Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye, usually known simply as Skye (Scottish Gaelic: An t'Eilean Sgiathanach) is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.

Its name is of uncertain origin, but the Scots Gaelic "sgiath" meaning "winged" seems reasonable. Some legends associate the isle with the mythic figure of Scáthach.

Geography

The second largest island in Scotland (at 1700 km²), Skye has some of the most dramatic and challenging mountain terrain in Scotland, including the Cuillin Hills, as well as a rich heritage of ancient monuments, castles, and memorials.

The south west side of Skye is a series of peninsulas, including Sleat, Strathaird, Minginish and Duirinish, with Waternish and Trotternish to the north west. Surrounding islands include Raasay, Scalpay and Soay.

History

Skye has suffered famine and clearances over the latter part of the 18th century, leading to its badly depleted population of less than 10000 at the 1991 Census. The Skye Bridge, linking Skye with the mainland of Scotland was built in the 1990s, with an unpopularly expensive toll.

Culture

Of all the Inner Hebrides, Skye has the most in common with the Outer Hebrides, with nearly half the population speaking Gaelic, and many belonging to the Free Church of Scotland, known for its strict observance of the Sabbath.

The Talisker Distillery, which produces a single malt whisky, is beside Loch Harport on the west coast of the island.

Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of Clan MacLeod since the thirteenth century.

Transport

Skye is linked to the mainland by the Skye Bridge, while ferries sail from Armadale on the island to Mallaig, and from Kylerhea to Glenelg. Ferries also run from Uig to Tarbert on Harris and Lochmaddy on North Uist, and from Sconser to Inverarish on Raasay.

Towns and Villages

The main settlements on the island are connect by the A87 road, Portree (the only burgh), Sconser and Broadford lying on the north east coast, and Uig on the north west. Other places on the island include:

• Armadale
• Bernisdale, Borreraig
• Carbost
• Duntulm
• Dunvegan, and nearby Dunvegan Castle
• Edinbane, Elgol
• Fiskavaig, Flodigarry
• Glenbrittle, Glendale
• Isleornsay
• Kilmaluag, Kilmore, Kilmuir, Kyleakin, Kylerhea
• Milovaig
• Portnalong
• Skeabost, Sligachan, Staffin, Stein, Struan
• Talisker, Tarskavaig, Teangue, Torrin