Isle of Skye

Skye, or the Isle of Skye,  is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.  Although it has been suggested that the name describes a "winged" shape there is no definitive agreement as to the name's origins.

The island has been occupied since the Mesolithic period and has a colorful history including a time of Norse rule and a long period of domination by Clan MacLeod and Clan Donald. The events of the 19th century had a devastating impact on the human population, which declined from over 20,000 to around 9,200 in the early 21st century. The main industries are tourism, agriculture, fishing and whisky distilling.  The island is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, and its abundant wildlife.

Skye has a rich heritage of ancient monuments, especially castles. Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of Clan MacLeod since the 13th century. It contains the Fairy Flag and is reputed to have been inhabited by a single family for longer than any other house in Scotland.

The drive to the Isle of Skye

  The heather is too colorful for words

Main Scotland to the right - Isle of Skye to the left

                    Homes along the water on the Isle

We cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye

A glass bottom boat?

Must be too cold and windy for tourists today

A look back at the bridge

A look back to the observation point 

The ships in the harbor on the mainland 

One of the ancient ruins on Skye - could find no documentation for it

   The harbor seal statue in the small Skye harbor

Artwork in the small town 

The Isle of Skye Castle on the mainland

It was pouring rain when we arrived.  It was cold, windy, and the castle had just closed.  We had to go to the bathroom, but the tourist shop was closing - so we took a set of photos and left for the hotel.

Awfully pretty - even in this weather.  Said to be the prettiest castle in Scotland

Back along Loch Ness we go.  The rain is pouring down!  As we drive along, we see what must be "spontaneous waterfalls" cause by this heavy rain and the steep hillsides - beautiful.

Love stopping and taking pictures

but getting soaked at each stop

Enough!  Back to the warm, dry hotel !

Jackie wanted to drive the entire Isle, but as we had stopped too often on the way, so we had a short visit and then quickly left.   The weather as well as the time encouraged us to go on our way.   However, if given the opportunity to again visit, the Isle drive will top our list.

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