Attractions in Trotternish, Portree and the Braes
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.

Staffin Bay Cruises

Fishing, wildlife and boat trips operating from Staffin in the Trotternish peninsula. See grey seals and sea-birds in a wonderful natural environment. Cruise beneath the spectacular Kilt Rock and the Mealt Falls which cascade directly into the sea.
Try sea-fishing with your experienced Skipper Rob Main. All rods, tackle and tuition provided. Catch mackerel or pollack for your supper! Phone to book.

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

The Old Man Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish peninsula of the Isle of Skye. The hill presents a steep rocky eastern face overlooking the Sound of Raasay, contrasting with gentler grassy slopes to the west.
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.

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.

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.

Attractions in Dunvegan, Duirinish, Waternish and Central Skye
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.

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.

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.

Attractions in Dunvegan, Duirinish, Waternish and Central Skye
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.

Attractions in Dunvegan, Duirinish, Waternish and Central Skye
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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Armadale Castle - Gardens and Museum of the Isles

Armadale Castle Gardens and Museum of the Isles is set in the heart of a 20,000 acre Highland estate. The Clan Donald Lands Trust has restored the gardens and part of the Castle, created the Museum of the Isles as an attraction that appeals to all ages. Armadale has in the stables a licensed restaurant and shop and holds special events throughout the season.

Transportations
By road


There are two main roads to Skye: the A87 and travels west from the A82 [[Fort William - Inverness road at Invergarry (the A887 provides another connection to the A87 further north towards Inverness). The A87 reaches Skye over the bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland to Kyleakin on Skye.

The lesser used but equally scenic route is by the A830 "Road to the Isles" from Fort William to Mallaig and thence by ferry to Armadale.

There is an additional seasonal ferry between Kylerhea and Glenelg, albeit via minor roads.

By ferry
Now that the Skye Bridge is open (and free of charge since 2004), it is no longer essential to travel to Skye by boat, but it is still an enjoyable ride. The main route to the mainland is on the Caledonian Macbrayne (a.k.a. Calmac) ferry between Armadale and Mallaig.

Skyeferry also operates in summer between Glenelg and Kylerhea.

For the Outer Hebrides, Calmac run from Uig in the north of Skye to Tarbert on Harris and Lochmaddy on North Uist. Many travellers bound for the Outer Hebrides will travel through Skye en route to Uig, usually on board the multiple daily Citylink buses from Inverness or Fort William and Glasgow.

A Calmac ferry also operates from Sconser on Skye to Inverarish on Raasay.

By train
There are two railway stations that serve Skye from the mainland, with the terminus of the West Highland Line in Mallaig and the Kyle of Lochalsh Line terminating in its eponymous destination.

From Glasgow and Fort William
Trains travel about three times a day between Fort William and Mallaig, with convenient connections to the Calmac ferry to Armadale. At least one train a day continues to/from Glasgow. During the summer months, a restored vintage steam train hauls a rake of restored carriages on a daily round trip between Fort William and Mallaig. Fares are slightly higher than regular ScotRail services, but offer an additional connection.

From Inverness
Four or five trains operate daily between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness, from where there are connections to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth.

From London and the south
Connections with overnight sleeper trains to/from London Euston are possible six nights a week in both Fort William and Inverness, as well as the daily 'Highland Chieftan' intercity train from Inverness to London King's Cross. For train times and fares contact ScotRail or National Rail.

By bus
Scottish Citylink operate two routes in and out of Skye:

* 914 / 915 / 916 /917 run from Uig or Portree to Kyle of Lochalsh, Fort William, and Glasgow (about six and a half hours from Portree)
* 916 / 917 run from Uig or Portree to Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness (about three and a half hours from Portree)

Limited numbers of discounted advance purchase tickets are available online. It is advisable to reserve a seat during the summer or around holidays.

Local buses 51 & 52 connect Armadale pier (for the ferry to/from Mallaig with Broadford and Portree several times a day (fewer in the winter). Buses 50 & 55 run every 30 minutes over the Skye Bridge between Kyleakin and Kyle of Lochalsh.

Get around By bus
An excellent rural network of local buses is provided by Stagecoach Highlands who recently acquired the local operator Rapsons. Routes include:

* 49, 49B Portree / Elgol
* 50, 55 Portree / Kyle of Lochalsh (for coach and train connections to Inverness, and coach connections to Fort William and Glasgow),
* 52, 52C Portree / Broadford / Armadale (for ferry connections to/from Mallaig and trains to Fort William and Glasgow)
* 53, 54 Portree / Carbost (and the Talisker Distillery) / Fiscavaig
* 56A, 56B Portree / Struan / Dunvegan
* 56 Portree / Dunvegan / Glendale
* 57C (clockwise) & 57A (anti-clockwise) Portree / Flodigarry Peninsula (for Old Man of Storr, the Quirang and Uig)
* 59 Portree / Peinchorran

Fares rise by distance travelled, with a half-hour journey usually costing around £3. In early 2009 a number of fares were increased and the useful three day Rover ticket was discontinued. The only remaining special ticket of interest to tourists is the £6 One Day Rover, which will normally make sense if you are using more than two buses in one day (although drivers will normally advise you if it is cheaper to buy that or singles). Although they are listed alongside local buses in journey planners and at bus stops, passengers should avoid taking Scottish Citylink coaches for journeys wholly within Skye or across the bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh since fares are substantially cheaper on local services.

An area guide for Skye and Lochalsh lists all bus times, and is issued twice annually for winter and summer seasons. It can be downloaded in pdf format from Stagecoach Highlands by clicking on 'Timetables' and then scrolling down to 'Skye and Lochalsh' or picked up in paper form from buses and tourist information centres. It is strongly recommended to check times in advance, paying special attention to any timetable notes relating to days when the bus runs or does not.

By car
Although substantial European and Scottish funding has been made available to improve and widen certain key routes (most recently the southern section of the Armadale to Broadford road), major roads are still quite narrow and can get congested in high season. However in low season driving in Skye is a delight with only the occasional sheep wandering onto the tarmac to concern you. On narrow single track rural roads pay attention to passing places and drive courteously, being ready to pull over to allow an oncoming vehicle to pass.

Car hire is available in Portree and Kyle of Lochalsh, but can be expensive. When travelling to the island in the high season, call ahead for availability.

By bicycle
Many of the roads in Skye are well cyclable, although traffic can be a problem in late summer. If you're cycling, make sure you have good raingear; Skye is wet even by the drizzly standards of Scotland. The ferry from Mallaig accepts bicycles, and the ride from Armadale north to the bridge is pleasant.

Hitching
Hitching is never one hundred percent safe, but residents of Skye are generally very open to giving rides in remoter areas (especially if you've missed the last bus of the day or it's raining).