Introduction

The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye is home to one of Scotland’s most spectacular landforms The Isle of Skye is a very popular tourist destination which lies which lies off Scotland’s west coast More information on Skye’s extensive and complex geology can be found here.

Summary information

• Location is the Trotternish region of northern Skye. From here can be viewed one of the finest landslides in Britain. This feature was caused by a massive accumulation of basalt lavas from the Tertiary Age.These flows forced movement of weaker sedimentary rocks from the earlier Jurassic age. The flows created huge blocks and pinnacles carrying such names as Quiraing, Table, Needle, Prison and Old Man of Storr.
• The movements are relatively recent in geological terms, having been formed in the last 15000 years. All ocurred since the last period of glaciation.
• Various interests and activities can be pursued here including bird watching, photography, mountain biking and hiking.

Visiting the Quiraing

• The Quiraing is accessed via a narrow, winding road via left turn off the A855 from Portree after the village of Stenscholl. To gain an appreciation for this drive view video clip below. Alternatively, cut across the north of the island (west to east) on a narrow road from Uig.

Video clip of drive up tight mountain road from Stenscholl to the Quiraing.

More Information

For more information on Scottish islands, the geology of Scotland and touring please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4