The Isle of Skye, usually known simply as Skye (An t-Eilean Sgitheanach in Scottish Gaelic), is the largest and most Northerly Island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. In Scottish Gaelic "sgiath" means "winged".
Its name came via Old Norse Ski= "ski" (and similar meanings), as an alteration of a Pictish original which is recorded in Roman sources as Scitis (Ravenna Cosmography) and Scetis (on Ptolemy's map). Some legends associate the Isle with the mythic figure of Sgathach. The Island is sometimes also known as Eilean a' Cheo- or "Isle of Mist".
The population of Skye, at the 2001 census was 9232. In contrast to many other Scottish islands this represents a 4% increase from the census of 1991 The resident population is augmented in the summer by large numbers of tourists and visitors.
The main industries are tourism, agriculture, whisky-distilling, brewing and craftmaking. The main town and capital of the island is Portree, which is known for its picturesque harbour.
Skye is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, as well as its abundant wildlife including the Golden Eagle, Sea Eagle, Red Deer and the Otter. (Info From Wilkepedia)
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Skye is the second largest island in Scotland after Lewis. The island has some of the most dramatic and challenging mountain terrain in Scotland, including the Cuillin, as well as a rich heritage of ancient monuments, castles, and memorials.
The southwest side of Skye is a series of peninsulas, including Sleat in the south, Strathaird, Minginish and Duirinish, and Waternish in the west, and Trotternish to the north. Surrounding islands include Rona, Raasay, Scalpay and Soay.
History
Skye has sites showing occupation by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, such as the site at An Corran in Staffin.
Skye suffered famine and clearances over the latter part of the 18th century, leading to its badly depleted population of less than 10,000 at the 1991 Census.
The Skye Bridge, linking Skye with the mainland of Scotland, opened in 1995 under a private finance initiative. The high tolls met with widespread opposition, spearheaded by the pressure group SKAT (Skye and Kyle Against Tolls). On 21 December 2004 it was announced that the Scottish Executive had purchased the bridge from its owners and the tolls were immediately removed.
Of all the Inner Hebrides, Skye has the most in common with the Outer Hebrides, with nearly half the population speaking Gaelic, and many belonging to the Free Church of Scotland, known for its strict observance of the Sabbath.
The Talisker Distillery, which produces a single malt whisky, is beside Loch Harport on the West coast of the island.
Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of Clan MacLeod since the thirteenth century.
Skye has a strong folk music tradition, although in recent years dance and rock music have been growing in popularity on the island. The Isle of Skye Music Festival has been growing in recent years and last year featured sets from The Fun Loving Criminals and Sparks. Mylo was born in Skye and frequently returns there to play sets.
The Isle of Skye has been immortalised in the traditional song The Skye Boat Song and in the book To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. Info - With Thanks to Wilkepedia
THANKS FOR THE USE OF THE PHOTOS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES INCLUDING WIKIPEDIA, WWW.FREEPHOTO.COM,SEAN,SCOTTISH MOUNTAIN PHOTO GALLERY, TOBY NEAL, PAUL ALBERTELLA, ALENA,GWEN MACQUARRIE, SHOOTING STARS AND SATTELITES, THE FLUTATIOUS ENSEMBLE AND RUARI HALFORD MACLEOD.
