Tiree festival cancelled due to ‘extreme weather conditions’

6 July 2023

The many islanders heading for the Tiree Music Festival are disappointed after the event was cancelled at the last minute due to “extreme weather conditions.”

The popular festival was due to kick off tonight (Thursday) with a warm-up session and run until Sunday.

Organisers said it was an “incredibly difficult but necessary decision to cancel …and vacate all campers, glampers, visitors and vendors to safety.”

People already camping at the festival were asked to seek refuge from the wind winds and rain at the local community hall. Others who had yet to arrive are advised to head back home.

They added: “The safety of everyone on site is our number one priority and this decision is based on the advice of trusted partner authorities and our on-site health and safety, security, medical and event management teams following the extreme weather conditions we are facing.

"We are working extremely hard to make sure this process is safe and all-encompassing and to ensure every single person on site is relocated to safety and escorted to begin a safe journey home.

"Anyone who has not started their journey, please do not travel. If you are on your way to the festival, please make your way home.

"We understand the cancellation is hugely disappointing for everyone involved in the festival but we do not take this decision lightly."

MV Clansman was packed with people heading to the event was unable to berth in Tiree this evening because of hazardous conditions from the heavy swell. She is on passage back to Oban with an arrival time of 11.30pm.

Oban Ferry Terminal will remain open overnight to accommodate those without accommodation once the vessel arrives back on the mainland.

Sea conditions may prevent the ferry from berthing at Tiree tomorrow morning warned CalMac.

Adverse weather affected other ferry services including the Lochboisdale - Mallaig service which was cancelled this afternoon. Friday’s service faces disruption.

MV Isle of Lewis ran ahead of the bad weather by departing Castlebay earlier than scheduled. After a speedy turnaround, she left Oban two hours ahead of timetable.

CalMac said today’s (Thursday) last timetabled run on the Sound of Barra service was cancelled.

Meanwhile, a pipe band performance in Castlebay was put off due to the weather. Comrie Pipeband are scheduled to play at the airport on Friday afternoon, weather permitting.