Introducing Isle of Skye
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. A 50-mile-long smorgasbord of velvet moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs and towering sea cliffs. The stunning scenery is the main attraction, but when the mist closes in there are plenty of castles, crofting museums and cosy pubs and restaurants to retire to.
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Along with Edinburgh and Loch Ness, Skye is one of Scotland’s top three tourist destinations. However, the hordes tend to stick to Portree, Dunvegan and Trotternish, and it’s almost always possible to find peace and quiet in the island’s farther-flung corners. Come prepared for changeable weather: when it’s fine it’s very fine indeed, but all too often it isn’t.
Last updated: May 16, 2011
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