Isle of Skye is popular tourist destination located off Scotland's N.W. coast

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s top visitor sites offering a wide range of stunning views, history, castles, wildlife and activities.

View of colourful Drum Major leading the Isle of Skye Pipe Band at Portree. — Drum Major, Isle of Skye Pipe Band

The name Skye is derived from Gaelic and means ‘winged’ or ‘divided’ isle.

Visiting Isle of Skye

Skye, together with some smaller islands of the Inner Hebrides, is relatively remote and located off the North-West coast of Scotland. Access is usually via the Skye Bridge or the ferry from Mallaig on the mainland.There is a strong Gaelic and Scandinavian (Viking) influence on the history and place names.

Landscape view of the Skye Bridge from Kyleakin on Isl;e of Skye. — Skye Bridge, linking Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin

Principal places and landscapes on Isle of Skye

Armadale Castle & Gardens

The castle is a ruin but close by is the well presented Museum of the Isles which covers 1500 years of island history with focus on Clan Donald, Lord of the Isles. There is also a family history research centre. The gardens extend to 40 acres. Nature trails take visitors into the mixed woodlands.

View of ruins of Armadale Castle in the S.W. of the Isle of Skye taken from ferry. — Armadale Castle viewed from incoming ferry from Mallaig

Isleornsay

A former fishing port which now consists of hotel, pub, art gallery, Gaelic whisky outlet, clothing shop and other accommodation. Superb views and photo opportunities.

Broadford

A village on south of the island with wide bay and art and craft shops.

Sligachan

A popular stop offering stunning views of the Black Cuillin Mountains and fast flowing, River Sligachan. Close by is a hotel and camp site.

Portree

Portrtee is the principal town on the Isle of Skye, offering a wide range of shops and accommodation combined with views of the harbour and the pastel coloured properties.

Trotternish Landscape

Here, the stunning geology in the north includes the Old Man of Storr, Quaraing, Needle and Prison.

View of rugged, volcanic landscape at Quiraing in the north of Isle of Skye — Quiraing

Other sites in the north of Skye

Lealt Falls.

Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock: A popular stop which offers good photo opportunities benfiting from the local geology and a waterfall.

View of Mealt Falls at Kilt Rock on N.E. coast of Isle of Skye. — Mealt Falls and Kilt Rock

Museum of Island Life at Kilmuir.

View of part of the Museum of Island life in the north of Skye. — Museum of Island Life

Flora MacDonald’s memorial at Kilmuir.

Uig Bay: Located in the north of Skye. From here are ferry connections to the Outer Hebrides. Also, eateries, pottery and a brewery.

Panoramic view of Uig Bay with inter-island ferry on N.W. coast of Isle of Skye. — Uig Bay

Fairy Glen: A slightly bizarre small valley (glen) populated with small conical hills.

View of the Fairy glen which is populated with numerous conical hills near Uig on Skye. — Fairy Glen

Waternish Region (N.W. Skye)

Dunvegan Castle: An ancient fortress which is home to the Chief of Clan MacLeod. Also, a well maintained highland garden together with seal spotting boat trips (in season).

View of Dunvegan Castle in the N.W. of Isle of Skye, Scotland — Dunvegan Castle

Dun Beag broch: Remains of a high status dwelling from the iron-age.

View of remains of Dun Beag Broch, a high status dwelling from the iron-age located close to coast of N.W Skye — Dun Beag Broch

Talisker Distillery: A popular, single malt whisky which is mildly peated. Tours of the distillery are available.

View of Talisker Distillery in context of local landscape with Cuillin Mountains in distance. — View from Talisker Distillery

Fresh oysters at the Oyster Shed near Talisker Distillery.

Sales counter inside the Oyster Shed behind Talisker Distillery on Isle of Skye — Oyster Shed

Waternish and Trumpan Church. Latter was site of a major conflict in 16th century between the MacLeods and MacDonalds.

View of remains of Trumpan Church in the Waternish region of Isle of Skye. — Trumpan church

Fairy Pools: This popular site is a short distance from Talisker Distillery.

View of Fairy Pools in contexr of local landscape on Isle of Skye. — Fairy Pools

Minginish Region

Elgol: This is a small crofting and fishing village accessed by a scenic but winding and narrow single track road. Offers views of the Cuillin Mountains, Loch Scaivaig and Soay (island).

Scenic view from Elgol capturing sea and mountains. — View from Elgol

Kyle Akin, eastern Skye

Kyleakin: This shore side village offers views of the ruined castle.

View of Caisteal Maol at Kyleakin on eastern tip of Isle of Skye. — Kyleakin

Isle of Skye is popular with:

Hikers and climbers who navigate the hills and mountains including famous Cuillins.

Artists and photographers who utilise the scenery and ever-changing light conditions. There are gallery and studio trails to allow visitors to connect with the many local artists and crafts people.

View of spectacular, colourful sunrise taken from Broadford on Isle of Skye. — Sunrise over Broadford

Students of archaeology: Skye has been occupied for about 9000 years leaving behind a legacy of chambered cairns, stone circles, brochs, duns, hut circles and other features such as the souterrain at Kilmuir. Near Torrin is the High Pasture Cave which was occupied during the Iron Age.

Birdwatchers: Skye has a rich bird life with sightings of eagles, owls, puffins, merlins, shelducks and much more.

Close up view of a Buzzard taken from car window at Quiraing, Skye. — Buzzard at the Quiraing

Students of geology: Skye has a volcanic heritage and is home to rocks dating back more than 450m years.

Spectacular view of snow-capped Cuillin mountains on Isle of Skye. — Cuillin Mountains

Gourmets: The famous Three Chimneys restaurant ranks as one of Scotland’s top eateries. Creelers in Broadford is well known for its seafood.

More information on Isle of Skye

For more information on Skye, other islands and Scotland in general please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4.This publication is also available via Kindle.

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