Skye and Lochalsh Holiday Accommodation , Scotland

Spotlight on Skye

Skye is the most northerly and largest of the Inner Hebrides of Scotland covering some 1,656 km2 (639 square miles), and the second largest island in Scotland after Lewis with Harris. The island is 50 miles long with hundreds of miles of coastline.

The Gaelic name for the island is An t-Eilean Sgitheanach meaning ‘winged isle’ because of its shape. Perhaps more apt is the Norse name which means ‘isle of the mist’ or ‘misty isle’.

Skye is a magical island, with a diversity of landscapes that is quite remarkable for such a relatively small area. It is hardly surprising it is the haunt of geologists, photographers, mountaineers, walkers, canoeists, the list goes on. Skye is quite simply a wonderful place for anyone who wants to escape from it all. But it is not just the landscape that makes Skye so special, it is steeped in history, very often violent history. It has a legacy of clan warfare, and deeper into history the Vikings settled on Skye, further back still the remains of ancient fortresses can still be sound such as at Dunringil just off the road to Elgol.

Skye is linked to the mainland by the Skye bridge, which opened in 1995. However, it is still possible to travel to Skye by ferry, the main one being from Mallaig on the mainland to Armadale on the Sleat peninsula of Skye. A small ferry also runs the short from Glenelg on the mainland to Kylerhea, and for those wishing to take an ‘off the beaten track’ scenic route although it should be noted that this does not operate through the winter months.

Island hopping can be achieved by reaching the Outer Hebrides from the north end of Skye a ferry runs from Uig to Tarbert on Harris, and Lochmaddy in North Uist. There is also a ferry which runs from Sconser on the eastern side of Skye to the island of Raasay.

Marys Cottages, Elgol, Tigh Lachie, Isle of Skye. Self-catering cottage. Sleeps 4. Other cottages available	Allt Dearg, self catering cottage at Sligachan, on the Isle of Skye. Sleeps 8. Spectacular and isolated position close to the Cuillin hills. Dogs welcome.	Gillen Self Catering Holiday Apartment, on the shores of Lochbay, Isle of Skye, Scottish Highlands.  Pets Welcome. Sleeps 2.

 

Pier House Large Self Catering Holiday Cottage Isle of Skye   The Pier House is situated in the scenic village of Elgol, on the Isle of Skye, above Elgol Pier with magnificent views across Loch Scavaig into the heart of the majestic Cuillin mountain range. Self catering suitable for large groups. Sleeps 8. Please click the link for more information on The Pier House Large Holiday Cottage Isle of Skye