Where land meets sea is truly dramatic in many Isle of Skye photos. This shot clearly illustrates the striking contrasts, colours, and natural scenic beauty.

Thanks again to the natural beauty found on the Isle of Skye in Western Scotland, as well as the wonders of Creative Commons licensed content on Flickr.

While it’s doubtful that you’ll find these colours naturally, with the proper technique in HDR photoshoots, the Isle of Skye can come alive in vivid technicolor!

There are few places in the world with as many possible sunset photo opportunities as on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. This shot, as found on Flickr’s Creative Commons section, highlights what can be done with the right camera (and possibly HDR techniques).

Bosville Hotel

is located in Portree, overlooking the Portree harbour. With two incredible restaurants, a fine meal is always close at hand. Chandlery Restaurant chef John Kelly was recently given a stunning review in The Guardian, who said that his Shiitake Mushroom and Truffle Soup is “about as close to the elixir of life as anyone is likely to get, and is worth the journey to Skye alone”.

John has also published a wonderful cookbook entitled Flavours of Skye. Check it out if you would like some inside tips on what makes Skye cuisine so special. Start with a Portree Landed Langoustines Bisque before moving on to Hand Dived Sconser Scallops, and finish with a Pave of dark chocolate and Kahlua. If you’re in a hurry, dine at the Bistro Restaurant, have some pate on oatcakes, soup of the day with crusty bread, or some lovely melon and exotic fruits with toasted coconut crisps and citrus sorbet.

As Skye’s first boutique style hotel, the accommodation features wonderfully comfortable, deep beds, adorned with stylish comfortable fabrics and furnishings. Superiour rooms and, of course, luxury suites are available upon request. If it’s a special occasion, optional extras can include champagne and flowers in the room, rose petals, scented candles and even hand made Isle of Skye chocolates. Our favourite is the candlelit dinner for two, served in room, for the ultimate in romance and privacy.

Address: Bosville Hotel, 9-11 Bosville Terrace, Portree, Isle Of Skye, IV51 9DG

Telephone: 01478612846

Website: Bosville Hotel Website

Kintail Lodge Hotel is located on the A87 road to Skye and is at the base of the Five Sisters of Kintail, and on the shores of Loch Duich. The location of the Kintail lodge hotel makes it an great setting off point for touring the surrounding areas of Lochalsh, Skye and the Western Highlands.  Avid walker? 30 of Scotland ’s Munros are in this area. For the less energetic, there are many tourist attractions – all suitable for day trips such as Eilean Donan Castle, Attadale Gardens, Isle of Skye, Plockton, and Applecross.

Depending on what time of year you decide to travel, and whether you select a  standard or superior room, prices vary from £45.00 to £60.00 per person per night.  There are 12 en-suite rooms to choose from, each with its own unique charm.  There’s plenty of selection with singles, doubles and twins to choose from – all having been recently refurbished to a very high standard.

On a budget?  Consider the Wee Bunk House or Trekkers lodge where prices are just £13.50 per bed per night!  All the usual amenities, such as snack kitchen with appliances, and so on.  They’ll even prepare a packed lunch for the next day if you ask in advance, which is handy.

There’s a lovely fireplace to sit near and sip a warming beverage, whether it be coffee, tea or malt whisky, resting upon large cushioned couches and having some pleasant conversation.

There’s also a bar, if you’re more inclined to having a few drinks, sampling the regional whisky’s or sharing tales of sights and scenes with fellow guests of the Kintail Lodge Hotel.

The Conservatory Restaurant overlooks the garden and loch and is open morning, noon and night.  Local produce, seafood and game are featured on the menu, with candlelight tables available for that special occasion.

Also close by are:

• Eilean Donan Castle – Scotland’s most photographed and most romantic castle?
• the Falls of Glomach – one of the highest waterfalls in Great Britain
• Glenelg – with its Brochs and General Wade’s Barracks
• Sandaig – with its Gavin Maxwell associations. Maxwell was the author of Ring of Bright Water and The Otters’ Tale.
• Glenshiel – site of 1719 Jacobite battle
• Skye Bridge (free) only 15 minutes away.

Tel: 01599 511275
Fax: 01599 511226
E-mail:  reception@kintaillodgehotel.co.uk
Website: Kintail Lodge Hotel Website

There are many incredible sights when diving in and around Scotland, such as the the Edible Sea Urchin pictured above.  Thanks to Scotdiver and Flickr for sharing the great photograph!

While there are a number of great dive shops to choose from in Scotland, if you are considering diving off the Isle of Skye, then it’s worth considering “Dive & Sea the Hebrides”.  They’ve been in business for over two decades and have all the bases covered when it comes to planning great dives.

If you’re an experienced diver, but don’t want to travel with all your kit, they have it available.  Boat charters? Of course!  With some great package pricing, incredibly detailed knowledge of all the best dive sites, and commitment to service, there is no one I would recommend calling before Dive and Sea the Hebrides.

Check out their website for full details…

Telephone: 01470592219

Website:  Dive and Sea the Hebrides

MacLeod’s Tables

are a beautiful sight at any time of day.  Dunorin House Hotel, just a few miles from Dunvegan Castle, features views of MacLeod’s Tables, the Cuillins, and Loch Roag.  Having such fantastic views is a good reason to consider staying at Dunorin House!  Note that the above photo was not taken from Dunorin House Hotel, but is a lovely shot of the Tables, and was kindly provided by Adrian Fagg.

As you cross the Skye bridge, follow the A87 to Sligachan (which is Gaelic for ’shelly place’, named after the shells which were found on the original site).  Take the A863 to Dunvegan, passing it 3 miles.  There you’ll turn left at the Roag/Orbost junction.  A few hundred metres down the road and you’ll be at the Dunorin House Hotel.

Dunvegan is one of the few (and largest) villages on Skye which isn’t located on the island’s east coast.  It is also home to Dunvegan Castle, which dates back to the 1200’s, and was likely the location of a fort in centuries prior.  In Dunvegan you will find several quaint shops, the famous Giant Angus MacAskill Musuem, and several placed to dine or have a beverage.

MacLeod’s Tables are composed of the two flat-topped mountains Healabhal Beag (1601 ft) and Healabhal Mor (1538 ft).  If you enjoy a nice wee stroll, the summit of Helabhal Beag (the southern table) can be reached in about 2-3 hours.  Note the sarcasm…  although this is not like climbing Ben Nevis, it is a bit more than a wee stroll!  Whether you go for the summit, or enjoy the view from nearby, MacLeod’s Tables are full of history – and mystery… if you’ve heard the story of St. Columba.

The hotel dining room has views of the Cuillins across Loch Roag on a nice day. The restaurant menu does vary and includes of traditional Scottish fayre, using the finest local produce and it is complemented by a select wine list. I’d recommend trying the Baked Mallaig herrings with basil butter as a starter, or perhaps Loch Dunvegan Langoustines, before moving on to the main course. Hearty main courses are numerous, and all mouth-watering. Consider the Scottish Sirloin Steak served with a whisky & cream sauce or Skye Salmon en-croute with fresh leek cream.  Top it all off with a traditional home-made clootie dumpling for dessert.

Whatever the season, enjoy an after dinner beverage in the lounge.  Cooler months, cozy up in front of the open log fire and in summer, enjoy the views over Loch Roag.  There are, of course, a number of traditional malt whiskies, including none other than Talisker, a native of Skye.  The Talisker distillery is just down the road at Carbost and available for tours.

Room fares range from £45.00 to £70.00 per night. If you plan on spending a few days in the area, why not try the Special Offer of just £210.00 per person? This includes 3 nights stay, dinner and breakfast!

Address: Dunorin House Hotel, Herebost, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, IV55 8GZ

Telephone: 01470521488

Website:  Dunorin House Hotel Website

The known history of Skye stretches back many centuries, and includes colourful stories ranging from the days of clans, battles for freedom, escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie.  While much of the history is undoubtedly quite accurate, as with any mythical place such as Skye, there has surely been some imagination woven into the tall tales.

Whatever your reason for wanting a visit to Scotland Isle of Skye, be sure to diary several days for exploring the natural scenic beauty, budget several extra pounds to sample the fine local whisky, and of course, bring your camera!

If you are coming to Skye for more than a few hours, Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter, plan on a wee bit of rain.  It WILL rain.  This is generally not the driving rain that instantly soaks you to the bone, but rather a light misty rain that will come and go.  Don’t worry, a little rain won’t stop the ferries, nor should it deter you from seeing this wonderful island.

In the summer, the temperatures will average 15-16 degrees Celsius, with evening temps of 9-10 degrees.  The winters are quite mild, ranging from 6-7 degrees during the day, and 2-3 degrees at night.  Winter is a great time to visit, with lower accommodation prices, less people crowding the streets, and generally, more the feeling of having the island to yourself.  Go skiing at Aonach Mor, then take a few days to unwind on Skye!

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

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