Skye – See, Do, Love

The theme song from Outlander is known as the “Skye Boat Song” that recalls the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie (dressed as a serving maid) with the aide of Flora McDonald. Interestingly, the words of the hit programme used are not the original ones, but rather a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson (of Treasure Island, Kidnapped & Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde fame), to fit the storyline better.

The result is a haunting success of two Scottish masterpieces.

Facing the harbour in Portree is the Royal Inn, formerly known as McNab’s Inn and was the indeed last meeting place of Bonnie Prince Charlie (of song) and his rescuer in 1746.  This is but one wee example, that in addition to the landscape and wildlife, there is just so much history, culture and no small part of luxury that also define the beauty of Skye, I thought I would show you a handful of other sights.

History abounds everywhere but no where more so than the spectacular Dunvegan, home of the Chief of Clan MacCloud for over 800 years.

You can’t take picture inside, but I was only told that after I managed this snap of the family’s emblem of a bull and their motto “Hold Fast”.  Dunvegan is also home to the famed “Fairy Flag” that was to have been given to the MacClouds by Titania, wife of Oberon, King of the Fairies.

(Please just pause for a moment and enjoy that I live in a country whose national animal is the Unicorn and boasts a national treasure of Fairy Flag.  Beat. That!)

Of course, you can’t go to Skye without a tour of the Talisker Distillery.  They don’t let you take pictures of the huge copper kettles and inner workings, but you do get a taster at the end so, hey ho!

You also get to see single malt ageing away in their cosy casks.  These one have been here since 1979 so this is destined to be the very, very, very good stuff.

So good, you can even buy a bottle of 35 year old Talisker for the bargain price of £525 (or just under $1,500) per bottle!

In addition to world class whisky, Skye is also known for its food and luxury accommodations.  This is the Kinloch Lodge, run by Claire and Godfrey MacDonald which was recently names as one of the 25 best small hotels by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine.

You have to just love the whole Highland Lodge thing where antlers adorn just about everything.  Fabulous as it was, we didn’t dine at the Kinloch,

but we did at this next beauty of Flodigarry Hotel. Another fantastic spot that even comes with its own helicopter landing pad for the extra, extra posh!

But these wee building is the gem in the culinary crown of Skye.

This is this the Three Chimneys Restaurant a world renown Michelin starred restaurant with 5 Star Luxury Accommodations

While the interiors where very simple the smell that were emanating from the kitchen as it prepared for service were just sublime.

As my kids were with me I wasn’t able to dine here (yet).  But I think I keep it in mind for the next big birthday that ends in zero…..

Skye also boasts its own brewery,

and is a virtual hot bed of artists, artisans and crafts of all kinds.

I couldn’t resist, sorry!

 An believe it or not folks, this just barely scratched the surface of all that Skye has to offer.

So, I am left to console myself with my memories and trying to come up to speed on a few more local delicacies until we can return again next autumn.

What can I say, but Get Thee to Skye!