Isle of Skye ,Scotland

Isle of Sky ,Scotland.

A sparkling gem in the Hebrides ,Skye..Our first views of huge green cliffs, on a sunny morning ,as we made our way down the coast, to our anchorage near to the stone walls, high above, some sheep and cattle ,could hear the lambs. Around the corner ,just a glimpse of the pretty pastel cottages of Portree ,in the distance. A tender Port today, we went early, so a peaceful quiet ride in, and time to walk at length in the town, before anyone came and we had our private tour at 10.30. So pretty, a picture book scene ,with the rows of houses above the harbour, nice gardens and many hanging baskets in full bloom.. Many cottages, small Hotels and B & B’s all clustered in. Honey suckle perfume in the air, lots of roses too .Everything open early, a baker with extensive wares in the town square. Many collie dogs going for walks ,and I stopped to listen to a broad scots accent, from a little boy, as he explained directions to some new comers, makes me smile…! Its great to be there “first”…! A Craft market in the Village Hall ,first there, and like our Bring and Buys of old, some really nice things to see.
Our tour today was organised on line, with a recommendation from one of Christians friends of old, who lives here now, so I didn’t know if it was man or woman, but along came Donda…a middle aged man ,born and bred on Skye, quiet and gentle, and the best we could have had.. Off in the Mazda ,a little jaded ,and we soon knew why, the roads are in very bad order, in many places, just neglected ,said Donda. Off to Dunvegan regions, he lived there, in a white house on the Croft, with some Black faced Scottish sheep…he liked a lot. Wife works at the Castle.. Very rolling ,uneven , country ,with boggy areas, green ,lots of sheep ,and lambs who seem to know the road rules, they mostly all seem roam free. Places where peat is still cut ,but not used so much now, if at all. Donda uses coal that comes from …Columbia…how about that, its not too expensive he said.!!
Stopped at The Fairy Bridge, from a legend of the McLeod’s, told with fun, by Donda…[Sam hard of hearing ..of course… called him Donka..]!!!! I intervened quickly…! Higher ground to Dunvegan ,an old but important part of the Island, the Castle is here, the seat of the McLeod’s ,for 800 years , an inhabited Castle all that time, has beautiful grounds, but we didn’t go, leave that as a surprise for June ,Dave and Pearl, who will be here soon, for the Parliament ,a huge occasion, in a week or two. Its very beautiful we were told…and the McLeod’s good people.
Our next stop was such a joy, to see Patrice and Russell, Christian’s friends, in their lovely B&B at Hillvue. I had met Patrice a long ,long time ago, just once, so a surprise call, and that it was, just so special, busy cleaning for new arrivals, they are booked through until September ! Beautiful home, with Art that is amazing, gorgeous views over the Loch below, dear little Inca, their Westie, who warmed our hearts even more ,[when they came to NZ recently, she went to Paris, to stay with her Grandma]. We were delighted Donda took us there, he is a friend too. Much chatting and then photos, a huge eagle hovered overhead, they said a special omen…![ Not sure ..some eagles on Skye are a problem ,steal the lambs ,but there is a good one, the Golden Eagle, and other large birds as well, also the Sea Eagle…] The problem eagle is one re introduced to Skye some years ago…Protected and not liked at all ,causing havoc..
Onward to a place of breath taking scenery, called Neist Point Lighthouse, great heights ,and a lengthy walk down and out to it ,but we took the high path to see it all ,for the best vantage point above, and looked across to Harris and Lewis Islands, in the outer Hebrides.. Told all the stories by Donada ,with his quiet humour ,a lengthy drive, and a one way road, only passing bays, very rough ,so lots of stops, but lovely scenery.. Back by a different route, with stops above the Lochs ,seeing Donald McLeod’s Tables, high above, another special story, and a lovely old farm, with the stone sheep yards, below on the Loch.
On Skye they fought to keep their Crofts, and won, so they remained until the 60’s ,when gradually some were sold off, to the English mainly ,but like happens on Islands, the dream they see, in reality , is that isolation is not ideal ,the weather not good, and economy is tough. They remain unused for a lot of the year. Skye has a bridge to the Mainland ,so many come, and busy at this time of year. Tourism is their many revenue, and Fishing is very little now days, but Salmon Farming is a big thing.
In the inner Island ,the mountains are stunning and varied ,the Skies’ all day were simply beautiful ,hence the name..possibly…? Needs research. They have few trees, except planted ones, in small forestry, but the glens , mountains ,lochs and the light ,are amazing. The houses are the two story, slate roof kinds, all painted so nicely, white . I have sooo many pictures, we felt so very happy with our day on Skye ,so much to remember, a very crowded village at Portree ,by return time, a wee boy valiantly playing the bagpipes, had a crowd gathered, very entrepreneurial we felt. We were so pleased we had the quiet time earlier.
We sailed away in the evening, following the Coast of Skye, for many hours we stayed up late, in the Crow’s Nest , [with Scottish music ], until we saw the Lighthouse we had visited . It’s a spectacular landscape , especially from the sea, reminding us a lot of the Faroe’s Islands ,far above.
Loved our tour ,with excellent local knowledge , kindly man ,and a place that will remain in our hearts always. As I say to Mum, Scotland is surely in our DNA.Läs mer