Leugh ann an Gàidhlig / Read in Gaelic

What better way to celebrate World Ranger Day than to go on an adventure with Tiree Ranger, Hayley Douglas…

“I’ve got a crab!” I shout across the beach to my group of intrepid explorers.

I’m out running a dànachd bheag (little adventure) session at Vaul on the Isle of Tiree which involves rockpooling, beachcombing, hot chocolate and marshmallows. What more could you want?

We’ve all met up, had a wee chat and headed to the pools where nets are tentatively lowered into the water and swished about. I wade further out in my wellies, put my hand under a rock and boom, gasps and shrieks ring out as the crab is carefully carried back to be popped into a bucket.

Examining our finds from the rock pools. ©Hayley Douglas

We look at the difference in the size of its claws and learn that some are right-clawed and some left-clawed. Suddenly there’s no more shyness and both kids and adults alike are turning over seaweed and staring into nets before gently emptying their contents into the big buckets provided.

Shore crabs, shells with hermits hidden inside, common prawns and look, under that bit of sugar kelp, (one of the ingredients in Tyree Gin, I tell the parents) a fish! Not just any fish, a sea scorpion. Everyone marvels as I handle it gently to show it popping out its spikes.

A long-spined scorpion fish – what a find! © Hayley Douglas

Once all the sea creatures have been safely returned to their pools and eyes are drawn away from the crabs burying themselves in the sand, the group are tasked to find cowries while I get the Kelly kettle set up to make hot chocolates and toasted marshmallows.

Kids and adults wander back and forth showing me their finds and asking, “What’s this yellow shell?”, “Is this sea glass?” and “Look I found a crab claw!”. Soon the kettle has boiled and, unbelievably, everyone has to be coaxed over to sit and enjoy their treats whilst showing off their beach finds. 

Dragged away from their finds for hot chocolate and marshmallows!
© Hayley Douglas

We don’t end there though, once everyone is ready to start packing up, we have a chat about fire safety on the beach. I move the Kelly kettle and pour a bucket of water on the sand.  Whoosh! The water hits the sand sending up a cloud of steam and gasps from the group as the sand crackles and pops. A lesson for all that sand can hold the heat for an incredibly long time, and it is essential to cool it down and leave no trace. 

My ranger aims are conservation, education and recreation and they lie at the heart of everything that I do. I hope that during this session these aims have rubbed off on my group and they leave with curiosity, enthusiasm and respect for nature.

Now it’s time to brush sand off toes, pop shoes back on and head home with stories to tell. For me, I reflect on another successful session connecting with folk on my island and bringing them closer to the wonders of nature here in the Inner Hebrides.

Hayley Douglas is a Ranger on the Isle of Tiree.

Isle of Tiree Ranger Service

World Ranger Day 2026

Ranger services in Scotland