The Skye Experience...

The magical Isle of Skye is the "crown jewel of the Scottish Highlands": rugged mountains, shimmering lochs, dramatic coastline, peat moors, off-shore islands beloved of seals.

The peace and quiet here have to be experienced to be believed. Indeed the tourists who come here enjoy above all else the tranquillity and serenity of the island. On Skye the pace of life is unhurried. Here is one of the few parts of the U.K. where it is genuinely possible "to get away from it all", unwind and relax.

Skye is a large island, about sixty miles long, and is ideal for the disabled visitor, in that the astonishingly beautiful and constantly varying scenery of mountains, moors and lochs can be enjoyed without needing to leave the car. For those who enjoy a more active holiday, Skye offers outstanding walking country, whether you are a serious hiker or just enjoy roaming where you like amid breath-taking scenery.For the brave, there are mountains to climb. Fishing in river, loch and sea attracts many tourists as well.

The whole island is unspoilt and unpolluted, with ruined castles and Iron Age forts, abundant wild-life and treasures for the bird-watcher. Large birds of prey such as buzzards can be seen every day and herons are common. If you are lucky, you will see an eagle, an otter, minkie whales, dolphins, porpoises. Seals are guaranteed, basking on a rocky shore or swimming playfully close to land.From several harbours on Skye, you can enjoy a boat-trip to watch wild-life in their natural habitat.

You can also visit folk museums and, in Dunvegan, the nearest village to us, the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland, the grandeur of Dunvegan Castle. Or enjoy in Portree an evening of authentic Highland music. You can also choose golf or go horse-riding. And we haven't mentioned the whisky! Our local Inn offers you 99 different single malts.

We are just 40 minutes drive from the picturesque harbour of Uig. From Uig, on a combined ferry/minibus (accessible for wheelchair users) tour, in the season you can enjoy a wonderful day out to the Outer Hebrides, touring the scenic beaches of Harris. On Skye itself there are dozens of views, points of interest, art studios and craft shops that are well worth a visit. Nowadays all main roads are of a high standard.

Some parts of Scotland are very cold in the winter, but the West coast benefits from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream; so here we enjoy mild winters. It is a good time for a holiday or a short break here when our prices are low, there are few tourists and the scenery can be at its best with snow on the peaks of the rearing Cuillin mountains.

The stunning scenery on Skye and of much of the West coast of Scotland has often been called awe-inspiring. We just wish that we had painting skills, for the sheer quality of the light brings many artists to the island. The subtle shades of the ever-varying light mean that the panoramic view is changing all the time. It is fascinating just to sit and gaze!

Relaxing on your private patio with a glass in your hand, watching the sunset across the sea over the mountains of the Outer Hebrides, is a memorable experience. "Over the sea to Skye" can mean a great holiday!