Isle of Skye

 

To the Celts, viewing Skye from the hills, the Isle of Skye was ‘An t’Eilean Sgitheanach’, the Winged Isle. To the Vikings approaching from the sea, she was ‘Skuyo’, the Cloud Isle. You too, will find that Skye is many different islands. It has a rich history, wild storms, soft colours and fine light. It has strong traditions and a thriving Gaelic culture.

The Isle of Skye whispers of romance and retreat. Following disastrous defeat at Culloden in 1746, the fugitive Bonnie Prince Charlie, was pursued through the Highlands with a price of £30,000 on his head. Aided by the heroine Flora Macdonald, Charles Edward Stuart travelled ‘over the sea to Skye’ disguised as an Irish maid. From there he was rescued by a French ship and taken to safety. Its castles and standing stones, craft shops and old croft museums complement Skye’s fine history. You will find heritage exhibitions, outdoor centres and award winning restaurants. Above all, Skye’s main attraction has to be its amazing scenery. Throughout the year, Skye will offer a real adventure amongst jagged mountains, sweeping moors and dramatic waterfalls. The wild landscape of Skye offers many wonderful opportunities for a wide range of activities:

 
HILLWALKING – The Cuillin of Skye offers some of the best walking and climbing in the UK. With over 30 peaks including 11 Munros, the Cuillin will challenge the experienced climber and occasional walker alike. For more information visit: Richard 'Paddy' McGuire Mountain Guiding

 

 
CYCLING & PONY TREKKING –
a wonderfully satisfying way of discovering the island. Cycles can be hired in Portree or Broadford. Riding centres at Borve, Struan, Woodend and Uig will be happy to set you loose on four legs.

 

 
WATERSPORTS – centres at Kilmuir and Raasay provide access to a wide range of water sports including windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.

 

 
FISHING – Skye offers good loch fishing for brown trout, with some sea trout and salmon fishing on its various rivers.

 

 
GOLF – Skye boasts two fine courses at Sconser and Skeabost.

 

 
THE ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE – Skye offers a diverse flora and fauna. Rich woodlands with oak, beech, birch ash, rowan and hazel provide habitat for many birds and small mammals such as roe deer, foxes and weasels, The hills are roamed by red deer while the skies are dotted with birds of prey including golden eagles, buzzards and hen harriers. On the coastline you will find rare sea eagles, shags and cormorants. Seals and otters laze on the rocks; whilst offshore you might spot porpoises, dolphins or even killer whales.

 

 
ARTS & CRAFTS – there are many galleries and craft shops on the island. These range from traditional spinning, knitting and weaving to sculpture, pottery and jewellery making.