Isle of Skye Part II

Portree Harbour

The Isle of Skye, or Misty Isle (Eilean a' Cheo in Gaelic), is the largest of what are collectively known as the Inner Hebrides.  And that's GAH-lic, not GAY-lic.  Here in Skye, the McLeods and the MacDonalds were the dominant clans.  Unfortunately, after the Highland Clearances in the eighteenth century - during which many people were evicted to make way for sheep - the population of Skye fell tremendously.  Looking for a job?  Then you might consider farming, fishing, or making whisky.  If urban life appeals to you, try your luck in Portree, the largest...city, with a population of approximately 2500. 

Crofter's cottage with a thatched roof

If you like farming...Crofting was once a method by which people worked the land and subsisted.  A small plot of land normally owned by a landlord, was worked by a crofter, who paid a fee to his landlord.  Sheep and cattle are usually raised on the crofts as the soil is often poor and unsuitable for crops.  

Turnip Cutter

Apparently, this has been an unusual summer even for the inhabitants of Skye.  With three months of sunshine, rainfall amounts have been down.  This, in turn, effects agriculture and the amount of whisky that is produced.  Apparently, Central Scotland found the rain lost by Skye.

Driving on Skye was very interesting.  Aside from the fact that I needed to drive on the left side of the road, single-track roads - initially at least - are somewhat daunting.  Once I was made to back up on one of these roads, but fortunately the toaster I was driving handled the road and the threat of the precipice rather well (it was a sensitive little Vauxhall...).  Or as my dad would say: 'It's rental'.  

'Ewe are my sunshine, my only sunshine'

In yesterday's entry, I mentioned sheep and Highland cattle.  Indeed, there are many sheep on Skye, in all shapes, sizes, and colors.  It is true, though: if sheep get wet, they shrink...What?  Ewe don't like sheep jokes?  They are very docile creatures, and seemed to take little notice of oncoming vehicles.  And if you like lamb and are unable to visit Scotland, a sheep stew is held annually in Dundas, Virginia.  No, it doesn't taste like a wool sweater.

And this woolly thing is a Highland Cow, or a Hairy Coo.  He followed us all around Skye, and currently is awaiting a approval by Customs so that we might bring him back to Danville.  


More tomorrow from Skye!

Kilt Rock