Tiree Tiger – A Transformative Adventure
24 September 2025
DofE
24 September 2025
Following the success of Tiree Tiger 2024, this summer, 27 army cadets and two ACF adult volunteer Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants gathered for Tiree Tiger 2025. Twelve dedicated adult volunteers joined them, representing every corner of the UK. Together, they set off on a journey to Tiree, a remote, windswept island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides… A landscape famed for turquoise seas, brilliant white beaches, and skies that stretch beyond imagination.
This was not just another DofE Gold Residential. It was a bold adventure designed for growth, service, and discovery. The aim was threefold:
It was an expedition of the soul…
Every young person was expected to contribute £100 toward the cost of their £600 adventure. The rest was covered by grant funding, including funds from ACCT UK. Without this support, the trip would have remained out of reach for many families. As one parent put it:
“The grant funding makes all the difference, not just for us, but for every cadet who takes part. It means that regardless of background or financial situation, everyone contributes equally, no one is excluded, and the focus is on the experience, not the cost.”
The Tiree Tiger participants got straight to work. Greeted with warmth by Tiree Ranger Hayley Douglas (on her birthday, no less), cadets set up camp and began forging new friendships. Dr Claire Harris from Tiree Medical Centre, herself a former Army Reservist, lent her expertise and advice to aspiring young medics within the group.
The headline activity? Beach cleaning. Over five days, every person rolled up their sleeves to clear litter and debris from Tiree’s stunning beaches. Together, cadets and volunteers invested more than 700 hours, removing six van loads of rubbish. They found everything from plastic packaging to full-sized fishing nets, rope, and even a condensed milk tin from Brazil!
For the cadets, tackling real environmental problems brought new awareness.
Cdt Sgt Esme Buckle reflected: “It has been eye-opening to see just how much of our rubbish ends up on the beaches, and it has been rewarding to help combat this problem.”
Each participant earned the John Muir Wild Places Guardian Award. This involved researching environmentalists, studying the impacts of plastics and producing leaflets on the value of beach cleaning. They exceeded the required volunteering hours, showing that collective effort can achieve remarkable things.
One parent said:
“Receiving that award gave them a real sense of pride and purpose. It wasn’t just about completing tasks, it was about understanding their impact. The award reinforced the idea that their actions mattered and that they were part of something bigger than themselves”.
But Tiree Tiger was about more than service. Cadets learned about crofting, livestock, and sustainable island living. At Balemartin Fold, they met gentle Highland cattle and heard Emily’s inspiring story about running the family fold and exporting cattle worldwide in her teens.
There was also time for a boat trip with Tiree Sea Tours, where dolphins put on a memorable show, and a visit to Lunga to spot puffins and seals. Interacting with islanders, especially at Rhoda’s Croft, feeding the legendary Wonky the lamb, highlighted that disability or challenge needn’t limit achievement. Each story was a lesson in resilience.
Games on the beach, sandcastle competitions, bonfire s’mores, and a family ceilidh were firm favourites. One cadet said:
“The ceilidh was the best by far. It gave us an opportunity to relax and get to know each other. And the Tiree people were so nice, they made us feel like part of their community.”
On their final day, the group laid crosses on 24 Commonwealth war graves and a wreath at the island’s memorial. The sound of a bugler and Scottish piper echoed through the moment. Cadet Staff Sergeant Emily Fowler said, “I feel privileged to have been able to participate in such a moving ceremony.”
Storm Floris forced the group to delay their departure plans, yet the adventure continued. The Tiree community rallied, welcoming cadets to the local hall with scones, games, puzzles and sweet treats. The group organised a pyjama day and a “Tiree’s Got Talent” show. Even the 86 mph winds couldn’t dampen spirits.
“It made me think of the quote often used by our Ambassador, Sally Orange MBE, ‘when life throws you lemons’ but instead of making lemonade, Tiree makes lemonade scones!”
Maj Deb Major
For many, this was the first time away from home. Some battled anxiety or low confidence before stepping onto the ferry. However, by the end, even the most reserved cadets were connecting face-to-face, performing in talent shows, and supporting one another.
One cadet noted,
“This experience has made me reflect on my own lifestyle by being outside and not glued to my mobile.”
Another was surprised to realise, “I enjoyed making friends during my time on Tiree, which I sometimes struggle to do.”
Some of the cadets were concerned about the next chapter of their lives… going to university. Thankfully, their Tiree Tiger experience boosted their confidence and resilience.
“I have been very worried about… being away from home and meeting new people, but I’m not at all worried now. I know that I can do it, and I know that I can make new friends in a short space of time.”
Every participant completed the Gold DofE Residential and the John Muir Award. Tiree Tiger proved what’s possible when funding meets opportunity. One parent stated:
“Your generosity… opens doors to experiences that really shape young people in ways that are hard to put into words. You are investing in their growth and making it possible for families like mine to say yes to opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.”
The young people returned more confident, mature, and aware. One mother of twin cadets said:
“I can honestly say the experience was transformative… 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.”
Next year, Tiree Tiger will return. And a new group of cadets will have the chance to discover their strength, serve others, and shape their own futures.
This is the real value of investing in young people, and it’s the reason Expedition Tiree Tiger matters.