Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ISLE OF SKYE
POP 9900
The Isle of Skye (an t-Eilean Sgiathanach in Gaelic) takes its name from the old Norse
sky-
a,
meaning 'cloud island', a Viking reference to the often-mist-enshrouded Cuillin Hills.
It's the largest of Scotland's islands, a 50-mile-long smorgasbord of velvet moors, jagged
mountains, sparkling lochs and towering sea cliffs. The stunning scenery is the main attrac-
tion, but when the mist closes in there are plenty of castles, crofting museums and cosy
pubs and restaurants in which to retire.
Along with Edinburgh and Loch Ness, Skye is one of Scotland's top-three tourist destin-
ations. However, the hordes tend to stick to Portree, Dunvegan and Trotternish - it's almost
always possible to find peace and quiet in the island's further-flung corners. Come prepared
for changeable weather: when it's fine it's very fine indeed, but all too often it isn't.
