The Isle of Skye is one of those achingly romantic Scottish locations. Situated off the west coast of Scotland
the islands have been battered by the Atlantic weather systems to create a unique and rugged environment
with much to offer the travel photographer.
Since the opening of the Skye Bridge , and even more so following the successful campaign to abolish tolls,
Skye has become an easier place to get to than in the past, and the journey there is almost enough to distract
you from ever reaching your destination!
The island itself is geographically diverse, which is surprising for such a small area. The north of the
island is dominated by the Trotternish Ridge – a vast inland cliff that runs the 20 mile length of
the Trotternish peninsula and the home of such iconic features such as “The Stoer” and “The
Quirang”. The cliff itself is a remnant of a vast lava flow that was once 4000 feet high!
Of course, the north of the island doesn’t get to keep all the landscape wonders to itself, the southern
end of Skye boasts the Cullins – one of Scotland ’s most infamous mountain areas. The Cullin
hills themselves are split into two groups – the Red and the Black Cullins, divided by Glen Sligachan
with the Red Cullins to the East and the Black to the West. If you are looking to walk and climb in the hills,
the Black Cullins are the more serious undertaking!
Of course, being an island, Skye has another obvious photographic subject – the coast! And again,
it doesn’t disappoint here either. There is great mix of sandy beaches and rocky shores to choose between,
and many good walks along the coasts for those not wanting to take on the challenge of the ever present Cullins!
No trip to Skye would be complete without a visit to the Talisker distillery in Carbost. The distillery
operates a tour throughout the year (the times are available from the Tourist Information Office). Although
no photography is allowed inside the plant itself, the tour is full of interesting information, and there
are few things better than sampling a local spirit in its place of origin, which is an integral part of any
distillery tour (the price of the dram being included in the ticket cost!). The distillery itself from the
outside also makes an interesting subject to photograph being positioned right on the sea shore. Looking
up to the distillery at low tide over the foreshore can make an interesting photograph.
It’s not just landscape on offer in Skye. For the wildlife photographer there is the Otter Sanctuary
at Kylerhea with a comfortable hide equipped with binoculars for those who haven’t there own! The coast
line is also a haven for otters and sea birds, including the Sea Eagles that are starting to establish in
this area! Sea Safari’s operate from a number of locations and can be an excellent way to get up close
and personal with some of the aquatic residents of the island.
The islands are also well supplied with features of historical interest, from castles such as Dunvegan
and its gardens, through to the ruined remains of fortifications such as Caisteal Maol at the edge of Kyleakin.
Dotted around the island are the remains of old Crofting communities, long since abandoned or cleared. There
are old churches and also sites which lay testament to the long history of human occupation of this windswept
and rugged landscape.
Skye is a great destination to be added either onto a general tour of Scotland or its west coast, as well
as a worthy destination in its own right. The best time of year to visit is May-June or September-October
as these months usually have good weather and the midges aren’t at their most ferocious! If you are
venturing to the islands, or indeed Scotland , between these two windows be prepared for either foul weather
or the onslaught of the dreaded Highland Midge (which is best repelled with Avon Skin-So-Soft Dry Oil Spray!).
The island’s compact nature makes travelling around easy, although I would suggest Portree as the
most suitable place to base yourself for the variety of places to eat and drink, as well as it having a small
camera store. If you are looking for some of the finest Scottish Cuisine (yes, there really is such a thing!)
then the Three Chimney’s Restaurant in Colbost is highly recommended, but book well in advance! The
restaurant also offers rooms for those looking for some real luxury during their stay! Whilst on the subject
of food and drink, the Isle of Skye Brewery is based in Uig and its wares are available throughout the island,
and are very worth sampling, as is the produce of the more recently opened Cullin Brewery based at the Sligachan
Hotel.
If you are seeking cheaper accommodation than that provided by the hotels, guest houses and B&Bs of
Skye, there is a bunkhouse and campsite at the Sligachan where you can wake up in the mornings to a spectacular
view of the Cullins.
Specific equipment is not entirely necessary – I have come away from the island with great shots using
both a digital compact and a DSLR, although the latter is preferable! A tripod really comes into it’s
own for the long exposures around the coast or in low light, and a set of ND Grads would be recommended to
really make the most of that atmospheric sky. More importantly be prepared for “changeable” weather – it
can be warm and cold, wet and dry all in the same day, 4 seasons in one day rings very true up here!
An invaluable book for both ideas of walks and locations is Chris Townsend’s “ Isle of Skye ” which
is part of the Collin’s Ramblers Guide series (ISBN: 000220200X) . The photographs that illustrate
the walks are of a high quality, well printed and simply inspire you to get out and explore!
One of the great joys of Skye is that should you run out of things to do on the island itself you are well
positioned to explore both the small island of Raasay , which is home to some spectacular volcanic geology,
or head over to the mainland of Scotland where Eilean Donnan and Plockton are but a stones throw away.
About the Author
Rob Sutherland lives in Stirling and works as an engineer. Rob has been taking photographs
seriously since sometime in the mid 1980's (with a Fuji made Praktica clone) and loves to shoot just
about anything, so long as it's outdoors. Rob's work has been published in Singletrack Magazine,
www.singletrackworld.com and www.outdoorsmagic.com.
More of Rob's work can be found at http://www.alpinist.co.uk/.
