Isle of Skye

An Enchanting Island

There is so much to do here. You can climb in the Cuillins, go whale spotting, visit the otter hides, picnic on the machair, visit historic Dunvegan Castle or Flora Macdonald's home at Flodigarry or enjoy a meal at one of the acclaimed eating establishments.

Skye Bridge

Access to the island is via the A87 over the Skye Bridge (the bridge replaced the ferry from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin, the former home of the author Gavin Maxwell, where the Gavin Maxwell Longroom Museum and the Bright Water Visitor Centre are situated). There is also a car ferry crossing from Glenelg to Kylerhea where there is an otter hide.

There are ferries from Mallaig to Armadale in south-eastern Skye where there is the excellent Armadale Castle Gardens and the Museum of the Isles (set within the partly ruined Armadale Castle, former seat of the MacDonalds of Sleat) which is most informative about the clans and the Clearances.

The views of the mountains between Broadford on the east coast and Elgol on the west coast are magnificent and there are boat trips from Elgol to the remote Loch na Cuilce to view the seals, otters and porpoises. To the west is the Talisker Distillery near Carbost where there is a wonderful sandy bay.

Old Man of Storr

Lots to see and do

Portree is the main settlement on Skye - its attractions include the Aros Experience which includes CCTV coverage of nesting eagles, a theatre and cinema, an art centre and wildlife boat trips and the Isle of Skye Highland Games are held in the town in August.

The Trotternish Peninsula north of Portree has magnificent scenery, including various geological features such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Quiraing and the Needle.

Visitors are also attracted to Kilmuir for the Skye Museum of Island Life and Macurdie's Exhibition. The area also provides opportunities for windsurfing, archery and kayaking.