The Isle of Skye Scotland

A castle has perched on a rock overlooking Loch Dunvegan since the 13th century. It’s been home to the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years. Its many treasures include the Fairy Flag, said to bring good luck to the clan in times of trouble.

Gateway to Skye, Eilean Donan may not be a name you know, but it is an iconic castle known around the world. Set on an island where three lochs meet, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland.

Armadale Castle is the spiritual Skye home of Clan Donald. Discover 1,500 years of Highland history in the Museum of the Isles. Enjoy a walk through woodland trails, ancient ruins and colourful gardens.

Boasting stunning landscapes and spectacular views, no trip to Skye is complete without a visit to the famous Cuillins. These brooding peaks are divided into two separate ranges by the mighty Glen Sligachan, with the rounded granite ‘red hills’ to the east, opposite the jagged black spikes of the volcanic Black Cuillins, with 11 Munros waiting to be conquered.

Alive with centuries of history, the island capital features colourful cottages nestled round a harbour of gently-bobbing boats. Follow in the footsteps of King James V, who visited the town in 1540, and revel in the folklore of the Royal Hotel, where the fugitive Bonnie Prince Charlie allegedly said goodbye to Flora MacDonald after she helped him flee the mainland.

Journey to the north of the island and gaze in wonder at some of Scotland’s most dramatic scenery. Learn how the Old Man of Storr and awe-inspiring Kilt Rock were formed 65 million years ago. Marvel at the Quiraing rock formation, its imposing edifices caused by huge landslips and now the star of big-screen adventures including Prometheus and The BFG.

Glittering gloriously in the sunlight, this stunning series of crystal-clear pools in the Fairy Glan is a truly magical place that draws admiring visitors from all four corners of the globe. Wander beneath towering crags with the sound of cascading waterfalls ringing in your ears before arriving to admire the pools’ beautifully serene aqua depths. Dare you dive in for a dip?

The Isle of Skye bridge connects mainland Scotland to Kyle of Lochalsh on Skye. First opened in 1995, the bridge charged a toll to cross both ways, however, after much political campaign the bridge became free in December 2004. The total distance across is 1.5 miles (2.4km) with the main arch about 35m high.

Skye’s most westerly point is a place of rugged beauty and natural wonder. Staring defiantly out across the Minch, its famous lighthouse keeps watch over both crashing waves below and screeching gulls above. Dolphins, porpoises and minke whales are often to be spotted off beautiful Moonen Bay, along with basking sharks. Just don’t forget those binoculars!

Travel back in time and fall in love with one of Scotland’s most famous heroines. Learn the story behind the famous song as this plucky lass disguised Bonnie Prince Charlie as her maid to escape “over the sea to Skye” in 1746. Hear about her subsequent spells in prison and America, before visiting her final resting place at peaceful Kilmuir graveyard.

History comes alive at this remote village, whose perfectly preserved artefacts offer a fascinating glimpse into island days gone by. Now a museum each of the seven thatched cottages is filled with cherished belongings used by the people who lived, worked and died here. Gaze into the faces in the many photos and imagine the stories they could tell of life a