Isle Of Skye, Scotland

The Island of Skye, situated off the West coast of Mainland Scotland, is the largest and best known of the Inner Hebrides.
Skye is a perfect location for walkers/hillwalkers and mountaineers. It is a compact island with a wide variety of walks and climbs to suit all abilities, from mountains and hills like the Red Hills, the Storr and Quiraing to more gentle walks such as the walk to Talisker Bay, the Portree Forest walk and the walk to Eas Mor waterfall. There are also some walks in the Cuillin suitable for walkers and hillwalkers, but most of the Cuillin are really for experienced mountaineers only.
Hillwalking, walking and mountaineering apart, there is plenty to see and do on Skye. Favourites are the Serpentarium at Broadford, Dunvegan Castle and the Otter Haven at Kylerhea.
As you travel around the Island it's not unusual to hear snatches of Scottish Gaelic, the indigenous language of the area. Gaelic culture and heritage pervade the atmosphere, each part of the Island having its own tales of times past and plans for the future
Wildlife abounds on the Island, with birds from the tiny Goldcrest to magnificent Golden Eagle, mammals from Pygmy Shrew to Red Deer and fish from Saithe to Salmon. If you are lucky you might catch sight of the elusive Otter playing on the shore. The wide range of geology and topography provides habitats for many wild flowers. Due to its popularity with tourists, you will find many craft shops and cottage museums. As for sports, you can visit the swimming pool in Portree, play golf at Sconser and Skeabost or go pony trekking. Watersports available on the island include diving, canoeing, windsurfing and yachting. Skye is also the ideal place for fishing and birdwatching. But if it's whisky you want, why not visit the Talisker Distillery at Carbost?
The population of Skye at the 2001 census was 9,232. 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 .