Isle of Skye Guide

Skye, the Island and Lochalsh - Eilean a' Cheň. Here the stark rise of the jagged Cuillin ridge drops to the gentle white of a soft sand beach. Inlets, bays and islands create a complex lacework pattern with the sea. Tiny villages and historic keeps are familiar and fascinating. A place where time means nothing, and beneath every footstep lies 500 million years of history.

Among the places to visit in the Isle of Skye is Descend Glen Shiel, one of the most breathtaking experiences in the Highlands, to beautiful Loch Duich, the gateway to a unique and inspiring landscape.

Here are some facts about the Isle of Skye:

• Internationally renowned single malt 'Talisker' is a native of the Isle of Skye. Famous for it's higher than average peat content, it's also a key component of both Johnnie Walker whiskey and the liqueur Drambuie.

• Built in 1830, the Talisker Distillery on the Isle of Skye is still operational and open to tourists, despite stopping production briefly in World War II.

• Bonnie Prince Charlie came to Britain in 1745 to launch his Jacobite rebellion and return his father to the throne, what he didnt he realise was that a year later he'd resort to being smuggled onto the Isle of Skye as supporter Flora Macdonald's maid 'Betty Burke'.

• After time in prison for her exploits trying to help Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora Macdonald died and was buried on the Isle of Skye.

• Unusual for an island in the Hebrides, there are several palm trees growing on the Isle of Skye, the town of Plockton is famous for them. The cause is the warm Gulf Stream air that reaches the island.

• English novelist and Bloomsbury Group stalwart Virginia Woolf set her novel To The Lighthouse on the Isle of Skye. Although the lighthouse that she describes is actually in Cornwall, the Ramsay family featured in the novel are holidaying in Skye.

• The singer Donovan lived with his family on the Isle of Skye (his daughter is named Ione Skye) and in 1972 Beatle George Harrison came to stay with him to escape the pressures of fame. Also, Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull owned an estate at Strathaird, while DJ and producer Mylo is a native of the Isle of Skye.

• The 2007 movie 'Stardust' used the Isle of Skye as a main location, the Kingdom of Stormhold. Cast and crew fell in love with the island and location so shooting was extended.

Here are just some places to visit in and around The Isle of Skye: