Exploring Isle of Skye
Time needed in this isle: 4-7 nights (some people stay for a month)
As we’re driving through the Isle of Skye, I kept trying to compare it to other places I’ve been in the world, “this looks like Yellowstone”, “this looks like Alaska”, “this looks like Ireland”… but the truth is, you just can’t compare this island to anything else in the world because it is the single-most amazing place you will see (when it comes to green, mountainous, watery regions). We wish we had given Skye more time (we were here three nights) as there are so many other things to see and so many other hikes to take. But in the time we did have, we loved every minute of what we experienced.
The below information is a complete guide of the best places to stay, the top rated places to dine and drink, and all there is to see and do. We’ve also included transportation tips, as well as a summary of the history of this magical isle!
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Where to Stay
The Isle of Skye is the kind of place where an Air BnB just makes sense. Cozy nights in, making dinner and drinking wine, while endlessly staring up at the blanket of starts, is complete heaven to us. This Kilbride loft provided all of this and so much more! We enjoyed a long walk down to Loch Cill Chriosd, passing a lot of curious sheep along the way. We also couldn’t believe our luck at seeing not just a blanket of stars and the Milky Way, but also the Northern Lights (mid-September - January are the best time to view them)!
NOTE: The host is absolutely wonderful and her three adorable dogs are the best greeters!
Other recommendations
Monkstadt - Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora MacDonald built a home here in 1746. It was restored in the 1980s to its former glory. Click here to read its fascinating history.
Where to Dine & Drink
Bar Am Pràban pub
Per their site, “Our well-stocked ‘Am Pràban’ bar offers delicious bar meals served in a relaxed atmosphere and in wintertime the open fire will add to the cosy rustic feel. This is the ideal place to meet the local community and as the Gaelic language and culture is at the heart of the hotel, listen out for the mellifluous sound of the island’s native tongue.”
Birch Cafe
Stylish hangout with understated decor serving artisanal brews, plus sandwiches & muffins.
Bûrr - Takeaway Coffee & Cake
Cafe 1925
An independent coffee shop in a tin shed, built in 1925, when it was the village post office.
Cafe Arriba
Café Cùil
Hebridean brunch and lunch inspired by the wild landscape of Skye.
NOTE: They get extremely busy around lunch time and service can be rather slow. Definitely try to go before 11:30am or after 2:00pm. Also, they have wonderful gluten-free options.
Chidakasha Skye
Seasonal cafe serving locally sourced vegetarian/vegan fare & tea in a cosy, homely space.
Coruisk House
Per their site, “Dining at Coruisk House is a celebration of Skye’s incredible island produce. Our ingredients are sustainably sourced with care from the best local producers and farmers.” They serve mostly seafood, venison, and lamb.
Edinbane Lodge
Per their site, “Each element of our tasting menu combines the flavours, textures and colours of the wondrous variety of seasonal ingredients which grow in abundance on Skye. “ Their menu changes every 4-6 weeks.
Elgol Bistro
They are a family run business, which serve simple home-style evening meals and drinks with a predominant Highland and Scottish theme. Reservations are encouraged.
Loch Bay Restaurant
Unpretentious spot for local seafood such as hand-dived scallops, run by a husband-and-wife team.
Manuela’s Wee Bakery
What started as a small bakery, turned into a fairytale property with a distillery, pizza shop, coffee shop and bakery, all on site. It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth exploring!
NOTE: They do NOT carry any gluten-free products as we came to find out, but the coffee is great, as is the exploration.
Mrs Mack's 'wee' Takaway
Serving takeaway sandwiches and dessert.
Pizza in the skye
Offbeat institution dispensing wood-fired pizza from a simple roadside food truck.
Red SKye
Seasonal Scottish fare with wine, gin & whisky in an 1876 schoolhouse with views.
NOTE: They do NOT accept credit cards - cash only!
Seumas’ Bar
Convivial haunt providing tavern fare, pints & over 400 Scottish malts in an upbeat atmosphere.
Skye Monkstadt 1745 Restaurant
Per their site, “Serving Scottish and world cuisine beautifully prepared by our team of chefs for your delectation is our pleasure. With views onto traditional working croft land, you will see cattle and sheep.”
The Bistro at Atholl House
They offer a selection of home cooked options with a focus on local and Scottish produce. Their menu varies through the seasons, always with a focus on unpretentious, home-cooked food.
The Coffee Bothy
The Hungry Gull
Brunch cafe and weekend takeaway located at Staffin Hall.
The Noost
A small coffee shop serving baked goods.
The Sprig
Fresh meat and seafood dishes with a lot of gluten-free options to choose from!
Things to See & Do
Historical Exploration
Armadale castle & gardens
Armadale Castle is a ruined country house in Armadale, Skye, former home of the MacDonalds. A mansion house was first built there around 1790 and in 1815, a square Tudor-Gothic mock-castle was built next to the house.
After 1855, the part of the house destroyed by fire was replaced by a central wing. Since 1925, the castle, abandoned by the Macdonald family, had fallen into ruin. The gardens around the castle have been maintained, and are now home to the Clan Donald Centre, which operates the Museum of the Isles.
All the southern sections of the building were demolished in 1971, leaving the roofless section and a less formal two-story wing on the far north side.
Caisteal MAol
Caisteal Maol is the ancient seat of the Mackinnon clan. It was a 15th century fortress. commanding the strait of Kyle Akin between Skye and the mainland, through which all ships had to pass or else attempt the stormy passage of The Minch.
There are many stories that tie this castle to Norway as King Haakon IV is thought to have assembled his fleet of longships there before the Battle of Largs in 1263 (hence the name Kyleakin – Haakon's kyle). Haakon's defeat at Largs effectively ended Norse domination of the Scottish islands. Medieval and early modern documents also refer to the castle itself as Dunakin (Dun-Haakon), which is again strongly suggestive of a Norse connection.
In 1513, a meeting of chiefs was held there and they agreed to support Donald MacDonald as Lord of the Isles. The last occupant of the castle was Neill MacKinnon, nephew of the 26th chief of the clan (c. 1601).
Cill Chriosd
Cill Chriosd or Kilchrist (Christ's Church) is a ruined former parish church of Strath. It was constructed around the 16th century, replacing an earlier medieval church on the same location, and was used until 1840 when the parish church was relocated to Broadford. It lies on the B8083 Broadford to Torrin and Elgol road.
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan Castle (Caisteal Dhùn Bheagain) is a 13th century castle, located 1 mile to the north of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, off the west coast of Scotland. It’s the seat of the MacLeod of MacLeod, chief of the Clan MacLeod.
In the late 14th century, a four-story tower house was built and in 1500, the Fairy Tower was built. During the 17th century, new ranges of buildings were built between the old tower and the Fairy Tower, beginning in 1623, with the state apartment built by Ruairidh Mòr. The old tower was subsequently abandoned until the late 18th century, when the 23rd chief began the process of homogenising the appearance of the castle. In the 19th century, the whole castle was remodeled in a mock-medieval style.
Chief MacLeod still lives there today.
The Fairy Flag is an heirloom of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod and is held in Dunvegan Castle along with other notable heirlooms, such as the Dunvegan Cup and Sir Rory Mor's Horn.
The flag is made of silk, is yellow or brown in color, is covered in small red "elf dots", and is a square of side about 18 inches. In the early part of the 19th century, the flag was also marked with small crosses, but these have since disappeared. The silk of the flag has been stated to have originated in the Far East, and was therefore, extremely precious, which led some to believe that the flag may have been an important relic of some sort.
Click on the link above this text to learn more about the numerous traditions and stories about this flag.
When we got to Dunvegan Castle, we learned that there were boat tours to see the seal colonies available during the summer season. It was completely worth the wind and drizzle to see these amazing mammals hanging out on kelp beds and rocks, as well as leaping in and out of the water! If you tour the castle during the summer season, we highly recommend this tour.
NOTE: You are in little fishing boats, so if you are prone to sea sickness/motion sickness, then this tour would not be for you.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan is a small tidal island situated at the confluence of three sea lochs (Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh) in the western Highlands of Scotland, about 5⁄8 mi. from the village of Dornie. It’s connected to the mainland by a footbridge that was installed early in the 20th century and is dominated by a picturesque castle (which has been used in many media).
The island's original castle was built in the 13th century and became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies, the Clan MacRae. In response to the Mackenzies' involvement in the Jacobite rebellions early in the 18th century, government ships destroyed the castle in 1719. The present-day castle is Lieutenant-Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap's 20th-century reconstruction of the old castle.
NOTE: There is a coffee shop, cafe, and gift shop on site.
TIP: Get there early as parking is at a premium.
Elgol
The small scattered hamlet of Elgol lies on the shores of Loch Scavaig on the south coast of Isle of Skye.
Situated 14 miles south west of Broadford at the tip of the Strathaird peninsula, the village is reached by a single track road through the Red Cuillins and Strath Suardal, with superb views passing the ruined Cill Chriosd and its incredible graveyard.
Kilmuir Cemetery
Kilmuir Cemetery is the final “home” to some very notable residents, which include Flora MacDonald (who assisted Bonnie Prince Charles in his escape from Scotland after the second Jacobite uprising failed); Angus Martin (the fearless seagoer who went to sea regardless of the weather); and Alexander McQueen (Scottish luxury fashion designer).
TIP: Make sure to stop by the Skye Museum of Island Life, too!
Skye Museum of Island Life
*SOUND ON FOR THE VIDEO TO HEAR THE 60 MPH GUSTS*
Want to know what the Isle of Skye was really like “back in the day”? The Skye Museum of Island Life gives you an incredible (and immersive) picture of it as you walk through seven traditional thatched cottages the minute you step into the building.
Opened in 1965, the aim of the museum was to completely preserve a township of thatched cottages, each depicting the conditions that 20th century crofters faced.
Among the many displays, is the old Graham family home, the village smithy, the weaver's house, and a vast array of crofting tools, displays, and equipment. There are also pictorial and historical archives, including the story of Flora MacDonald, who famously disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as a spinning maid and smuggled him to safety.
OUR EXPERIENCE: While incredibly windy, it actually added to the experience of understanding what it was like for these crofters and just how incredibly insulated the crofts were.
TIP: Walk up the road to see the Highland cows, as well as to Kilmuir Cemetery. It’s where both Flora MacDonald and Alexander McQueen are buried.
Uig tower
Major William Fraser became the owner of the Kilmuir Estate in 1855. He had the Uig tower (folly) constructed around 1860 as a place where the local tenants had to go to pay their rents to his Factor.
Fraser was, like many other landlords in Scotland, notorious for his contribution to the Highland Clearances, during which tenants were evicted so the land could become available for large-scale sheep farming. As karma would have it, Fraser’s large house, Uig Lodge, washed away in a flood, in 1877, shortly after the conclusion of the clearances.
The tower was later turned into a family home, but this was abandoned in the 1950s.
Unique Experiences
Giant Angus MacAskill Museum
Angus MacAskill was born in 1825 and grew to be 7’9” tall. In 1981, he was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest “true giant”. Today, a museum celebrates his life - a life-size statue of him greets you as you enter, towering in the corner beside his tiny companion, Tom Thumb.
Everything in the museum will appear large (and they were) - a giant chair, an enormous jumper, socks the size of fisherman’s waders, and a replica of the giant coffin that he was buried in, in 1863. It’s a fun way to spend an hour!
Talisker Distillery
After a number of false starts, the Talisker Distillery was founded in 1830 by Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill and was opened at Carbost in 1831 after they acquired the lease of Talisker House from Clan MacLeod. In 1879, after it started producing 700 gallons a week, it was purchased for £1,810 (equivalent to £232,500 in 2023) by a firm which became known as, “R. Kemp & Co.”.
The distillery was rebuilt from 1880–1887 and extended in 1900. A new lease for the distillery was negotiated in 1892 with the chief of Clan MacLeod for an annual payment of £23.12 (equivalent to £3,242 in 2023) and a 10 gal. cask of best-quality Talisker. By 1894, the output was up to 2,000 gallons per week. A year later, in 1895, the business was converted into an LLC with Thomas Mackenzie as managing partner, but the shares were not offered to the public.
Talisker was acquired by Distillers Company in 1925 and is now part of Diageo.
Walking Tours
The legend of the Fairy Pools is quite magical. It is said that Fairy Pools attracted selkies. Selkies are mythological creatures, disguised as large seals during the day, would come to the beach at the foot of Glen Brittle where they would shed their skins and change into human form for the night to bathe in the pools under the light of a full moon.
Located on the northern slopes of the magnificent Black Cuillin range, Skye’s famous Fairy Pools are beautiful crystal-clear blue pools on the Allt Coire a' Mhadaidh (Burn of the Dog), which can be seen snaking down the hillside of Coire na Creiche into Glen Brittle where it becomes the River Brittle.
Although a spectacular and tranquil Highlands vista, in 1601, the area was the scene of the last of Scotland’s clan battles, and one of the bloodiest ever recorded in clan history. It is here the MacDonalds of Sleat and the MacLeods of Dunvegan saw the end of the long and brutal campaign of the Wars of the One-Eyed Woman.
TIP: The car park is across the road from the start of the hike. You do need to pay to park. There are also toilet facilities.
Jurassic Dinosaurs Footprints at An Corran
Before the dinosaurs died out, they roamed Skye, which proof of their past can still be found today:
An Corran - You can see prints on rocks not far from the ramp. These three-toed prints belonged to a family of ornithopods, which were two-legged herbivores.
Score Bay - You can see prints from sauropods, which are from the same family as brontosaurus and diplodocus. These tracks are about 170 million years old. Some of these footprints are quite big, and it’s believed to be the largest dinosaur trackway in Scotland.
Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls
Kilt Rock
Kilt Rock is a 295 ft. rock structure that looks strikingly similar to a pleated kilt. Made up of basalt columns resting on a sandstone base, one might even say that the colors of the rock formation appear almost tartan.
Mealt Falls
Mealt waterfall, which, fed from nearby Mealt Loch, plummets from the top of the cliffs to the rock-laden coast below.
NOTE: When a strong wind is blowing, a beautiful yet haunting tone appears to come from the surrounding area, which is actually fencing that surrounds the lookout point. Holes facing the sea allow wind in to the piping, turning the safety feature into an organ of sorts.
Lealt Falls
Lealt Waterfall is a dramatic waterfall on the River Lealt, 13 miles north of Portree and 4.3 miles south of Staffin, on the A855 coastal road.
The River Lealt runs down from the heights of the Trotternish Ridge and descends a deep, narrow gorge immediately east of the roadway, dropping some 295 ft. in two stages to the valley floor before emptying into the Sound of Raasay at Invertote.
Neist Point (and lighthouse)
Neist Point Lighthouse is located on Neist Point. It was designed by David Alan Stevenson and was first lit on November 1, 1909. An aerial cableway was used to take supplies to the lighthouse and cottages.
Since 1990, the lighthouse has been operated remotely from the Northern Lighthouse Board headquarters in Edinburgh. The former keepers' cottages are now in private ownership.
Portree Harbour
Portree is only about 200 years old and was created as a fishing village at the beginning of the 19th century by the then Lord MacDonald. The name “Portree” or “Port Righ” (King’s Port in Gaelic), though its name really comes from the Gaelic for “Port on the Slope”. It is also the capital of Skye.
It’s a fully-functioning town with banks, churches, cafes and restaurants, a cinema at the Aros Centre, a swimming pool and library at the school, gift and book shops, a tourist information center, gas stations and supermarkets.
Quiraing
The Quiraing is a landform on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish escarpment on the Isle of Skye. It takes the form of a craterous hollow surrounded by a high rampart of rock. Within the hollow, is a raised plateau the size of a football field, known as “The Table”. Other distinctive features of the landscape are “The Needle” - a jagged pinnacle rising to 120 feet and “The Prison” - a mass of rock resembling a medieval keep.
Like the rest of the Trotternish escarpment, the Quiraing was formed when a thick layer of basalt flooded over the peninsula and destabilized the weak sedimentary rocks below, causing a succession of landslides. It has been renowned for its fantastical appearance since the Victorian period.
RUBHA NAM BRATHAIREAN (BROTHER’S POINT)
Enjoy this beautiful and interesting trail taking you out to Rubha nam Brathairean where you can take in the interesting geology, great views, and if you are lucky enough to spot them, dinosaur footprints left by Saurpods and Theropods.
The path is very rough, narrow, and boggy with steep drops and cliffs. Care and steady footing is required, as well as sturdy footwear. After a rain, this trail becomes inaccessible as there is river crossing that makes it impassable, so please check local conditions before heading out.
There will be sheep along this trail so please take care.
How To Get There: Rubha nam Brathairean is located on the Trotternish Loop. The car park is in Culnacnoc, 13 miles (25 minutes of driving) north of Portree. To get there, take A855 north from Portree. Just past the Glenview Hotel (which will be on your left), there is a car park on the left hand side of the road. It is a very small car park and can only hold a few cars.
To get to the trailhead, cross the street and walk south approximately 164 ft.. The trail is a gravel and dirt driveway. Look for the sign pointing to Rubha nam Brathairean. It’s 4.5 mile roundtrip hike.
Sligachan Old Bridge
The Sligachan Old Bridge was built between 1810 and 1818 by engineer Thomas Telford. The bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists only, following construction of a new road bridge that runs parallel to it.
The Tale of the Enchanted Waters
Long ago, there lived a great warrior woman of Scotland named, Scáthach. She was a beast of a woman, one that you wouldn't want to rival in any Scottish Highland games. Tales of her bravery and strength spread across the Northern Isles and lands.
The Irish warrior, Cúchulainn, was known in his country as the strongest, smartest, fastest warrior and knew in order to maintain the coveted reputation, he had to put an end to these rumors of Scáthach being able to beat him, so he set sail immediately. Upon arriving on Skye, he ran into a trainee of Scáthach and demanded that her mistress should come and face him. The crowds gathered as she emerged.
Everyone held their breath as these two warriors charged each other and when they struck their first blows, the earth shook the petals off of all the flowers in the surrounding valley. The children reached for their mothers, the horses bucked and neighed in fright. Animals ran for cover, and the men took an uneasy step back as the ferociousness increased. They were too evenly matched, neither one of them willing to give in - it was to be a fight to the death.
Scáthachs daughter ran, crying with worry and not wanting anyone to see that her weakness was the love for her mother. She fled to the river as she couldn't bear to see her mother die and pled to the angels and fairies to save her. What she didn't know is that water is a gateway between the faerie world and ours. Her sorrow was so intense, combined with the battle not far away, that it reached the ears of the faeries.
They came to Scáthachs daughter, gently collecting her tears, and poured them into the water as an offering to the Faerie Queen. Her tears, being full of love, moved the faeries and granted her wish. They asked her to wash her face in the river, which upon doing so, the faerie's knowledge of how she could stop the battle and save her Mother, rushed into her. Gathering the most fragrant herbs and nuts, the daughter threw her bounty into the fire. The delectable scents rose with the white smoke and wafted into the noses of the warriors.
The ferociousness of the battle began to dwindle as the stomach pangs of both the warriors won over their determination. At a brief pause in weapons clashing, a break in the battle was agreed upon and both warriors laid down their weapons to head to where a delicious meal surely awaited them both. Scáthachs daughter had craftily prepared a meal worthy of these legendary warriors. As Cúchulainn ate, awareness dawned on both of the warriors that they were, in fact, under the roof of Scáthachs.
As was the custom in all the northern lands, when you dine under a roof, you are the guest and are compelled to not harm to them, the host, or anyone within.
To this day, folklore states that any who are brave enough to dip their face into the waters beneath Sligachan Bridge will be granted eternal beauty.
The Fairy Glen
SOUND ON FOR THE VIDEO FOR A FUN SURPRISE AT THE END
There’s no definitive folklore linking the Fairy Glen to the magical realm, though some say fairies created the dramatic landscape and still dwell within its many crevices, which makes sense since the whimsical, otherworldly landscape looks just like the kind of place you’d expect to find mythical creatures. Visitors can take their time climbing the mounds or snapping photos of the stone designs tourists tend to create (though they’re not nearly as impressive as the more permanent rock spiral).
FYI: The locals consider the stone designs, created by tourists, to be vandalism and spend the winter undoing them each year. Since the glens are on private property, it’s appropriate to respect the wishes of the locals on this matter and refrain from building with the rocks.
TIP: The best vantage point is from the top of Castle Ewan, the natural rock formation that resembles an ancient ruin. A steep, narrow trail leads directly to the top.
The Old Man of Storr
Situated atop Trotternish Ridge (a peninsula in the northeastern region of the Isle of Skye, created as the result of a colossal landslip), the Old Man of Storr is a 160-foot pinnacle rock formation named after its likeness to an old man. The Storr, which refers to the group of looming outcrops that include and surround the Old Man, is a title derived from the Norse word for “Great Man.”
The rock formation towers over the Sound of Rasaay at an elevation of more than 2,300 feet and a hike up the grassy mounds, toward the group of curious pinnacle rocks that surround the Old Man, provides magnificent, panoramic views of the water and the surrounding mainland.
The Folklore
Legend has it that the Old Man of Storr was a giant who resided on the Trotternish Ridge. When he was laid to rest upon his death, his thumb—the “Old Man”—remained partially above ground.
Uig
Set in a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay on Skye, Uig is a ferry port to the Western Isles and a good base for hiking.
Overlooking the minch, Uig boasts a dramatic landscape and spectacular scenery, ranging from the magnificent double waterfall in a deep glen, Fairy Glen, to a number of small lochs and small conical shaped hills to the Norman style tower overlooking the town. Other points of interest include Clach Ard Uige, a relic of an ancient stone circle standing on the hills above Uig, the ruins of a 17th century castle, Caisteal Uisdean, the Piping Memorial sitting at the top of Glenhinnisdal, and the Museum of Highland Life.
Village of Boreraig
Boreraig is of a traditional, pre-crofting baile or township, which was forcibly cleared by the agents of Lord MacDonald to make way for sheep in 1853, which meant its 120 inhabitants were evicted.
All that is left in Boreraig now is the ruined housing, much of it still standing to wall head height, and the well-preserved field walls. The biggest ruins are those of the house and steading built for the tenant-farmer. The village lost its last residents in 1877 with the sheep farmhouse having been abandoned in 1910.
The land is still used for grazing a flock of approximately 300 breeding ewes of the North Country Cheviot breed, which are hefted onto the area and run from Kilbride.
How to Get Around
As we have come to see, there are a ton of RVs, cyclists, and backpackers all along the roads, causing a ton of traffic and dangerous situations. We understand everyone has a different way to travel however, think of this when you are looking into these modes of travel… especially in rainy, windy weather.
Car
Drive from Edinburgh
The shortest route (via Spean Bridge) is 232 miles from Edinburgh to Portree on Skye. It will normally take 5 hours to drive but in the summer, may take longer.
Drive from Glasgow
It is 216 miles from Glasgow to Portree on Skye. It will normally take 5-6 hours to drive but in the summer, may take longer.
Drive from Inverness
It is 112 miles from Inverness to Portree on Skye, it will take about 2.5 hours if the roads are quiet, but can take longer during the summer.
Train
While there is not a railway on Skye, there are two train stations on the mainland that are very close and connect to local bus routes:
Glasgow to Mallaig - then the Ferry to Skye.
Inverness to Kyle – then a Bus on to the Island.
Ferry
Car Ferry
There are three main ferry ports on Skye, which are all operated by the company, Calmac.
Mallaig (mainland) to Armadale (Skye) - Note that car transport (taxis and bus service) are very limited. Consider taking the Skye Bridge to Skye instead (see “Skye Bridge” below).
Sconser (Skye) to Raasay
Uig (Skye) to Lochmaddy (North Uist) or Tarbert (Harris)
The Glenelg ferry is the last manually operated “turntable ferry” in the world. The MV Glenachulish was built in 1969 and has a length of almost 18m and a beam of 6.7m. The ferry has a capacity of 6 cars, but will allow any variation of foot passengers and vehicles within its safety specifications (maximum 12 passengers). People come from all over the world to experience this ferry and the more scenic, slower route it takes.
Sky Bridge
Though Skye is an island, they do have a road bridge, spanning the sea, between the villages of Kyle of Lochalsh (mainland) and Kyleakin (Skye). If you are driving, following the directions from a GPS device, but be aware if you are traveling from the south and select the shortest route, some devices will take you to Mallaig where there is the ferry to Skye. Check your route carefully to ensure it takes you the slightly longer route using the free road bridge.
A History Summary
7,000 BC (Mesolithic period) - Skye was known as a hunter-gatherer site for the peoples of that time.
2,000 - 3,000 BC - Remnants of a cairn date back to this time.
9th century - The Norse began control of the Hebrides.
13th century - Dunvegan Castle became the seat of Clan MacLeod.
14th century - Post-Norse control, Skye was held by Donald Macdonald, Lord of the Isles’ half-brother, Godfrey, from 1389 until 1401, at which time Skye was declared part of Ross. When Donald Macdonald, Lord of the Isles, re-gained Ross after the battle of Harlaw in 1411, they added "Earl of Ross" to their lords' titles. Skye came with Ross.
15th century - 16th century - Independent clans started to emerge, due to land grabs or established ownership. In addition, the MacDonalds of South Uist, who were bitter rivals of the MacLeods, attempted to murder church-goers at Trumpan Church in retaliation for a previous massacre on Eigg. This resulted in the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke of 1578 and the building of Caisteal Maol.
18th century - Flora MacDonald became famous for rescuing Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) from the Hanoverian troops. The isle was also known for harvesting kelp. Towards the end of the century, the clan system was broken up and the land became land estates. Armadale Castle, once the home of Clan Donald of Sleat, was built.
19th century - The kelp industry collapsed, famine was widespread, as was “the clearances”, which evicted 30,000 people, sending them to the “new world”. The chaos was so bad that 400 marines were deployed to restore order.
20th century - By 1971, the population was 1/3 what it was in the late 19th century, due to the clearances, wars, etc.
21st century - Population has boomed again, due to tourism, second home purchases, and farming/distilling practices.
