It’s known as one of the most picturesque islands in Scotland, but Skye has a whole lot more than beautiful scenery on offer.
Rich with history, culture and activities both inside and outdoors, visitors will not be at a loss for things to see and do.
Here’s six of the best ways to spend your time on the Isle of Skye.
Hit the target with an arrow, axe or air rifle
ACE Targets is a small scale, high-quality outdoor activity provider based just outside Portree on the magical misty Isle of Skye.
Focusing entirely in target sports, the business has gained an excellent reputation for quality of service and instruction. The target range is in stunning natural woodland and was purpose built entirely by head instructor Matt Harrison.
Learn to throw an axe, shoot a bow, take aim with an air rifle or break clays, maybe even challenge your mates in the paintball field all under Matt’s watchful eye. ACE Targets caters to families, corporate events, stag and hen dos and staff parties.
ACE Target Sports is now also mobile and available for hire at your venue with exclusive activities such as Sporting Arrows and Nerf Wars at your venue across the West Coast
It’s one of the most unique days out on Skye!
Enjoy a film at the sailing club
ATLAS Arts has collaborated with London art organisation Artangel to present “Singing for the Sea”, a film installation by internationally acclaimed artist, Bethan Huws, in the Skye Sailing Club, Portree.
The film documents a group of eight female Bulgarian singers, or Bistritsa Babi, performing traditional songs on Sugar Sands, Northumberland, on the coast of the North Sea.
In its re-sited presentation overlooking Portree harbour, Huws’ film turns its attention from the east to west, from the North Sea to the North Atlantic.
ATLAS Arts is an organisation ‘without walls’ uniquely placed to deliver a contemporary arts programme in a dispersed remote rural setting.
Singing for the Sea is on display in the Skye Sailing Club, Scorrybreac Boathouse, Portree until October 1, open Tues – Sat 10am – 4.30pm.
Learn using Scotland’s traditional language
Sleat in the south of Skye is home to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a national centre for Gaelic language and culture.
Established in 1973, it is the only college of its kind offering further and higher education courses through the medium of Gaelic. Courses on offer include full-time and part-time, undergraduate and postgraduate, distance-learning and short courses.
Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a modern, innovative college and has excellent on-campus resources including an exceptional library collection, broadcast and recording facilities, residential student accommodation, a Gaelic-medium childcare facility, two shops and a café.
The college attracts people from all over the world including Canada, the USA, Italy, Germany and Japan. The global interest in Gaelic is quite amazing and its culture is rich in traditions, song and music.
If you would like further information about the college, or wish to arrange a visit, please contact fios@smo.uhi.ac.uk.
See puffins and whales from the deck of a boat
SkyeXplorer boat trips guarantee you will see puffins and seals during your time in Skye – and if you are really lucky you will also be able to spot some whales and eagles.
They offer 90 minute trips to the Ascrib Island (non-landing) to visit the Puffin breeding colonies and the resident seals.
There is a wide variety of seabirds around the islands including guillemots, gannets, razorbills, shags and graylag geese. And for those lucky few, there’s the chance to see the majestic white tail sea eagle.
SkyeXplorer also offers 3.5 hour wale-spotting trips between July and September – the time when the whales arrive at their feeding ground around the island.
SkyeXplorer II has comprehensive safety equipment on board and for comfort has a large cabin and a great rear viewing deck.
See the spectacular views from the top of the Quiraing
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the Quiraing offers a fantastic classic hill-walk.
Starting on the road between Staffin and Uig, there is a mix of good paths and steeper slopes, as well as stunning views of cliffs, the area known as the Table and unusual rock formations. The view stretches right over the sea and Staffin Bay to the Torridon mountains.
Make sure the camera is fully charged because there will be plenty of sights to take photographs of!
Take a step back in time at Skye Museum
History buffs will definitely enjoy a visit to the Skye Museum of Island Life.
The award-winning attraction offers visitors a trip back in time to see how island life was 100 years ago.
Set in a number of cottages, you can explore the homes of the crofters, the smith and even the weaver, with traditional items from the period.