Isle of Skye

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Image:Quiraing, Isle of Skye.jpg Image:OM Storr 2004.jpg

The Isle of Skye, usually known simply as Skye (An t-Eilean Sgitheanach in Scottish Gaelic) is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Scottish Gaelic "sgiath" means "winged".

Its name came via Old Norse Skið = "ski" (and similar meanings), as an alteration of a Pictish original which is recorded in Roman sources as Scitis (Ravenna Cosmography) and Scetis (on Ptolemy's map). Some legends associate the isle with the mythic figure of Scáthach. The island is sometimes also known as Eilean a' Cheò - or the Misty Isle.

The population of Skye, at the 2001 census was 9232. In contrast to many other Scottish islands this represents a 4% increase from the census of 1991 [1]. The resident population is augmented in the summer by large numbers of tourists and visitors. The main industries are tourism, agriculture, whisky-distilling, brewing and craftmaking. The main town and capital of the island is Portree, which is known for its picturesque harbour.

Skye is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, as well as its abundant wildlife including the golden eagle, red deer and the otter.

1 Geography
2 History
3 Culture
4 Transport
5 Towns and villages
6 See also
7 External links

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Geography

Image:Skye landsat.jpeg At 1700 km² (656 mi²), Skye is the second largest island in Scotland after Lewis and Harris (which form a single island). The island has some of the most dramatic and challenging mountain terrain in Scotland, including the Cuillin, as well as a rich heritage of ancient monuments, castles, and memorials.

The southwest side of Skye is a series of peninsulas, including Sleat in the south, Strathaird, Minginish and Duirinish, and Waternish in the west, and Trotternish to the north. Surrounding islands include Rona, Raasay, Scalpay and Soay.

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History

Skye has sites showing occupation by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, such as the site at An Corran in Staffin which appears to have been in contact with occupants of the rock shelter at Sand, Applecross on the coast of Wester Ross.

Skye suffered famine and clearances over the latter part of the 18th century, leading to its badly depleted population of less than 10,000 at the 1991 Census. Image:Skye Road Bridge.JPG

The Skye Bridge, linking Skye with the mainland of Scotland was built in the 1990s, with an unpopular expensive toll (£4.70 per car in winter, £5.70 in summer. Local bus service - £27.50 a time!). Some locals formed a protest group – SKAT (Skye and Kyle Against Tolls). They refused to pay the toll on the grounds that they had the right of free passage on any highway within the Kingdom of Scotland. On 21 December 2004 it was announced that the Scottish Executive had purchased the toll bridge from its owners and that tolls were abolished.

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Culture

Image:Scotland Skye Trotternish.jpg Of all the Inner Hebrides, Skye has the most in common with the Outer Hebrides, with nearly half the population speaking Gaelic, and many belonging to the Free Church of Scotland, known for its strict observance of the Sabbath.

The Talisker Distillery, which produces a single malt whisky, is beside Loch Harport on the west coast of the island.

Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of Clan MacLeod since the thirteenth century.

The Isle of Skye has been immortalised in the traditional song The Skye Boat Song and in the book To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf.

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Transport

Skye is linked to the mainland by the Skye Bridge, while ferries sail from Armadale on the island to Mallaig, and from Kylerhea to Glenelg. Ferries also run from Uig to Tarbert on Harris and Lochmaddy on North Uist, and from Sconser to Raasay. Bus services run to Inverness and Glasgow, and there are infrequent local services on the island, mainly starting from Portree or Broadford. Train services run from Kyle of Lochalsh at the mainland end of the Skye Bridge to Inverness.

Ferries to and from Armadale are sometimes synchronised with train arrivals and departures at Mallaig. If you are getting the 08.20 (Monday to Saturday only) or 12.40 train from Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig, you can connect with the ferry to Armadale. However, on Sundays in July and August, you should call Caledonian MacBrayne in Mallaig (01687-462403) and ask them to delay the ferry for you, as the 12.40 from Glasgow arrives at 17.48, while the ferry's scheduled departure time is 17.45.

The 09.05 and 14.25 ferries from Armadale to Mallaig also connect with train departures, arriving in Glasgow Queen Street at 15.45 and 21.25, respectively.

There is also a small aerodrome at the south of the island, which is used exclusively by private aircraft.

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Towns and villages

Image:Scotland Skye cliffs.jpg The main settlements on the island are connected by the A87 road.

Portree is the largest settlement, and main service centre on the island, with a population of 1,917. Sconser and Broadford lying on the east side of the island. Smaller settlements include: