Today was a day of discovering what Skye has to offer. It is reputed to be the most popular part of Scotland for tourists. Skye has a population of approximately 8,000 residents. There is now a bridge to Skye, previously one had to get there by ferry, this has meant more tourists, more big motor coaches and a higher price for the real estate.
The landscape is striking, weird rock formations and dramatic waterfalls are to be ooh and ahh-ed over as we drive around the Trotternish Peninsula.
We stop to visit the museum of island life, where there are several thatched cottages, complete with peat fires burning and a domestic scene is depicted in the two room crofts. On the same site there is an important cemetery where the fashion designer Steve McQueen was laid to rest. Another famous resident of the cemetery is Flora MacDonald, a highland heroine, who was the girlfriend of Bonnie Prince Charles. Her grave is marked with a large pillar of about 10feet in height and topped with the Celtic Cross. Flora was eventually captured by the British for her association with Bonnie Prince Charlie and held in a dungeon prison for a year before they realized she played a small relatively harmless part in the Bonnie Princes escape and they released her.
Continuing on the spectacular coastal route we stop at a waterfall for photos, the drop is around 200 impressive feet. There are two artists with easels set up and I stop to chat with them both. One is painting in oils, one in watercolour. I took a few photos of both the artists and their works. I also told them about the Pearly Girls who Paint!
Next stop is the town of Portree, the Ilse of Skye capital. We have 1 1/2 hours to walk the town and have a bite of lunch. There is a bit of scotch mist in the air, nothing that required an umbrella though. Portree has a pretty and colourful waterfront. The town is built on a hill that slopes down toward the harbour. There are a lot of shops selling highland goods, scarves, kilts, art, tea towels and the like. We thought the quality was high and prices reasonable.
We were hoping to get a glimpse of the Old Man of Storr. This is a series of rugged peaks the main one being 185’ high and having a diameter of 40’ . He is often shrouded in mist, we were lucky that the mist today merely enhanced the view. Carrying on further we stopped back at the hotel very briefly then continued on to the most photographed castle in Scotland. Eilean Donan castle is surrounded by both loch and mountains. We were toured around by 3 different guides who explained the history, originally owned by the McKenzie clan, then destroyed by fire and re-built by the McRae clan. The setting is very impressive, the interior is beautifully kept and portraits of the family members are on the walls. The castle is in the National Trust and can be booked for events like weddings. Again i stress it is so beneficial to have a guide, they are so knowledgeable about their subject. We left the castle to go a few Miles down the road to the Clathan Pub for a beverage.
On our trip back to our hotel we rode by a thatched roof cottage that guide Matthew told us had recently undergone extensive repair, during the repair two guns were found in the roof , they were stamped with a date 270 years ago. True story. Another bit of info re Thatching, to become a Master Thatcher requires a 6 year apprenticeship, similar to what it takes to become skilled in building the stone walls you see criss crossing British fields everywhere. I’m so glad the old trades are still being taught and kept in practice.
Lastly, someone asked in the comments if the wealthy Duke I mentioned was married. Sadly yes, he is!
Tomorrow will be another adventure in my homeland! So much to see!
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