The sun came out late this morning and it made a difference in the way everything looked! I keep trying to revisit areas of the island at different times and in different light. I have yet to see any surfers at the “surfing beach” but will check it out again tomorrow.

Tiree used to be surrounded by rich fishing banks but commercial fishing got off to a slow start. This was partly due to a lack of a natural harbor which forced the fishermen to have to haul their boats up every night. This limited their size and their ability to manage heavy seas. Local fishermen were out-competed by boats from elsewhere.

I am staying in Balephuil and the Balephuil Fishing Disaster in July of 1856 brought the dangers of fishing in small open boats home.  It was a clear and sunny morning when a fleet of seven boats launched from West Hynish for the fishing banks west of Skerryvore.  At midday a sudden storm scattered the fleet and nine men lost their lives.  Some boats made it to Islay and one washed ashore on the neighboring island of Coll.