Explore Isle of Skye

The imposing Cuillin Ranges dominate the skyline, but even their grandeur can’t top the abundance of wildlife that calls Skye home. Keep an eye out for majestic red deer, or scan Isle of Skye the skies for the soaring silhouette of a sea eagle. On the coast, witness the dramatic dives of gannets or venture to the River Snizort for the awe-inspiring sight of salmon leaping upstream.

Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral seat of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years, is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. Immerse yourself in the Clan Donald estate at Armadale Castle, complete with gardens and a museum. For an atmospheric experience, explore the evocative ruins of Knock Castle, perched on Sleat’s east coast.

But human history is just a single chapter in Skye’s epic story. At Brother’s Point in the northwest, you can walk in the very footprints of dinosaurs (sauropods), connecting with a prehistoric past. Discover ammonite and belemnite fossils at Elgol or Bearreraig Bay, and delve deeper into the island’s paleontological wonders at the Staffin Dinosaur Museum.

The island’s pulse beats strongest in its towns and villages. Portree, the main town, is a charming fishing port boasting a vibrant array of shops, galleries and distinctive craft stores. The ferry port villages of Uig and Armadale offer scenic beauty and a collection of artisan businesses. From hand-crafted jewelry and locally brewed beer to artisanal soap and unique ceramics, the landscape inspires the island’s creative spirit. Explore Skye’s first village, Kyleakin, and visit the Bright Water Centre, commemorating naturalist and writer Gavin Maxwell and his beloved otters. Book a tour to the wildlife sanctuary of Eilean Ban, nestled beneath the Skye Bridge. Step back in time at the Skye Museum of Island Life in Kilmuir, a collection of preserved thatched cottages offering a glimpse into 19th-century Hebridean life. Colbost Croft Museum near Dunvegan also provides a captivating insight into traditional ways of life.

So, are you ready to exchange the predictable for the extraordinary? Then pack your bags and prepare to be captivated by the raw beauty and mystical charm of the Isle of Skye.