Isle of Skye

When you think of Scotland’s ravaging beauty, many find themselves coming back to the Isle of Skye, the biggest of the Inner Hebrides Islands. There’s something lasting and evocative about the light, the mind-expanding views, the clean fresh air and the undulating green scenes which hide and reveal lochs, castles, cliffs, waterfalls and endless heather. Skye’s wild beauty comes at a price – its remoteness means quite a journey for most. But crossing the bridge which attaches Skye to the mainland, it all becomes worth it. Inaccessible it might be, but that doesn’t mean going without. Quite the opposite, the Isle of Skye is a bountiful foodie paradise restaurant such as famed Three Chimney’s highlighting local produce and the sea providing fresh fish and seafood, and also the smoked salmon that Scotland is known for. It’s also a base for artisans, such as Skye Weavers who create the beautiful throws or homegrown candles created with the scents of Skye at Isle of Skye Candle Company. You can’t ignore the surroundings though, it will get under your skin and stay with you long after you leave. The Old Man of Storr presides over the island, his jagged points an iconic landmark. From here the misty Cuillin Ridge reveals Fairy Pools, icy cold and crystal clear – will you dare to jump? Elsewhere, castles remind us of Skye’s rich past - although Dunvegan Castle remains the ancestral seat of the MacLeod clan, for 700 years and counting. The ruined 15th-century Caisteal Maol crumbles into the sea, perfect for that evocative holiday photo and the 18th century Armadale Castle comes with formal gardens and woodland trails. It takes pleasurable effort to come to Skye, but you’ll find reward wherever you go.