Visitor Attractions on the Isle of Skye
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Dunvegan Castle
The seat of the MacLeod of MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited family home in Scotland. The castle you see today is a mix of architectural styles and is not particularly attractive. The part of the interior open to the public is full of paintings and artefacts including the famous Fairy Flag, a St Kilda mailboat and momentos from the visits of Water Scott and Johnson and Boswell to the Castle, as well as Jacobite relics. The gardens are picturesque and beautifully kept. Cafe by the car park.
Dun Studio
Dun Studio, near Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, is the home and workplace of contemporary artist John Bathgate, whose works in acrylic, mixed media, collage and oils capture the essence of the Scottish landscape in imaginative and abstract images. He has worked professionally for thirty years and moved to the island in 1992, as the North West landscape inspires him most. The Studio is open all year, daily, apart from the odd day. Please phone if making a long journey. Prints and cards also available.
Talisker Distillery Carbost
The only distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. This alluring, sweet, full-bodied single malt is so easy to enjoy, and like Skye itself, so hard to leave. The adult admission charge of £5.00 for our Standard Distillery Tours includes a discount voucher, redeemable in our well-stocked distillery shop towards the purchase of a 70cl bottle of malt whisky, as well as a taste of our Talisker 10 year old. On weekdays our Connoisseurs Tour starts at 1.45pm and includes a more in-depth tour of the distillery as well as a 5 sample nosing and tasting session of whiskies selected from our award winning Talisker range.
Bella Jane Boat Trips Elgol
The Bella Jane sails to the fantastic scenery of Loch Coruisk and its seal colonies. Seals and other wildlife guaranteed. This is a superb trip to one of the most beautiful places on Skye. There is a choice of 1.5hr, 3hr, 4.5hr and all day return trips allowing as much time ashore as you wish, plus a flexible schedule of oneway trips (both in and out) designed for walkers. Trips throughout the day from 9.00am. Booking necessary.
Skye Serpentarium Broadford
The Skye Serpentarium was opened in 1991 by Catherine and Alex Shearer as an exhibition and educational centre, over the years we have gradually become a refuge for unwanted and illegally imported reptiles. We have been featured on BBC, Scottish & Grampian television and have won several awards. Catherine is an experienced herpetologist and has helped rescue over 500 abandoned or rescued reptiles and amphibians. There are over 50 animals on display from White's Tree Frogs to Large Green Iguanas. Catherine, Alex, Billy or an experienced member of staff is always in attendance and frequent snake handling sessions are held.
Aros Portree
Aros is Skye's award winning attraction! If you are interested in music, film and exhibitions or simply looking for good food and a shopping experience you will be well rewarded when you visit us. We are located on the outskirts of Portree where we provide ample parking facilities, kids entertainment and where the RSPB host their acclaimed Sea-eagle exhibition.
Aquaxplore Boat Trips Elgol
Exhilarating wildlife and sightseeing adventures for all ages to the remote Small Isles of Canna, Rum, Eigg, and Soay plus the Cuillin Mountains and Loch Coruisk. Regular sightings of whales, dolphins, sharks, seals, puffins, sea eagles, golden eagles. 1.5hr, 3hr, 4hr, All day & Early Bird trips. Flexible service for walkers & climbers to Loch Coruisk and the Cuillin. Booking essential.
Spindrift Boat Trips Portree
Spindrift sails from Portree pier, taking parties of up to twelve on walking and wildlife visits to the Isle of Rona or the Isle of Raasay as well as shorter cruises in the Sound of Raasay.
Why not come aboard for a Sunset Cruise to finish the day with spectacular views of Skye and the islands from the water?
Brightwater Centre Kyleakin
The Brightwater Centre offers an introduction to Gavin Maxwell, otters and the flora and fauna found on the White Island, Eilean Ban. Especially suitable for children. Tours of Eilean Ban including Gavin Maxwell's last home are available (charge).
Toy Museum Glendale
The original Glendale toy museum was destroyed by fire in 2002 but has now been rebuilt and restocked with surviving and new toys. It is possible for children (and adults!) to play with many of the exhibits.
Shilasdair - Yarns and Dyeing Waternish
The Isle of Skye is an inspiration for all its artists including the Shilasdair dyecraft and design teams. Natural dyeing offers a window into that misty past when lichens and plants of meadow & moor were used to dye plaids and tartans. In ourr studio dye plants from Skye and abroad are applied to fine Scottish wools & luxury fibres to reflect the island colours in a global context, producing yarns as soft as those Skye mists and as vibrantly hued as the landscapes revealed within.
Edinbane Pottery
Edinbane Pottery draws its inspiration from the Isle of Skye and the surrounding islands. Their handmade woodfired and saltglazed ceramics reflect the colours and textures of the sea, the landscape and wildlife, and the feelings that they inspire. Inspiration, innovation and creativity combine to produce a number of unique ranges of work. Visit our studio; you can see the craftsmen at work, browse the wide variety of pottery for sale in the showroom, and take away a unique reminder of Skye.
Misty Isle Boat Trips Elgol
Misty Isle Boat Trips - a family-run business running boat trips from Elgol on the Isle of Skye to the famous Loch Coruisk in the heart of the Cuillin Hills. On your outward journey to Loch Coruisk from Elgol you will visit the large seal colony and see the famous 'Bad Step'. See a variety of sea birds and possibly golden eagles or sea eagles, sightings of dolphins, porpoises, whales and basking sharks are also possible. Choose how long to stay ashore and then return for a free coffee and shortbread onboard.
Heavens Ocean Camus Croise, Isle Ornsay
Heaven's Ocean is the studio / gallery, in south Skye, of David Collins who paints watercolour landscapes of Skye, the Small Isles and the West Coast of Scotland and Emma Siedle-Collins who works with driftwood, embroidered textiles and painted papers to create unique mirrors and collage using found objects collected from the beaches of Skye and also makes a range of cards using natural materials and detachable pendants.
Cuillin Marbles Portree
The place to buy your very own piece of Scotland. Genuine hand made Scottish gifts and jewellery individually crafted on the island from the world-renowned Isle of Skye marble. Historically Skye marble has been carried to bring calm and Good luck. The soft, gentle colour of the marble makes it wonderful for gentle healing of the heart chakra and for working with nature in your healing.
Castle Keep Torrin/Elgol
Professional bladesmith Rob Miller works alongside Garth Duncan renowned goldsmith and knifemaker. Everything is made entirely from scratch, forging and pattern making, moulding and casting, leatherwork and wooden scabbards, all made here in the shop to your exact specifications. I try to maintain an attention to detail in all the authentic Historical pieces that I make.
Skye Brewery Uig
The Brewery was established in 1995 as a partnership between 2 teachers at Portree High School. Situated at the Pier in Uig, the brewery makes a selection of award winning real ales such as Red Cuillin and Hebridean Gold. Tours available and a gift shop at the brewery site.
Dunvegan Castle Seal Boat Trips
Boat trips to visit the common seal colonies out in Loch Dunvegan; these are the largest colonies of seals on Skye. The trips, operating from Dunvegan Castle, get very close to the seals. Seal sightings are guaranteed - or your money is refunded.
Photo by ©Marcel Buckhard reproduced under GNU FDL
Ceumannan the Staffin Ecomuseum
Ceumannan is a museum without walls. There is no roof – just the sky above it. All the exhibits are located in the environment, and require a short walk to discover their stories. Visit our ecomuseum site section and discover all 13 of them. Join us in our talking landscape. Identify footprints from the past. Walk in and out of worlds from history into archaeology and geology.
Take your time. An exciting, fascinating and fun visit awaits you. It's out there! Fàilte.