Skye, as a tourist attraction, evokes the mystery and enchantment of a Hebridean isle reputed for its spectacular scenery and wealth of legends, An aura of mysticism remains which had its origins in Norse and Gaelic times when the isle was known variously as the cloud island, misty isle or winged isle. The enchantment derives in part from the isle's rapidly changing moods. How not to be spellbound when a heavy mist is pierced by fingers of sunshine prior to rolling away, or when persistent rain clears to reveal a landscape of purest colours and streaming sunshine. Skye, 48 miles long and 3 to 25 miles in breadth, the largest of the Inner Hebrides group, is celebrated for its impressive mountains the, Cuillir Hills. Although treeless and bare, the scene, is an attractive combination of mountain and sea.Crofting, tourism, and forestry are the main occupations. Skye is one of the strongholds of the Gaelic language
Ostaig has a Gaelic College, Sabhal Mor Ostaig a centre of Gaelic.

The Cuillins -These dramatic often harsh routines figure largely in most views of Skye.
The Black Cuillins are a horse-shoe shaped range ericircling the glacial trough of Loch Coruisk. Gabbro rocks form over twenty sharp peaks, all over 3000ft with the highest point being Sgurr Alasdair (3309ft.993mj.
This ridge intersected by ravines and vertical gulley's, provides a real challenge for climbers. Facing these across Glen Sligachan are the conical summits of the Red Cuillins. The pink granite here has weathered to more rounded forms.
The Cuillins are a favourite haunt for climbers, geologists and holidaymakers, however treacherous weather, steep slops ascents and descents require skill and experience. Famous as the seat of the Macleod's, this Harridan fortress is set on a rocky platform commanding Loch Dunvegan. The visit reveals a fascinating story, a mixture of personalities, clan legends and mementoes.
The castle enshrines several priceless heirlooms, notably the Fairy Flag, According to legend this was the parting gift to lain the 4th Chief from his fairy wife with whom he had lived for twenty years.

The Flag has the power of warding off disaster to the clan and has twice been invoked. Other prized possessions are the Dunvegan Cup and Horn of Sir Rory Mor the 15th Chief. Tradition requires that the heir, on coming of age, quaffs the horn filled with claret without falling down! Family portraits include canvases by Zoffany, Raeburn and Ramsay. Dunvegan is the main settlement on the west coast. Looming large on the horizon are MacLeod's Tables, two flat topped mountains where a chief is said to have entertained the Scottish King to a torch lit banquet.

Colbost Folk Museum - The Black House shows a typical abode of the 19C, with the family quarters and byre under one roof. Behind is an interesting example of an illicit whisky still. Documents on display recall how an uprising of local crofters highlighted the problems of 19C crofting. The resultant Croft Act accorded amongst other things the much sought after security of tenure.

A cairn monument overlooking Loch Dunvegan marks the site of a piping school of the MacCrimmons, the hereditary pipers to the MacLeods. A piping centre was re-established nearby in 1976. Glenda/e Water Mill. - Beyond Glendale township, a typically scattered crofting community, there is a mill down in the bay. Over two hundred years ago, crofters came with their grain and a supply of peat, some even from the Outer Hebrides, to mill their grain here. The kiln was used to reduce the moisture Content prior to grinding.

Trotternish Peninsula - This 20 mile long peninsula to the north of Portree is known for its unusual rock formations. A coastal road circles it with lovely seascapes over the Sound of Raasay and Loch Snizort. Portree Set around a bay sheltered by two headlands. the isle's capital is a popular yachting centre.

The Starr a ten mile long ridge rising to 3 000ft-914m. the Storr is a succession of jagged rock shapes. Rising to 160ft-49m on the north-eastern flank is the rock pinnacle The Old Man of Storr. Kilt Rock. - Leave the car at the picnic area and walk along the cliff top. There are interesting cliff formations of basaltic columns. Ouiraing. - From Staffin Bay. this great ridge with its numerous rocky bastions is clearly visible. At the northern end towers the 100ft-30m tall Needle. Duntulm. - The jagged tooth of an ancient MacDonald stronghold stands On its cliff top site commanding the sea route to the Outer Hebrides. IUlmuir. - In the churchyard is a Celtic cross monument to Aora MacDonald (1722-90) commemorating her bravery when she organized Prince Charles Edward Stuart's escape from the Outer Hebrides dressed as her maid. The Prince was soon to arrive in France and lifelong exile, having spent months wandering the Highlands, a hunted fugitive with £30 000 on his head. A quarter of a century later Dr Johnson and Boswell visited Flora at her nearby home.

Skye Croft Museum - The museum regroups a late 19C crofter house, a weaver's house, a smithy and a ceilidh house.The latter has an interesting display of photographs and documents including newspaper cuttings, which give an idea of crofting life in the 12- 19C.

Uig- Ferry port for Lewis and Uist.

Sleat Peninsula - The moorland of the north gives way to a much greener and more fertile area, especially on the west coast, known as the Garden of Skye.

The Clan Donald Centre is a restored stable block serves as a visitor arrival point. One end of Amadale Castle houses a museum exhibition featuring the 'Sea Kingdom the story of the Lords of the Isles and the Gaelic culture. The former grounds offer selection of Woodland walks, nature trails, the arboretum and scenic view points over looking the Sound of Sleat.