Hotels on the Isle of Skye

Hotels on Skye

The Skye Road Bridge (free-of-charge after some controversy) and the new EU-sponsored road from Broadford to Ilseornsay, have brought Skye within a couple of hours of Inverness Airport and opened up its many wonders. But allow one hour from crossing the bridge to get to Portree, as the road snakes around the spectacular natural topography. Together with its neighbouring islands, Skye makes up the Inner Hebrides, known for their wild, beautiful landscapes of deep lochs and jagged mountains. Sometimes referred to in Gaelic poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheo (The Misty Isle), Skye is renowned for its natural beauty, history and wildlife.

The Cuillin Hills alone have 20 Monroes (over 3000 feet high) and these provide a challenge to even the most experienced climbers. The Red Hills and Blaven are also popular climbs and clambers. The islands have a harsh history, with Norse invasions, fierce clan feuds and the memory of the forcible eviction of much of the population during the Highland Clearances.

Portree, the ‘capital', is the only town of any size and lies approximately in the middle of the Island on its east coast. The Skye Heritage Centre is here, and it was from here that Bonnie Prince Charlie set sail for France in 1746 - never to return.

The most visited castle is Dunvegan, on the northwest coast, which has been the Clan Macleod stronghold for 800 years. Armadale Castle in the extreme south of the island was built in the 19th century and tells the story of the Macdonald family. From here a ferry sails to Mallaig on the mainland. Under the wild Quiraing mountain in the north is the Skye Museum of Island Life at Kilmuir and Flora Macdonald's cottage is part of the Flodigarry House Hotel at Staffin.

Wildlife abounds on the island, with birds from the tiny goldcrest to the magnificent Golden Eagle, mammals from the Pygmy Shrew to red deer and fish from saithe to salmon. The lucky visitor may catch a glimpse of the elusive otter playing on the shore. The wide range of geology and topography provide a habitat for many wild flowers. The indigenous language of the area is Gaelic and Gaelic culture and heritage still pervade the atmosphere of this fascinating island.