Isle of Skye 
The largest of the inner isles, Skye, was known to the Vikings as "Sküyo" ("cloud island"), while in Gaelic it became known as "Eilean Sgiathanach" ("winged island") because of the irregular coastline. Thanks to the prevailing weather conditions it was also termed "Eilean a Cheo" ("misty island"). The attractions of Skye are its unspoiled natural environment, the wild, romantic mountain scenery and the green valleys, caves and attractive glens, magnificent waterfalls and sandy beaches.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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It measures about 50mi/80km in length and between 4 and 15mi/6.4-40km in width with many inlets reaching deep inland. To the south of the island lie the remains of primeval oak forests interspersed with birch, mountain ash, holly and hazel.
The wildlife includes otters, seals, salmon and trout and well over 200 different species of birds such as red-throated divers, corncrake, solan geese and a few pairs of golden eagles.
The wildlife includes otters, seals, salmon and trout and well over 200 different species of birds such as red-throated divers, corncrake, solan geese and a few pairs of golden eagles.
Related Attractions
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Piping Centre
The first school for pipers is said to have been founded ca. 1500 by the MacCrimmons, the legendary pipers for the MacLeod clan in Boreraig, and to have survived until 1800. Opposite the ruins of the old piping school, the Skye Piping Centre traces the history of the bagpipe and the traditions of the old clans right up to the present day.
Colbost - Folk Museum
About 3mi/4.8km to the west of Dunvegan on the Duirinish Peninsula the harsh deprivations of rural Skye in the mid-19th century are brought to life in the straw-roofed Black House of Colbost.
Kyle House
Kyle House is by Loch Alsh. The splendid garden was laid out about 30 years ago by Colin Mackenzie.
Kyleakin - Castle Moil
The ferry from the Kyle of Lochalsh crosses the narrow Kyle Akin straits to Kyleakin (pop. 250). It is the main crossing point to the Isle of Skye but apart from ruins of Castle Moil there is nothing in the village to detain visitors.
Old Crofter's House
The A850 from Broadford to Portree passes the Old Skye Crofter's House. This dwelling offers an insight into the arduous life of Skye's peasant farmers at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Old Crofter's House is a traditional Skye thatched house situated in the crofting township of Bornesketaig, at the north end of Skye.
The Old Crofter's House is a traditional Skye thatched house situated in the crofting township of Bornesketaig, at the north end of Skye.
Portree, Scotland
Portree (pop. 2,000) is the largest town on Skye. It has an idyllic harbor with views across the Sound of Raasay. It is said that in 1746 "Bonnie Prince Charlie" and Flora MacDonald parted company in the Royal Hotel.
Portree - Heritage Centre
The Portree Heritage Centre in Viewfield Road documents life on the island of Skye from 1700 to the present day.
More Scotland Resources
- Isle of Skye trips and day tours by Viator
