Portree Harbour

Though not pictured with a sunny sky and throngs of cheering sunworshippers dotting white sandy beaches, Portree, particularly the harbour, is beautiful any time of year.

Portree comes from the Gaelic Port-an-Righ which means Port of the Kings.  This is presumably due to King James V paying the Isle a visit in the 1500’s (along with a substantial military fleet) as he tried to drum up support from the area clans.

The main town on the Skye, Portree has some decent shopping, plenty of places to stay and eat, and lovely views as well!

Toravaig House Hotel

Toravaig House Hotel

is one of my personal favourite hotels on the Isle of Skye for a multitude of reasons.  It’s obvious from the moment you set foot on the secluded grounds in the ‘Garden of Skye’ that this is first class choice for lodging, with incredible attention to detail and a high standard of quality.

As many of the other properties covered here in our guide, Toravaig House has won its share of awards including Scottish Island Hotel of the Year, Most Excellent Service UK, Tourism Excellence, Hospitality Gold Medal, just to name a few.

The romantic and luxurious accommodation is popular for weddings and receptions.  In fact, if that’s what you’re looking for, I cannot recommend any other selection above Toravaig House.  You really won’t be disappointed.

Part of the charm lies in the fact that each room is uniquely named after an island, and decorated with feature beds iron bed sleights with full canopies. Cozy fireplaces are standard fare, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere to unwind after a day exploring, sailing, or sightseeing.

Did I mention sailing?  Ah, yes! Hotel guests even have access to the Solus na Mara, a 42 foot yacht recently purchased by the hotel.  Icing on the cake in my opinion, spending a day or two out on the water, seeing Skye from angles unavailable on land.

The food is widely renowned as well. Two great chefs prepare your favourite locally produced Scottish produce, fish, seafood and meats. They also do duck, venison, lamb and beef steak, along with halibut, fish, sea bass, scallops and lobster. Our personal recommendation is the full Scottish breakfast featuring Isle of Lewis black pudding, or try the locally sourced smoked haddock and kippers. For a special twist, try a shot of whisky on your morning porridge, made with honey and cream.

If you’re looking for a first-class holiday in Scotland, on the Isle of Skye, look no further!

Address: Toravaig House, Knock Bay, Sleat, Isle of Skye, IV44 8RE

Telephone: 01471833231 or 08450551117

Website: Toravaig House Hotel Website

Borodale House – Raasay Hotel

Borodale House – Isle of Raasay Hotel

is a lovely, secluded, 3-star hotel set on the Isle of Raasay (Ratharsair).  To picture where it is located, imagine skipping a stone between the Scottish mainland, and the Isle of Skye.  Along the way, it would skip across Raasay.  The Isle of Raasay, which is Norse and means Roe Deer, being just 14 miles by 3 miles in size, has limited lodging options.  Borodale House is the only hotel on Raasay.

Borodale House offers 12 en-suite rooms, 10 of which overlook the Sound of Raasay, with particularly lovely views of the Cuillin Hills.  Rooms vary from ’standard’ to ’superior’, and priced accordingly. Upgrade to the superior rooms, which are larger and include everything from fresh flowers and fruit, hand made chocolates, Isle of Arran toiletries and very luxurious towels and linens.

Indirectly affiliated with Borodale House is the Isle of Rona Lodge owner Bill Cowie.  If you would like a bit of an island-hopping holiday, and to get away from it all, then look no further.  Rona is only accessible by boat from Portree or Raasay, has abundant wildlife, ruined settlements to explore, great fishing and more.  There are three holiday cottages, a bothy, camping or a bed and breakfast to choose.

Just like Rona, Borodale House is not open all year-round, so be sure to call well in advance, particularly during the cooler months of the year.  The hotel can be reached via the Sconser ferry terminal at Portree.

Many photos of Raasay feature the familiar flat-topped peak of Dun Caan, towering over the island at 1456 feet.  There are plenty of interesting geologic features, as well as plant and animal life, which are unique to the island such as the Raasay vole, pine martens, mountain hares, white-tailed sea eagles and the magnificent golden eagles.  There are numerous red deer, rabbits, otters and even water shrews.  Some of the more noteworthy plants include the carline thistle and red broomrape, plus several pines, ferns, orchids and saxifrages.

If you are looking for one of the Isle of Skye Hotels which is off the beaten path, unspoiled, and something special, consider Borodale House on the Isle of Raasay.

Address: Isle Of Raasay Hotel, Isle of Raasay, Isle of Skye, IV40 8PB

Telephone: 01478660222

Website:  Borodale House Isle of Raasay Hotel Website