blog
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The Crofter Collection
Gifts for farmers can be hard to find. If you ask a farmer, the dream gift will usually be very expensive replacements for things they spend a lot of time fixing. For example, I would very much like a turnover crate but sadly no-one will buy one for me. When it comes to gift ideas…
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One experiment at a time – the story of Tiree Tea so far…
If you had asked me a decade ago whether I would be growing Tiree Tea into a business, I would have thought you were mad! But here we are. The first experiment When I dreamed up Tiree Tea a few years ago, it was a pie in the sky idea. I thought the name had…
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Minty, flowery and spicy – our trio of herbal blends
Herbal teas and herbal infusions are increasingly popular. Because they are caffeine free, they are a great choice at any time of the day or night. Soothing and calming, herbal blends are my first choice when I need to take a moment and breathe. A herbal infusion is so called because it relies on brewing…
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Spiced tea – warm up from the inside out!
Our spiced tea, Ferry Berry Herbal Infusion, started out as a limited edition Christmas blend in 2020. We have added it into the main range for 2022 because it became clear that people wanted the delights of a chilli tea all year round, and we can’t blame them! Ferry Berry spiced tea is a unique…
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The best peppermint and nettle tea might be from Tiree!
The consensus among Tiree Tea drinkers seems to be that Tilley Mint and Nettle Herbal Infusion from Tiree Tea is the best peppermint and nettle tea around! Tilley is a zingy blend of spearmint, peppermint and nettle. The infusion is a lovely pick-me-up works very well as a drink for just before bed! Lovely after-dinner…
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Machair Flowers and the Great Yellow Bumblebee!
Often mis-pronounced by celebrities, the pronounciation of machair (the “ch” is hard, like in “loch”) is a crucial part of the ecosystem across the Hebrides. Subsequently, it is the inspiration behind the Machair Herbal Infusion. Machair is made from sandy soil running down to the shore. It is an incredibly rich habitat, often carpeted with…
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Skerryvore Lighthouse
The inspiration behind Gneiss Earl Grey is the rock which forms the Skerryvore reef, and the stunning Skerryvore lighthouse which sits upon it. Wikipedia describes it as “built with some difficulty between 1838 and 1844”, which is a fair assessment. Skerryvore stils 11 miles offshore. At a height of 156 feet (48 metres) it is…
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Tilley the Turbine
Tilley lamps once powered island homes. Now Tilley the turbine powers community projects in Tiree. She was also the inspiration for the Tilley Mint and Nettle Herbal Infusion. Initiated, implemented and managed by Tiree Renewable Energy Limited, TIlley has become a much loved and recognisable member of the Tiree Community. She uses Tiree’s almost constant…
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The Little Grey Fergie
Our little grey Fergie tractor is very special. Not only did the grey Ferguson tractor inspire the Crofter Breakfast Tea, but it has a permanent place in my family’s heart. My grandfather purchased it in 1947 – straight off the production line. It has been on the Coll View croft ever since, and to this…