncrake as yet.
05/05/2005
A drizzle of a day but really busy yesterday. Progress on Dorinda's Gallery - we now have terriffic photos thanks to a guest taking them from his plane.
02/05/2005
01/05/2005
An Award! We were nominated by Hotel Review in the category Good for the Soul and we were a runner up!
This is a real lift to the team as we feel our hotel, our service, our view and our island IS uplifting.
30/04/2005
Grey but sunny morning - two picnic tables out front now all freshly varnished.
Children's birthday party in The Old Harbour Restaurant last night - another sparkler moment and singing in harmony from 4 of us. I hope Jake the birthday boy was impressed.
29/04/2005
Glorious day and the boat got in! Yesterday's boat did not get in - again!!
Birdlife is great - and the sea is a perfect blue today.
25/04/2005
24/04/2005
A birthday a night in the Old Harbour Restaurant so Adam our newest staff member, is going to have to learn to sing and move so that the 15 second sparkler moment is not missed!
Rob, the chef of Arta in Glasgow, dined with us last night. It's quite exciting to have "chef speak" with someone operating in the hundreds of covers nightly and with a whole different style.
Mairi B has been covering the kitchen while Elaine was away this weekend and her steaks have been much praised. Team work - Nan's Tiree beef and Mairi B's cooking.
23/04/2005
Sun shone across the sea to The Old Harbour Restaurant this morning. Not so busy for breakfast so could take time out to enjoy it.
Mull Festival Trip from the island this weekend and a lot of locals going with the Skipinnish boat
22/04/2005
Perfect morning - we just need the boat to be fixed so that it can dock. Lots of suntanned faces in the bar last night from the regulars who hibernate in the Lean To in the winter. No corncrakes as yet on the isle but they are on Coll.
21/04/2005
Another fabby day but the boat is broken so the South African guests are not getting to Barra today.
Lots of structural wok going on at the BT mask - disks being hoisted manually - very entertaining to watch.
20/04/2005
Fabulous day after all the rain of the weekend. SO warm! Blue, blue sea and the big plane arrived today.
18/04/2005
17/04/2005
16/04/2005
A wonderful suuny day yesterday. Lots of blue sky with some fluffy clouds but a bitter north east wind. Our electricity mains cable has been successfully repaired so our friends from the cable boat and from the electricity company will be leaving over the weekend and will all have gone by Monday! The contractors all celebrated in the Lean To last night with a few lemonades and fish suppers wrapped in newspaper!
14/04/2005
Sunny but cold today. The engineers had an early breakfast and have now left for the cable boat along with another few pages of weather forecasts! The island is quietening down as the Easter Holidays draw to a close. Lots of lambs and Marie B is back! Hurray!
13/04/2005
12/04/2005
What a foul day yesterday was! Those who arrived on the island for the first time were justly unimpressed. The crew of the cable boat went out early to lay some anchors, but the swell was too great, so they were back by noon. Today we have a mix of sunshine, hail stones and wind. Is this progress? Late boat today, so the island will be quiet until 7pm.
11/04/2005
A dull and windy day today, following a quieter Sunday. Monday will be busy with placing the weekly orders, and if true to form, the phones will never stop! Some new visitors arriving by boat and plane today.
10/04/2005
Sunny and bright this morning with a brisk south westerly. The hotel is a little quieter this weekend. It's Graham's 40th birthday party today so Elaine has made him a cake decorated with farmyard animals!
09/04/2005
Big changeover day for the island as Easter holidays end and a lot of visitors head back on the boat.
It has been a very busy week with some magic musical sessions in the Lean To.
08/04/2005
BBC are here and broadband has arrived! Hotel packed and weather keeping everyone indoors. But things are looking better today.
06/04/2005
A fairly quiet day yesterday, but kept on the go with our visitors from the cable boat. Broadband, we are told will be installed in the hotel on Friday. A BBC crew have arrived to stay with us and are hoping for good weather today to film on the island.
05/04/2005
Serious work starting now on fixing the island's electricity cable - let's hope the weather holds. A sunny, showery day yesterday with a quiet Monday evening developing into a ceilidh in the bar with Kenneth on the pipes and Iona dancing! Our Polish, Brazilian and Chineses visitors all joined in along with the locals.
04/04/2005
A windy sunny day today. An invasion of Traction Kiters and Brazilian visitors arrived on the island yesterday. We think they enjoyed the pub quiz at The Lodge last night. A big ship is now anchored in the Gunna Sound to raise and repair our mains electricity cable.
03/04/2005
What a glorious afternoon yesterday turned out to be. A bit overcast so far today, but maybe the mist will burn off. A quiet day yesterday, which finished with the girls all going to the local dance at An Talla. We think today will be quiet also, but the house is busy all through next week, so the quiet will be short lived!
02/04/2005
A little cloudy and wet this morning, but blue sky is peeking through. Very busy day yesterday and our busiest dinners to date this year. The teachers were celebrating birthdays and end of term, so it was nice to have them celebrating with us. The Strathclyde schools are now on Easter holidays so we think today's boat will be busy with lots of houses being opened up this weekend.Elaine's new pies are still going down a stormer in the bar!
29/03/2005
Sunny but cool today. Island still busy so lots of lunches and dinners to keep us on our toes. The Tuesday boat is busy - we could have filled the hotel three times over today!. Fresh Atlantic crab claws being landed for us tonight!
28/03/2005
A litle wet today - but 4 glorious days over the Easter weekend.The Friday boat had 180 pax and 55 cars, and more on the Saturday boat. Busy Sunday lunches and lots of Easter eggs. Most weekenders now headed home on Lord of the Isles(LOTI) our usual Monday boat!
24/03/2005
A boat a day from tomorrow. Summer is coming. Island getting quite busy.
21/03/2005
A funny day yesterday with a quiet lunch and a busy dinner. Bar quite quiet too. But light so late. Clocks change next week so Tiree will move into summer mode.
20/03/2005
With the plane and the boat both arriving yesterday, the island is jumping in the run up to Easter.
Busy dinners last night and a glorious day today.
19/03/2005
Here's hoping the plane gets in today. We want our guests in or out plus we need a daily paper! We use the papers to light the fire in the Lean To!
It looks as if BA are going to use the Saab which takes 50 passengers in greater comfort than the Twin Otter.
18/03/2005
Weather has closed in so no plane yesterday and so far today.
Once again, over last year Tiree has featured as one of the sunniest places in the UK! Hooray!
And we stay here!
16/03/2005
Still full. Shortbread is so in demand it has to be kept in the safe to make sure it lasts for the guests!
A typical Tiree Tale!
14/03/2005
Busy week ahead with the Hydro boys still a feature. They are doing a great job keeping the island with power while the mains cable is fixed.
13/03/2005
A third glorious Sunday in a row. Sunday lunches are growing apace.
Reception is transformed, so if you are returning this year you will think you are in a different hotel! Don't worry! All the people are still here to help and serve you.
11/03/2005
The run up to Easter is gathering pace. Things that we wanted done are not progressing fast enough as the hotel is so busy. But when we stop and inhale and just think back, we have come a long way.
09/03/2005
Painting ongoing in the reception area. The orange walls have gone and new lighting for the map is in place. Thank goodness!! The super spell of weather continues and people are out and about more. Lots of coffees and teas recently.
06/03/2005
Still amazingly busy and we are getting things done in The Old Harbour Restaurant with its new floor surround. What a relief to ditch the carpet!
Jimmy is doing wonders just painting the reception area.
01/03/2005
Really cannot believe how busy the island is for the time of year. Work is progressing at the house buildlng site at the Tank Farm, several new houses are sprouting and Dorinda's gallery alongside us has the "skin" on its roof. We are full again all this week and the Tulloch boys are back.
28/02/2005
Busy weekend with the Argicultural Show Dinner on Saturday night then a busy lunch yesterday.
Major work has started in the restaurant as the carpet is finally going and Karndean flooring is being laid on the surrounds. We all hate the carpet and can't wait for the new stuff which Roddie is laying as fast as he can - provided we ply him with coffee!
25/02/2005
I know I am becoming boring, but ANOTHER fabulous morning. It may be cold but blue skies and glorious sunshine.
Busy bar last night but a happy night.
24/02/2005
The saga of the recycled gate continues and it is now outside the hotel. Answers as to where it goes next on an e mail please!
Hotel still full to overflowing and will be like this until the Saturady boat. Fabulous day here again with the snow all on the mainland.
23/02/2005
You just cannot beat the Craic in the Lean To - I was in hysterics last night about the tale of the recycled gate that went round the island via a skip but was wanted for use back at its starting point!
Tulloch boys still ply us with wood ( the pun is intended for JB) and other workies descend on us for food and liquid sustenance. Elaine's soups are the liquid on demand!
Fabby day again and milder.
22/02/2005
The snow on the mainland & Mull made an outstanding panorama from the cosy confines of The Old Harbour Restaurant and The Lean To. In fact, Mull looked like a mass of icebergs on the steel blue sea. But oh.....so bitterly cold.
Quiet day but overfull tonight. Argiculture Show Dinner on Saturday so dancing and music in the restaurant.
21/02/2005
After a glorious weekend, wet and grey this morning. But no snow though Mull is looking beautiful being capped by it.
The dummy door at reception disappeared yesterday thanks to Roddie's good workd. Even in its newly plastered, unfinished state, reception looks better.
A double sink left the building too from the linen room so we have more valuable working space.
20/02/2005
Glorious morning but bitter.
A busy day in the pub yesterday with the darts matches starting.
More Spring flowers out in our bowls and later light at night.
Bookings flowing in on e mail - great stuff.
19/02/2005
Another glorious morning and windows are open and the sun is actually warm. So much for the Artic weather predictions.
A very busy steak night in the Old Harbour Restaurant with families having a night out at the end of half term.
Late night in the bar with the Darts Championship underway again.
No luck for the divers in Gunna Sound - too choppy yesterday to dive to check the power cable.
18/02/2005
All yesterday was perfect. Quite a crowd left on the boat as it is half term. We are full again and our guests managed a game of golf.
Curry night and we are putting on a Mexican Night on Saturday for the Tulloch boys.
Divers and choppers will be out in Gunna Sound today to see of they can sort out the fault in the electricity cable. SO far it is a perfect day for that sort of work but the waters will still be icy for the divers.
17/02/2005
Wet day yesterday but glorious this a.m.
Getting lots of jobs done and more new carpets went down yesterday.
The girls did a couple fo hours on their SVQ work and Ernie arrived to do boy jobs that we girlies have problems doing as they need the techie know how.
Full again and the Tulloch boys are back - looks as if we will be having a Mexican night for them on Saturday.
16/02/2005
The last old wardrobe in the hotel from takeover left the building yesterday! Yippee!! Our harbour view twin is transformed with its new carpet.
Tulloch workers and the Hydro boys are all ensconced again and enjoyed the Lean To's fire - we got the new glass panels in the door at last! Now everyone can see the fire again. It is the simple things that make the difference.
15/02/2005
Bitterly cold but no wind yesterday. Great to get the Sunday papers. Quiet night in the bar but several couples our for dinner for Valentine's night.
Lovely to be a voyeur from the staff's point of view on the play that is romance in some cases.
Room 2's new carpet was laid so only one room to go! Mairi B did a sterling job getting the room back together and changing the furniture round to create more space. Initial reaction from the staff is that it has transformed this harbour view room for the better.
14/02/2005
A bitter, strong wind from the north yesterday. Unusual. but we had a tourist slot and went out to for a drive to Coalas to view the big rollers coming into the Gunna Sound. Then, guided by Karen and with snacks handed out by Sandra, we headed for a log cabin. Not the normal sort of house for Tiree. But tucked into a hollow beside rocks with beaches and brilliant views, this weather bleached cottage was an unusual site. It also had a garden with masses of daffs coming thro.
A wee interlude away from the hotel and to improve our knowledge of the island.
13/02/2005
A wild day for the Cattle Sales but all the boats got in and away. Romantic diners joined us at night for early Valentine Celebrations combined with a 50th and 51st birthday so sparklers on a few puddings!
Wild morning with winds from the north east that are bitter. Plans for a new door for the bar may have to wait today. But the haircutting session planned for the bar will likely go ahead. One of our regulars finds haircutting as easy as fitting a window!
12/02/2005
Cattle sales today so a charter boat to take away the purchases.
40th birthday celebration on Steak Night last night for Susan and her family.
Busy day but bar quiet as a lot of regulars away working on Coll.
11/02/2005
Mini daffs are out and flip flop weather is here again. Mind you 2 days ago it was chucking it down and freezing!!
Big departure day yesterday then a lot of new faces booked in on spec. Great business for us.
Go the final old wardrobe in the hotel ready for the tip!! Just looking for a pair of strong men to get it downstairs.
Steak night with people booked for an early Valentine's Day treat.
10/02/2005
Big departure day as the Tulloch Team leave after 12 days with us and umpteen gift bags of wood.
Peter Diesel built all the stools for us after he built a wardrobe. Such helpful guests.
Glorious morning so it should be a lovely sail for all back to Oban.
Curry night tonight with pakora on the menu.
09/02/2005
What great guests we have! More firewood from the Tulloch boys who tended the fire all day plus a load of basins! Then Peter Diesel built a wardrobe for us! Sunday's lunch guests have sent us a brilliant aerial photo of hotel in the old harbour setting. How kind! you just never know what is going to happen next here on Tiree.
08/02/2005
Very windy - I nearly blew away carrying a piece of wood to our newly cleared shed! But blue seas and sky.
Thanks to the Tulloch boys, we have loads of wood for our fire and the locals too appreciate it. Tartarus is one of the words of the day.
07/02/2005
Glorious day and we got our shed cleared!! Amzing what we found including 5 toilet pans!
Guest flew in from mainland Scotland for lunch having phoned first to check our cloud cover!
A lot of hangovers amongst the boys after a very late Saturday night in the pub.
06/02/2005
Another glorious morning. Guests from Nairn have just phoned to check cloud cover before flying into us for lunch!
Chinese Night went down well for about 2 dozen guests. Baskets of prawn crackers went thro to the bar where we have been burning just wood in the fire because of all the chopped gifts recently received! It's not every night that a girl's Chinese pyjamas get such a public airing as mine did as a uniform for the night to be in keeping!
05/02/2005
Another glorious sunrise so a great day for an outside clear up.
Yesterday deteriorated to torrential rain but it didn't last. Nor did it keep folk away from Friday night in the Lean To. Steak Night saw Iron Duke on the menu and it went down well with the guests.
We are so lucky with our Tiree beef and lamb.
04/02/2005
Great day for getting things done with a pile ready for the dump.
Mild day and the spring bulbs are actually flowering in the next house up.
Curry night went down well with all the residents who are planning to dine with us at the Chinese Buffet night on Saturday.
Steak night tonight and one guest has pre-ordered a 10oz fillet already.
03/02/2005
What a great bunch of guys we have staying with us at the moment! A year's supply of kindling arrived back with them last night - great stuff!
Chinese night on Saturday and we were talking thro the dishes last night. Elaine, our cook, is really looking forward to it.
Curry night tonight then Steak night tomorrow.
Have lined up a shed clearance programme for the weekend so who knows what treasures we will uncover!
02/02/2005
Glorious day - ideal for showing off Tiree and our harbour location which I did with Ken from Glasgow. A troop of guests from Inverness arrived for thier first visit to Tiree and knew thixotropic - yesterday's word of the day so we were most impressed.
Light until after 5pm last night and birds seemed to be soaring in swarms as I went to collect from the airport.
Stunning sunrise at breakfast specially for the guests this morning.
01/02/2005
The TTT weekenders flooded into the terminal yesterday with piles of purchases and a stack of tales of how they "did" Glasgow. It seems as if the trip was a series of highlights and nipping about Glasgow in taxis was the ideal way of getting from the Corinthian for cocktails to One Devonshire Hotel for the tour.
Shona headed off and Louise womaned the hotel while all this airport activity was going on.
Quiet night in the bar but full tonight with Hydro boys and a construction company.
Making plans for a weekend exterior tidy up involving a tipper truck.
31/01/2005
A very quiet Sunday with time for a catch up and an hour off.
Shona had a great fire going in the Lean To and Louise made sure it stayed glowing right up to the end of business.
Hydro guys are wilting a bit what with shifts and the recovery time needed after the big night of Friday.
Off to the airport to meet the TTT - It will be bliss to have the 6 back to work as we need the whole team here at the hotel.
30/01/2005
Odd being in the hotel with so many away on the TTT weekend in Glasgow. The back up team is doing well with Louise a stalwart in the bar. Hydro boys have slowed down a bit in the bar after the late night on Friday.
Boat and plane on time and a great day for JB and Andy to sail off with a van load of computer bits that we no longer need.
29/01/2005
6 of the girls left Tiree Airport after a champagne send off (thanks to Ernie) for the TTT - Tiree Tarts Teambuilding Weekend. Shona flew in to help out and was a star on Steak Night. The rest of our team stayed in Tiree while the party goers tasted wines for our extended winelist and dined at the Bothy. Celtic Connections and shopping for them in Glasgow today - making beds and stocking the bar plus plus plus... for us in sunny Tiree.
Grateful thanks to JB and Andy for moving 4 very heavy wardrobes we no longer needed as the tidy up progresses.
28/01/2005
Big day - 6 key staff head off on the plane for the weekend of team building - Tiree Tarts Teambuilding in fact! Trips to One Devonshire Gardens, Lomond Shores, and various eateries and pubs including the Park bar are on the agenda! Hope Glasgow is ready for our team.
Another glorious sunrise this a.m. and a chance for outside jobs. Friends are up for the weeekend so the golf course is their aim after they have done a few jobs in the hotel!
27/01/2005
7th glorious day. We got our broadband hardware yesterday!! Yippee!!
Busy day and happy people.
Must go.
26/01/2005
6th fabulous day in a row. Fleeces are off and only sweatshirts are needed! Broadband hardware comes to Scarinish today so we are looking forward to having it in the office and a hot spot for residents in the Upper Deck so they can e mail but with a view out over the old harbour.
Gave the Hydro boys Lorne sausage for their takeaway breakfast and left a note on it that it was for them to cook just in case there was any doubt. This follows on from them not linking a lemon, pancakes and sugar together for lemon pancakes on Sunday morning! There is a wee kitchen for them to use at the power station and sandwiches and rolls are beginning to become boring. We can't have that and have accepted the challenge to titillate the tastebuds in our takeaway breakfasts!
25/01/2005
5 glorious days now so, hopefully, the Tuesday boat will get in today.
Have unwittingly caused great amusement with a packed breakfast for the Hydro boys. Amanda had made pancakes so I packed a lemon and sugar sachets for the boys to combine in the microwave at the Hydro. Unfortunately, I did not pack specific instructions and Barry could not understand why I was giving him a lemon for his breakfast!
Word of the day - ochre.
24/01/2005
Yet another spectacular sunrise in perfect timing for guests to view over breakfast. Have discovered Nan, the local butcher's Lorne (square) sausage. A generous slice in an Elaine soft roll makes for a great start to the day.
Steady day in the pub but cosy again having the fire going again after the chimney repair.
23/01/2005
Stunning sunrise over the islands to the south east of The Old Harbour Restaurant. It could be our 3rd perfect winter's day in a row and it's getting lighter every night - 5pm last night.
Tantamount is the word of the day from the Hydro boys who are going to be on Tiree for a while manning the station until the mainland power cable gets fixed.
Hoping to have some pics taken of the truck parked in our carpark as we do not normally have this size of vehicle.
22/01/2005
Glorious. mild day - we could hear the birds again. The Lean To's chimney was re-erected. It blew away before Christmas! Had a few outside jobs done and admired a cormorant on our bollard that is normally occupied by a statuesque seagull first thing in the morning. Busy pub with the Hydro boys - we will have them for some time as the power problem is with an underwater cable.
21/01/2005
Curry Night last night and another great selection from Elaine with lamb and raisin being my favourite.
The Tiree beef and lamb goes down so well with our customers that most take a trip to Nan the Butchers, to organise a pack to take home. Thank goodness we can walk to the shop from here. We use her meats in our curries too.
Boat got in yesterday so we stocked up on fresh veg, milk and bread - just in case!
20/01/2005
Our girls were topping up the shortbread at lunch time and it went down well with the coffee in The Old Harbour Restaurant at dinner.
The old ice machine finally made it to the dump. What a relief! Thanks are due to the Fisherman who were in for soup and a roll and had their truck with them.
Papers came as the plane got in and brought more guests to us on it.
19/01/2005
A quiet day but a lot of jobs got done. Gusty again but nothing like last week.
The plane got in and out no problem so our post arrived.
Amazing number of e mail enquiries for the summer.
18/01/2005
Snow last night but it didn't lie. Gales this morning so the boat has turned back and our current stock of guests are here for a bit longer.
Waves were so spectacular - we took a photo.
Power surges still with the Hydro boys working flat out in shifts round the clock to sort out the problem for us and Coll.
17/01/2005
A steady day in the pub with great discussion over the word alabaster used in connection with the rocks in our harbour. This was in a Sunday Herald article on Tiree and the hotel. The journalist had stayed last Sept and really enjoyed the diversity of Tiree. Check out www.sundayherald.com/47079 for his full story.
16/01/2005
A beautiful morning - and a bit of a relief to see another fine day. It is getting noticeably later light each night - it was 4.45pm last night.
Quiet night in the restaurant and pub but the Beef Stroganoff went down a treat with those who took it.
Power surges still ongoing and another cut during the night. But winds have dies down.
A walk is on the cards for all today after a good Sunday Lunch.
15/01/2005
A wild day but the Hydro Boys and the Tiree Team worked on through it. Plane got in despite the squalls. A few in for Steak Night and the Steak Diane went down a treat via 3 recipes from BBc Food on the net and a South African Chef Blog writer. The efforts we go to now just to source information are never ending.
A few guests in over the weekend too but all are working.
14/01/2005
Helicopters flew in Hydroboard men to fix all the power problems and thankfully all is now well throughout the island.
A lot of activity repairing the roads already.
A beautiful day yesterday and a fabulous big starry night.
13/01/2005
The morning after the night after the storm! No power last night from 8.30pm until 1.30pm today. So apologies for this tardy update. Plane got in and out today as did the boat - a glorious morning.
Served the remains of dinner with candles and emergency lighting and did the dishes with the help of light from a candelabra! Great team effort from our staff to ensure the guests were happy.
A lot of clearing up being done on the island especially on the roads.
12/01/2005
Well! What a storm. No need for electrical extraction in the kitchen last night as the wind blew the fans for us. No power for most of the night. Water levels in the harbour were the highest we had seen. Roads were blocked by boulders, sand and seaweed and various other bits of debris. As the day unfolds, the extent of the storm will surface.
11/01/2005
Gales last night and the boat has turned back today. However, still mild and our weather is not as bad as the rest of the UK. Just off to batten down our hatches.
10/01/2005
A quiet Sunday but I took the chance of a wee drive. The new houses are not progressing in the poor weather but the grey lag geese are everywhere. New ponds are appearing and the geese are loving it. There is obviously plenty of food for them in the grasses and seeing them fly from pond to pond is a lovely, restful sight.
09/01/2005
What a day but poor old Carlisle! Our boat arrived only at 5.30pm but got in. No papers as no plane. Excitement in the bar when the candelabra came out to add atmosphere to Eric's proposal to Catriona who wants to get married on a tropical island somewhere. She did not answer but will continue the conversation tonight at 7.30pm. The regulars were well entertained by this. Exclusitivity was mentioned! So this became the word of the day.
08/01/2005
Steak night went down well last night. Darts players were in the bar all night then things moved on to writing with not your usual hand and considering the pen from the viewpoint of a left hander - the things you learn from the Lean To!
07/01/2005
Tiree mentioned on the news and TV in connection with the stricken tanker. However all is well as she is safely in Barra waters.
Quiet day in pub and restaurant but first residents of 2005 have arrived. Despite the weather, the plane and boat both docked.
Curry Night was quiet but Steak Night is looking busy.
06/01/2005
A mega wild day yesterday - it was an adventure just getting to the Post Office on foot!
A good turn for Bar Meals in the evening with guests still visitors on the island.
Services gradually getting back to normal but the empty bins are all over the place as a result.
05/01/2005
An exodus on the boat yesterday. But we still had a few folk on holiday who came for lunch.
Bookings coming in by e mail for this summer - amazing.
Wild night last night, and very gusty this a.m. Lots to do and getting back into the routine.
04/01/2005
Wild last night but the 1st boat of 2005 is on its way.
Great lunch yesterday and the Cava went down well. I can see our Special New Year Lunch becoming annual event.
Regulars surfaced very late in the bar and left sharp. The good news was therefore, we all got to bed the same day as we got up!
03/01/2005
Busy bar when it opened at 3pm yesterday with many families who were expanded through visitors and friends. A bit of live music late on then all quiet by 11pm.
Special lunch today and lots of bookings - had to persuade more staff to come in to help out!
02/01/2005
A really strange day in the hotel yesterday since we were closed but quite productive on the stocktaking side. No excuse for not having an early night!
Bar opens at 3pm today and expecting quite a turn out.
01/01/2005
HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us to all of you.
Hotel closed today but a busy Hogmanay and all of us were where we wanted to be by the bells.
Bar opens tomorrow as we are stocktaking today.
So far, the island is very quite with no traffic at all.
31/12/2004
A memorable music evening. Harbour Restaurant was buzzing, the bar was packed. Drummers, fiddlers, pipers and squeeze box players all contributing to a memorable evening that went on after last orders as no one wanted to go home. I got to bed at 4am. It was just like New Year! Fortunately, tonight An Talla is hosting the event to close 04 and welcome 05. But our bar jas been hectic all day.
A good NY to all when it comes.
30/12/2004
Excitement mounting as New Year approaches and families reunite for the bells. The big Saab plane today but a small boat due to a prang of a bigger boat in Oban.
Music night again in the pub with a jamming session of local musicians.
15/12/2004
Glorious day after yesterday's storms when the boat only managed in at 3pm.
A party night in The Old Harbour Restaurant fpr the ladies of the SWRI. Lovely to hear them singing Christmas Carols.
14/12/2004
Wild wind and rain last night so we all felt for our regulars who are lobster and crab fishermen. This is their very busy time for the Christmas markets. We have Crab Crostini on the menu tonight as a starter for the ladies of the SWRI. Party hats, crackers and games are also on the menu.
13/12/2004
In our 100 boxes Christmas Draw where every box purchased wins a prize, only a few boxes remain. Some great prizes so everyone should be happy. Monies raised will go to a local charity suggested by the Lean-To regulars.
Our trees look lovely and more tinsle went up in the bar last night.
12/12/2004
Guests arrrived by private plane just for lunch then flew home! It was the Tiree sirloins and the January Sale on Guinness that drew them to us.
Out first birthday so drinks on us all round for the Lean-To regulars. Maria Brady baked our birthday cake and Elaine Williams iced it having carved it in the shape of a big one. Mandy carried it into the bar with sparkler and solitary candle. Karen as the youngest staff member of our team cut the cake. We all had a piece with some left for the Sunday Lunchers today.
11/12/2004
A pink cloud morning - just beautiful and still so mild.
Our first birthday today - it is one year ago since we became the new owners of the hotel. So cake and candles in the bar tonight for the regulars - plus a few drinks I think. I think the latter will be more popular than the cake.
10/12/2004
Christmas lunches started today with hats, crackers and lots of candles. The Christmas decorations were put up by the girls who love doing that sort of thing. A bargain from the Co Op means we have a fibric optic tree in the Old Harbour Restaurant. No real trees I am afraid, as all would come on the ferry and it would be me who would spend my time vacuuming up the needles.
It is our first birthday tomorrow and a cake is planned.
09/12/2004
Very mild yesterday then rain and wind so a lot of roof builders ended up in the pub for a bowl of our homemade soup to warm them up.
Our first Christmas Lunch party is today so the hats and crackers are at the ready.
Christmas decorations are being put up today by the staff as their excitement mounts.
08/12/2004
A quiet day in the hotel but a lot of activity on the island with building. Dorinda's new studio came on leaps and bounds yesterday as in the perfect weather, the roof supports went on.
Amanda's word of the day is aconite and Catriana's is borborygmi - both great words and the talk of the bar with the workies last night.
Our first Christmas lunch is tomorrow.
07/12/2004
A late plane but no Sunday papers on it. Still, we will cope as not a lot of time to read them.
A quiet day then wham - a dozen plus fishermen in the bar to celebrate Wiilie G's 30th birthday. Steaks and steak pie all round then a wee meringue birthday cake with sparkler and candles.
06/12/2004
A busy Sunday with quite a crowd for lunch. The darts kept a lot of regulars in the Lean-To.
Very mild outside - great because I am still able to wear my flip flops!
Organised fresh lobster for a couple of residents.
05/12/2004
The 11th Craft Fayre at An Talla was a mobbed then there was a girlie dinner with lots of cream sauces, wine, candles and laughter at the restaurant. The chocolate pate was a talking point!
A beautiful morning today and a busy Sunday lunch ahead.
04/12/2004
Another very mild day and the aftermath of the Eorpa programme covering Tiree was all positive.
It is the Craft Fair at An Talla today with over 30 stalls. This is being followed by a dinner at the The Old Harbour Restaurant with chocolate and pear pate as an unusual starter!
Quiet for residents but work on the Upper Deck Lounge curtains has transformed this room - luckily - as we will be using it for the SWRI Christmas Party Games.
03/12/2004
Curry night last night - very apt for the football on the telly in the Pub.
The hotel was a back drop for quite a few shots on the Gaelic telly prog and the music night in the pub last Friday did feature.
Took our first booking for 2006!! last night - a Canadian couple who wanted to be sure of a room.
Another lovely day here but awful in the Central Belt - so much so that the plane came from Edinburgh at around 5pm! Very unusual!
02/12/2004
What a lovely end to the evening in the Lean-To! Kathleen, the Clarsach player strumming away, Peter on spoons and Chris sketching the whole lot for a cartoon.
Eorpa is on featuring Tiree tonight BBC2.
01/12/2004
A perfect morning.
The theatrical group TOSG have taken over the whole hotel and are performing at An Talla tonight.
We have arranged to a massage expert in sports injuries to come to the hotel to help out a few of the cast with muscle aches. Another service Tiree can provide that we did not know about.
30/11/2004
Word of the Year time - what has been your favourite word of the day in the Lean To?
Quiet day on Monday but a busy week ahead building up to the Craft Fayre on Saturday with at Dinner at night in the hotel.
Christmas party enquiries coming in steadily.
29/11/2004
A very late night with good craic in the Lean To Bar. 2 x 2ams to bed are killers - but so long as our guests are happy.............
A beautiful day with sun.
No so nice today.
The hotel is featured on BBC2 7.30pm this Thursday - watch out for our bar.
28/11/2004
A perfect morning with tremendous visibility. We have flung open all the windows and doors to make the most of it.
Firemen are on a training session in the Upper Deck Lounge - we have not made much use of this spacious room since the summer ended but new curtains are here as are the poles so changes will happen this incoming week.
Expecting a busy Sunday Lunch.
27/11/2004
Huge thanks to John Campbell and friends for a terrific night in the bar. Lean To was packed and the buzz was just great.
Beautiful the whole day with clear blue skies.
Busy weekend and another Steak Night went down a treat.
26/11/2004
Glorious morning again.
BBC recording in the Lean To tonight when John Campbell and friends play.
Quiet curry night last night but those who had them loved them.
A big sky last night with loads of stars and a beacon of a moon.
25/11/2004
A very mild day and a busy night in the Old Harbour Restaurant with family celebrations.
Snippet is the word of the day.
John Campbell and friends are playing in the pub on Friday night and the BBC are going to do some filming. Should be a great night.
Curry night tonight - at £5.00 a plate it offers great value.
24/11/2004
The most spectacular pink sunrise over all the islands this morning just in perfect time for our breakfasting guests. They all lingered longer over their breakfast just to watch the light show.
Very mild again and wind free for a change.
Late plane again yesterday so guests' business plans have had to be changed to fit everything in.
Very busy boat.
23/11/2004
A very late plane yesterday so no Sunday papers - again. The Stornoway plane was also diverted to Tiree for some reason.
Quiet day but the Guinness in the Pub was going down well with visitors - not the Extra Cold though. Normal temperature was enough.
Amanda was the kitchen star yesterday making her plate array so attractive, we sold lots of them.
Mairi made meringues so they are on the menu today.
22/11/2004
The Darts Match Final was played yesterday - quite a crowd gathered in The Lean To with Eric the victor.
Busy Sunday lunch on a blustery and very wet day. But the Old Harbour Restaurant was cosy and the roast beef and yorkies hit the spot for most of the diners.
The balloons left over from the 21st were a hit with the kids who came to lunch.
21/11/2004
Elaine's son's 21st last night. Elaine is our super cook. Great buffet and a tremendous cake carved by Elaine in the shape of a fishing boat by a pier!
Dreadful wind and rain but the hotel was cosy. Very dismal today but cheery inside.
Cattle sales made the island very busy especially at the pier.
20/11/2004
Another morning of spectacular pinks and total clarity. Busy day of boats due to the cattle sales. Raised £300 plus for Children in Need due to raffle and darts competitions. Great fun and the Pudsey biscuits went down well. Did a supper in the bar for the regulars and they appreciated it.
19/11/2004
Dramatic colours this a.m. - heavy sleet showers followed by brilliant pink skies.
Another great curry night but freezing outside. The liver curry did not go down well - but I liked it. Great sport in the bar at the darts board all to raise funds for Children in Need. Over £130.00 so far.
18/11/2004
Lovely dry day but cold. Went to the School's Pudsey Party last night and our own Pudsey draw tickets are going well.
Cattle Sales on Saturday. Curry night tonight.
17/11/2004
So mild and clear this morning. Thank goodness as this means the plane with our post and papers will get in.
Dark very early yesterday so the fire in the bar was most welcoming.
Selling quite a few raffle tickets for our Pudsey draw on Friday.
16/11/2004
Very late night in the bar and Pudsey raffle tickets going well.
No plane today due to low cloud so departures of this morning are returning.
The braised beef we had last night was just the best.
15/11/2004
Drainpipe removing wind yesterday! I know because some of ours went.
A very quiet evening but mararoni cheese - all home made - hit the spot with our residents.
14/11/2004
Early start today with bacon rolls at dawn for the folk heading back to Oban on the Skipinnish Boat via Tobermory. Island Conference and dance the talk of the isle.
Very mild today but gusty.
13/11/2004
What a drop in temperature and what a wind for most of yesterday. A shock to everyone so thermals are being looked out!
Glorious sunrise this morning. All go on the island for the Conference at An Talla. Guests arrving via the Mull overland route and boat charter. All very exciting.
12/11/2004
Great selection of curries form Elaine last night and Elaine won her 1st round in the darts too.
All the residents and the bar regulars took curry on a plate.
Words of the day- translucent and mophead.
11/11/2004
Curry night and islanders are already asking what the different curries are going to be! Pudsey Children in Need raffle underway with 3 prizes including a Guinness fleece and a Tiree Scarinish Hotel polo shirt.
10/11/2004
Spectacular sunny morning - no wind and blue sky. Hotel full last night - amazing for the time of year. Great patter in the bar with the darts competition under way. Word of the day - dippy.
09/11/2004
Went to An Talla last night - it was the first time I had been at a meeting in the new hall and what a super venue it is.
Hotel full tonight - amazing for November.
Word of the day- dire.
08/11/2004
Jenna and Louise came up with the word of the day - trouvaille meaning windfall which is appropriate seeing as it is 10 years of the lottery. However, do remember there is no lottery terminal on Tiree so buy before you sail from Oban or fly from Glasgow.
Island conference on Saturday and a charter boat is bring guests over via Mull so that they can return on Sunday despite no Calmac ferry from Tiree on a Sunday.
07/11/2004
A quiet Saturday with the Old Harbour Restaurant a cosy sanctuary on a wet but mild night.
Candles make all the difference.
No fireworks seen - sadly - due to the weather.
Sweatshirts for sale with hotel logo in various colours at £14.99 before postage if anyone needs a cosy sweater and a reminder of happy times on Tiree.
06/11/2004
First Steak Night last night and what enormous T bones of Tiree beef. Fabby.
Had a photo session today with the staff wearing all the colours of the sweat shirts, polo shirts and fleeces we have available for sale. The results will go on our site soon.
05/11/2004
Elaine's curries went down really well. All homemade even the nan bread and the samosas! Steak night tonight and every Friday until Christmas.
Word of the day - turmoil.
04/11/2004
Full again last night but 4 tourists tonight. Mild again - no hats required!
Offer now on - 3 nights for the price of 2 arriving on the Sat boat and leaving on the Tues boat. We will offer you a bottle of house wine on us a dinner on your first night.
Highlight of the day- trip to the dump. Word of the day - Obeah
03/11/2004
After all the excitement of the Wave Classic, the island has emptied and gone into winter mode. With 3 ferries a week, a sense of calm has returned that is never around in the summer with the daily surge of activity surrounding the daily ferry. Lots of jobs to do - I'll be driving a tipper truck again! Can't wait!! Still very mild.
18/10/2004
Island is jumping with cool dudes and surf boards!
Very mild and not the greatest winds.
Wonderful sunrise yesterday.
16/10/2004
Busy boats off loading water sport dudes and their cool gear. Dry day so got our tubs filled with winter bedding plants. Plenty wind for the Wave Classic.
15/10/2004
A very busy week so far due to half term and the Wave Classic build up for the start on Saturday.
13/10/2004
More surfers arriving for the Wave Classic starting Saturday.
Weather has been just great these past few days.
New uniforms a success.
10/10/2004
Perfect few days - like summer with big starry skies at night. Stocks of winter uniforms arriving including some for sale - super sweatshirts with Tiree Hotel Logo at only £14.99!
07/10/2004
Fairlie Folk sang in the bar last weekend and it was a great success. We plan to repeat it soon.
Tiree Wave Classic starts from 16th October and the keen types are here already.
Good write up about Tiree in Sunday Herald last week.
02/10/2004
Live music in the Bar this weekend - our first effort at this!
Things building up for the week of the Wave Classic starting 16th October.
29/09/2004
The weather has improved and is less windy now!
28/09/2004
Today has been windy.