12 Sensational Facts about the Isle of Skye
If there’s a Scottish island more enchanting than Skye, you’re likely going to be hard pushed to find it! Skye is one of the most popular isles with historians and visitors to Scotland, and it certainly has its place in literature going back centuries. Before you head there, make sure to read up on a few fun facts about the Isle of Skye…
1. The water might give you a new lease on life!
There’s a legend which states that if you put your face in some of the water running through Skye, you’ll receive the gift of eternal beauty. Specifically, it has to be the water running through the Old Sligachan Bridge.
2. The whiskey might do the same, too!
The Isle of Skye is famous for its whiskey. You’ll be able to take tours of Talisker, for example, which is one of Scotland’s most popular distilleries and whiskey brands.
3. To the lighthouse!
One of the most striking landmarks of the isle is the Neist Point Lighthouse, which is a windswept location out on the rugged shoreline. It’s no longer operational, but it’s still a pretty imposing figure, on the whole!
Portree Harbor, Isle of Skye
4. 007 was born here.
The Isle of Skye is, famously, where author Ian Fleming created the character of James Bond. It’s also where some of the movie Skyfall, the 23rd Bond movie, was filmed.
5. It’s a prehistoric playground.
If you’re fascinated by dinosaurs and prehistoric beasts, you’ll love that you can easily find prints of dinos from millennia past here. It’s thought that dinosaurs once roamed the island some 165 million years ago, and the beaches at Staffin are prime spots for you to see prints to prove they were here.
6. Castles in the Skye!
Scotland is well-known for its castles, of course, but Dunvegan is one with a bit of a record behind it. It’s currently home to the clan MacLeod, and it’s the oldest castle in Scotland that’s still habited.
7. The Skye Bridge is younger than you might think.
The Skye Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland, first opened in 1995. The toll prices at the time were said to be extortionate!
8. ‘Skye’ might also mean something different to what you imagine.
The name of the island, Skye, is thought to be a translation of the word ‘ski’ from Norse, which means ‘cloud’.
9. It’s an enduring, yet tiny settlement.
The Isle of Skye is thought to be home to less than 10,000 people. However, it’s been a settlement since the very start of human civilization.
10. Its trades are few, but popular.
Skye mainly trades in whiskey and tourism, however, it does also have a strong agriculture trade.
11. What might you find at Faerie Glen?
The isle is home to the famous Faerie Glen, which legend states is where, as you can imagine, you are supposedly able to spot fairies. The exact location of the glen, apparently, is a well-guarded secret – so if you go on a tour there, you won’t be given the directions on route!
12. What’s the capital of Skye?
Portree is the capital of Skye, and much like the rest of the island, it is fairly sparse when it comes to population. You’ll only find around 2,000 people living here, though it still welcomes plenty of visitors each year.
FAQs about The Isle of Skye
What makes the Isle of Skye so popular?
The Isle of Skye is massively popular thanks to its breath-taking scenery - you’ve never seen mountains out here quite like them before!
How can I travel to the Isle of Skye?
It’s possible to get to Skye via Inverness, the city that’s known as the capital of the Highlands - you can get there via public transit!
Which films were shot on the Isle of Skye?
Skye has played host to all kinds of movie magic - from Stardust to The BFG, Snow White and The Huntsman - and even one of the Transformers movies!
Do you know any fun facts about the Isle of Skye? Share them in the comments below!
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This page was last modified on July 29, 2023. Suggest an edit
