Isle of Skye

Scotland > Highland Counties > Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is the largest and most well known of all Scotland's many islands. Perhaps it is because of its scenic beauty, especially the Cuillins, its folklore or its romantic image associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie.

It is situated just off the west coast of Inverness-shire and is accessed by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale or from Glenelg to Kylerhea but the most popular route is over the bridge between Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin. There are also ferry routes from Uig at the north of Skye to and from Tarbert (Harris) and Lochmaddy (North Uist). Within Skye there is also a ferry from Sconser to Raasay.

The island is 50 miles long with a very jagged coastline almost like deep fjords cutting the islands into easily discernable areas, mainly peninsulas like Trotternish, Waternish and Duirinish to the north, Minginish and Sleat to the south.

Wherever you go, the island is dominated by the range of mountains known as the Cuillins (in Minginish) - mountains with names such as Sgurr Alasdair and Sgurr nan Gillean which rise to over 3,000 feet are two of the 'Black Cuillins'. Naturally, they are some of the most popular mountains for mountaineers in the UK. The 'meeting point' for such groups is usually Sligachan on the main road to Portree. The Macleods and the Macdonalds used to vie for power in Skye and one of the last clan battles was fought near Sligachan in 1601 at Harta Corrie. The Red Cuillins of which Glamaig (2,537ft) and Marsco (2,414) are two of the most notable, lie to the east and south east of Sligachan.

In Gaelic, Port Righ means 'King's Haven' and it was here in Portree that Bonnie Prince Charlie said a final farewell to Flora Macdonald , in one of the hotels! The views from Portree towards Raasay and beyond are superb. Other notable visitors to Skye include Johnston and Boswell who stayed in Raasay House in 1773, only 27 years after the Battle of Culloden. There is also a ruined Macleod Castle on Raasay.

The main Macleod stronghold, though, is in Dunvegan to the north, through Portree and past the 'Fairy Knolls' , Skye with its 'misty Isle' image is quite a superstitious island and rich in folklore. The castle is the most popular visitor attraction on the island with the Talisker Distillery coming a close second! Dunvegan Castle dates back to the 15th century and also contains references to fairies , the Fairy Room and the Fairy Flag , Fairy Bridge is nearby. Just south west of Dunvegan are twin-topped hills called MacLeod's Tables which are second only to the Cuillins as noticeable landmarks from afar.