An expedition to a tiny island with a whole lot of soul. Before I share this year’s story, let me set the scene for those who haven’t read the reports from Tiree Tiger 2024 and 2025. Tiree is a tiny, windswept island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, yet it displays the colours of a tropical paradise. Turquoise seas, white-sand beaches, air that smells of salt and a sky that seems to stretch forever. But Tiree is more than its beauty. It is a place with the power to change you to the core.
Tiree Tiger was born in 2023 while Maj Deb Major was on holiday there: “I knew when I first visited Tiree that it would be an amazing place to share with cadets. There is just something special about the island, but it’s hard to put into words. It isn’t just its beauty, or the vast sky and turquoise seas. It’s a place where you can breathe and let go. It is a sacred space, the place between exhalation and inhalation. I don’t know if people will understand that, but I know that those that have been to Tiree will.”
In 2024, the first Tiree Tiger expedition was undertaken. It was planned as an expedition with a difference. The aim was to give cadets an adventure while making a positive difference to the island and its community, developing teamwork and lifelong skills, achieving their Gold DofE Residential and gaining their John Muir Award. But it became something much bigger: a journey of growth, connection and discovery. An expedition of the soul. The impact on the 26 young adults who attended was so profound that planning for Tiree Tiger 2025 began on the journey home!
Cadets have described Tiree Tiger as their “best cadet experience ever” and “one of the most eye-opening experiences.”
One parent summed it up beautifully:
“They came back with knowledge, more confident, more thoughtful and more aware of the world around them. It was the kind of growth you hope for as a parent but rarely get to see.”
“Memories have been made, friendships developed, ideas and experiences absorbed. I have no doubt that all have come home with a little bit of their hearts left in Tiree and a little bit of Tiree left in their hearts.”
Tiree Tiger 2026 – The Story
Saturday: The Tiree Tiger 2026 family began to form as cadets and adults from England and Wales arrived at Oxfordshire Cadet Training Centre. Stores and rucksacks were loaded, pizza was consumed and friendships were already beginning.
Sunday: The journey north continued as cadets and an adult team member from Northumbria, Northern Ireland and Scotland joined us. Nine hours of driving took us from motorways to hills and lochs, with Scotland beginning to work its magic. We arrived at Arrochar Cadet Training Centre late that evening. The final teams were formed, and everyone was told they needed to be loaded onto the minibuses by 0430hrs to catch the only daily ferry to Tiree.
Monday: At 0330hrs, the bleary-eyed adults had the fun task of rousing 27 young adults from their slumber. Now, I know what you must be thinking, but you would be wrong! The minibuses were loaded by 0415hrs with not one grumble and eyes wide open! After breakfast on the ferry, and four hours later, we arrived on Tiree and were greeted by Tiree Ranger Hayley Douglas. Then it was on to the campsite at Balevullin.
Our campsite overlooked a beautiful white-sand beach surrounded by machair. Camp was established, tents erected and lunch consumed. We were soon joined by Hayley Douglas the Tiree Ranger and Dr Claire Harris, one of the island’s doctors and an ex-Army Reservist. Now the Tiree Tiger family was finally complete. After the weekly briefing from Hayley, Dr Claire spent time talking to cadets interested in studying medicine, while everyone else began getting to know each other and exploring the beach. And now the Tiree adventure truly begins.
Maj Deb said:
“Although the trip’s aim on paper was to give the cadets the opportunity to achieve their Gold DofE Residential Section, I wanted to give them more than that. An expedition is more than the start and end; it’s about the journey. Not just the journey that the feet make, but a journey offering an opportunity to find themselves too. I planned activities designed to build confidence, foster teamwork, develop resilience, broaden their knowledge and encourage them to look beyond themselves. I once read a quote that said, ‘’tell me and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand.’’ I have often found this to be true, and it certainly has been with the young adults that have taken part in Tiree Tiger.”
Tuesday: Dolphins, Wildlife and the Environment: The adventure really began. Teams took turns going out with Tiree Sea Tours. Skipper Chris taught the cadets about the island’s marine life and the impact of pollution.
Then a pod of more than 100 dolphins surrounded the boat. For many cadets, it was their first time seeing dolphins in the wild. Most had never seen anything more than a crab in the sea. Excitement and laughter quickly gave way to silence as they simply watched in awe as these incredible creatures swam and leapt around them.
Maj Deb said,
‘’When the silence starts, I remember the line, involve me, and I’ll understand”.
The experience became even more powerful because, only the previous day, they had found a dead dolphin on the beach. Their studies of ghost nets and marine plastic that they had done as part of their John Muir Award suddenly became real. They also saw minke whales, seals, puffins and other seabirds.
Cadets said:
“Wow. That was amazing! I’ve never seen a dolphin in real life! We saw a dead dolphin on the beach yesterday and although it was sad, I now feel really upset and realise how important it is to do the beach cleaning.”
“The boat trip was great fun, but what I really liked was the guys telling us all about the whales and dolphins. I have also become more aware of the damage our rubbish does.”
The teams spent the rest of the day beach cleaning, all with a new found understand of its importance. Two teams also helped a crofter remove poisonous ragwort from a field.
Wednesday: The Community: Today was about meeting the Tiree community and learning that adversity can be overcome. As well as beach cleaning, they visited Balemartin Fold, where Emily introduced the cadets to her Highland Cattle. Some initially weren’t convinced that entering a field with enormous cows and “massive horns” was a good idea! But with encouragement from Emily they entered and were instantly smitten with these gentle giants. She also shared her story. After losing her father at just 12, she took on the family fold, went to university and has since built a successful business, selling cattle worldwide and winning numerous trophies. Emily is only a few years older than the cadets and she became an instant hero to them.
One said:
“I want to be just like Emily. She has made me realise that even though things get hard everything will be ok. She is just amazing!”
The evening brought another community experience – a family ceilidh. As always, the cadets threw themselves into the dancing and, without being asked, helped put away the tables and chairs afterwards.
Cadets summed it up:
“The ceilidh was phenomenal!!’’
“It was special being with the community and they made me feel a part of it.’’
“The community were lovely. They made me feel really included. That doesn’t happen in my own town. Some even asked me questions about myself. No one is usually interest in me.”
The evening ended with laughter, friendships and S’mores around the campfire.
Thursday: Giving Back: Thursday was dedicated to beach cleaning. Teams removed huge fishing nets, plastic barrels and countless smaller pieces of plastic. Hayley challenged them to collect enough tiny pieces to fill a dog-poo bag. Challenge accepted!
Friday: History and Heritage: The teams explored Tiree’s history with the Hynish Trust, visiting the museum and climbing the signal tower. They also met Doc Holliday, who told them about 518 Squadron RAF Coastal Command Meteorological Unit and its vital role in identifying the weather window that helped make D-Day possible. On June 3 and 4, 1944, their flights identified a tiny, temporary break in the massive Atlantic storm system. This crucial data was funnelled to Group Captain James Stagg, the chief meteorologist for the Allies. Based strictly on the data gathered by the 518 Squadron “storm chasers,” Stagg advised Eisenhower that a brief weather window would open on June 6. Eisenhower famously acted on this advice, postponing the invasion by 24 hours and successfully launching D-Day on June 6. Without the precise, high-risk weather flights flying out of RAF Tiree by 518 Squadron, the Allied forces would have sailed directly into a catastrophic storm.
At Soroby Cemetery there are Commonwealth War Graves of 7 members of 518 squadron who died in a mid-air collision.
While two teams explored Hynish, the others completed a treasure hunt around the island, including the Iron Age Broch. Everyone then came together for a wonderful BBQ before presenting their John Muir Award projects.
Saturday: Testing Their Skills: As well as more beach cleaning, the cadets put their first-aid skills to the test under the guidance of Dr Claire. Casualty scenarios included a collapsed casualty requiring CPR and a defibrillator, and a more unusual incident involving a cow, a fall and a fictional unexploded WWII mine! Dr Claire was impressed with the cadets first aid knowledge and their ability to deal with the situations calmly and as a team.
Sunday: Remembering – Sunday was a day of reflection. In uniform, the cadets joined members of the Tiree community to remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in two World Wars. At Soroby Cemetery, readings were made and crosses and Stars of David placed on the graves of those who had lost their lives and now rest on Tiree.
A second parade took place at the War Memorial at Gott Bay Pier. The sound of the bugle and pipes echoing across the island made the occasion especially poignant.
Maj Deb said:
“Today is always a very special day, and one that fills me with an overwhelming sense of pride for our cadets. They stood with such dignity and respect as they paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in both World Wars. To see them come together, honour the fallen, and carry out their duty with such maturity and pride was truly moving. I couldn’t be prouder of every one of them.”
One cadet said:
“The services were so emotional. Hearing not only their names but how and where they died made me feel attached to who we were honouring and remembering.”
Following the services they headed back to the campsite where they had their Gold DofE Residential and John Muir Award certificates presented. Followed by a sandcastle competition!
Monday: The Final Day
The final full day brought more beach cleaning and an unexpected wildlife rescue when the team found a snipe that had been clipped by a car. After recovering, it was given a clean bill of health by Hayley and released.
That evening, they celebrated one of the cadets’ birthdays with cake, music and plenty of laughter. Then it was lights out for the final night.
Tuesday – Goodbye, Tiree. Leaving Tiree is never easy. It rained – as it seems to do every year on departure day – as though the island was sad to see us go. After packing up camp, we had one final drink at the Farmhouse Café before heading to the ferry. Hayley came to say goodbye, and at 1915hrs we sailed away.
Everyone left a piece of their heart on that tiny island.
Wednesday: Home – The journey south marked the end of the Tiree Tiger 2026 family. One by one, cadets were dropped at airports, railway stations and motorway services until only half remained. At Oxfordshire Cadet Training Centre, parents waited to welcome everyone home. The vehicles were emptied and cleaned and then came the final goodbyes.
So, did Tiree spin its magic this year? Indeed, it did. The cadets summed it up:
‘’I leave Tiree with a much deeper appreciation for the hidden history of an island I had never even heard of before this opportunity. I experienced its breathtaking landscapes, connected with its welcoming and resilient community, and developed greater confidence in my ability to make a positive impact wherever I go. This truly was the opportunity of a lifetime.’’
“I’m really grateful that I got the opportunity to visit Tiree. I feel like I came away with more confidence, new friendships and a better understanding of the environment and the people who live there.”
“I was extremely happy with the trip, it was a phenomenal experience. It’s a life changing experience showing how other parts of the country work together. This trip was mint and phenomenal.”
“I have made so many unforgettable memories. These experiences were once in a lifetime and being surrounded by people who were from all different areas of the UK was amazing.”
“This has been the best time of my life, and I have made so many friends.”
“It’s been the best experience ever.”
“The most memorable trip ever!”
But perhaps the greatest measure of Tiree Tiger is what happened to the young people who took part.
One parent told us:
“From the moment she returned, it was obvious what an incredible time she’d had. She came home with so many stories, so much confidence, and friendships that I’m sure will last a lifetime. Throughout the week, she challenged herself, tried new things, and stepped outside her comfort zone. Watching her return with a new sense of independence and confidence has been wonderful (even if she hasn’t stopped talking yet!). She came home talking about everything she had learned about Tiree itself. From the island’s history and the crofting way of life to the wildlife, beach cleaning, the dancing at the ceilidh with the islanders, and exploring the local community, it was so much more than just a residential trip. The boat trips and adventures brought plenty of fun and laughter, but alongside that came opportunities to reflect and learn from the more serious moments, particularly the Act of Remembrance and the service that formed part of the week. I think that’s one of the most valuable lessons a trip like this can teach. Life isn’t just about having fun, and it isn’t just about hard work either. It’s about learning when it’s time to laugh, when it’s time to push yourself, and when it’s time to stop, reflect and show respect. Helping young people find that balance in a healthy, supportive environment is something that can’t be taught in a classroom, and it’s something she will carry with her for the rest of her life. As parents, we spend years trying to prepare our children to become independent adults. Experiences like this help them take those next steps in a way that feels safe, supported and encouraging. She has come back believing in herself a little more, and I don’t think there’s any greater gift than that.”
Another parent described how Tiree transformed her daughter’s confidence and independence, helping her realise that autism did not have to stop her experiencing new things or achieving things independently.
“The trip to Tiree has had a huge and incredibly positive impact on my daughter. As a young person with autism, new environments, unfamiliar people and situations outside of her usual routine can be challenging for her. Before the trip, she could be quite reserved and hesitant in social situations, and she always relied on us for reassurance and support and guidance. Tiree gave her the opportunity to experience something completely different, something we could not offer her or do for her, surrounded by people outside of her usual circle and without us there to guide her through everything. She had to make decisions for herself, communicate with others, take responsibility and adapt to new situations. I started to notice a change in her within the first few days (from the photos and video shared with us on a daily basis). The day before she left and the day of, she nearly didn’t go. The change we have seen in her since returning has been amazing. She is noticeably more confident, outgoing and willing to talk to people. She has become more independent. Most importantly, the trip has shown her that autism does not have to hold her back from having new experiences or achieving things independently. It has given her a sense of confidence in herself and her abilities that we hadn’t seen before. Tiree wasn’t simply a trip for her. It was an experience that helped her grow, become more independent, build friendships that she had always found difficult and being bullied to the extreme at times, losing her faith in people. This trip made her realise that she is capable of much more than she thought, and that in fact, there are good people out there, and sometimes you just have to search further to find them. As her parents, we are so incredibly thankful to the team that organised this trip and made her feel like she was someone and that she belonged, that she is in fact good enough and a good person. So, from the bottom of my heart. I thank you.”
Her daughter summed it up simply:
“Tiree made me feel more like myself. It made me feel free. For me it was and opportunity of a lifetime.”
Another parent said”
“My daughter struggles with confidence and self-esteem and finding her place in the world. The positive impact that this trip has had has been incredible. She is very sensitive and misses everyone from the trip. She said ‘Mum it hurts so much. It was such an amazing experience’’. When she got home, she put a tray on the table and laid out all of her finds from her adventure and told us all about her experience. She hasn’t done this since she was tiny. Tiree really was a special time for her. Tiree has helped build her ability to feel comfortable in the uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. It was such a unique experience. With cadets she has found her people, her tribe.’’
So, will there be a Tiree Tiger 2027? Maj Deb said:
“The week before the trip starts, I always find myself wondering if I have done enough to make a difference. What if the weather is not very good, what if they don’t enjoy it as much as last year and so the what ifs go on, right up until I meet the adult team on the first day. Then, I take one look at these incredible human beings that have given up 10 days of their hard earnt holiday from their day job and know that it will be perfect. Every one of them will go out of their way to make the trip the best possible experience for our cadets. And then, we step on foot on Tiree. I find that place between exhale and inhale and can’t wait to see everyone else find it too.”
“In the early morning and at night I like to sit with a coffee and watch the sunrise and sunset and out of the corner of my eye I catch movement. I watch as a cadet or another adult stands alone watching the same thing as me, and I smile. Then there is the sound of laughter as they walk along the beach or the silence that descends when the dolphins leap in front of them. Again, I smile. I see the cadet who is autistic, who on day one, two and three hid behind her hair, now has it tied back in a plait, laughing and having fun with the others, and I smile. And then comes the moment when you see that everyone found that sacred space between exhale and inhale. And now my heart smiles.”
So, will there be a Tiree Tiger 2027? The simple answer is yes. But then, you already knew that.
To the Ulysses Trust, thank you for once again believing in Tiree Tiger and making it accessible to all. Without your support, these young adults may never have had the opportunity to breathe, let go and grow.
