Isle of Skye

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 ^*. 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.

Geography

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.

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.

The Skye Bridge, linking Skye with the mainland of Scotland, opened in 1995 under a private finance initiative. The high tolls charged (£5.70 each way for summer visitors) met with widespread opposition, spearheaded by the pressure group SKAT (Skye and Kyle Against Tolls). On 21 December 2004 it was announced that the Scottish Executive had purchased the bridge from its owners and the tolls were immediately removed.

Culture

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. There is also a famous blend called Isle of Skye, produced by MacLeod's.

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.

Skye has a strong folk music tradition, although in recent years dance and rock music have been growing in popularity on the island. The Isle of Skye Music Festival has been growing in recent years and this year featured sets from The Fun Loving Criminals and Sparks. Mylo was born in Skye and frequently returns there to play sets.

Sorley MacLean lived much of his life on Skye.

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. Ferries to and from Armadale are sometimes synchronised with train arrivals and departures at Mallaig.

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

The A87 trunk road traverses the island from the Skye Bridge to Uig, linking most of the major settlements. Many of the island's roads have been widened in the past 40 years, but there are still substantial sections of single track road.

Towns and villages

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:

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