We stayed in Fort William twice. It is a half way point between Glasgow airport and the Isle of Skye. The trip leaders took us to some lovely places around the nearby lochs (see other posts).
For Dan’s Thursday Doors: Czechoslovak Room – No Facilities
Sunset overlooking Uig. Uig: from Norse – Vik – or Ùige (Scottish Gaelic)- Meaning Bay. Set in a sheltered bay on the Isle of Skye’s north coast, Uig has a ferry port connecting Skye with the Western Isles.
A stream at sunset called Lon an Eiriannaich near a schoolhouse near Carbost, Isle of Skye, Scotland.
A couple of trees from the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
Cill Chriosd, also known as Kilchrist Church, is a ruined 16th-century parish church on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, located on the B8083 road between Broadford and Elgol in Strath Suardal. It served as the parish church for Strath for over 300 years, including the clearance villages of Boreraig and Susinish.
Christian worship at this site is thought to date back to the 7th century, when St Mael Ruba preached from nearby Cnoc na-Aifhreann (“Hill of the Mass”). The first stone church here likely appeared in the medieval period, and the present ruins replaced that earlier structure in the 1500s. Written records begin in 1505 with chaplain Kenneth Adamson. The first Protestant minister, Neil Mackinnon, was appointed in 1627; he was known for his strictness and reportedly reporting Catholics to authorities. The church was used until 1840, when the parish was moved to Broadford. The site now stands roofless, with parts of the earlier medieval west gable still visible.
The ruins are a low, rubble-built rectangle, about 53 ft long by 17.5 ft wide, with walls up to 8 ft high and over 2 ft thick. The south wall has three inwardly splayed windows, and the east gable features a balustraded burial enclosure for Clan Mackinnon. Inside, the nave measures roughly 52 ft 9 in by 17 ft 6 in. The building is oriented about 30° from east–west and has no openings on the north or west walls.
Cill Chriosd sits atop a small mound, with a graveyard containing 18th–19th century gravestones, some Celtic crosses, and a section of a crudely carved cross head. Nearby, Beinn Na Caillich rises to the west, and Loch Cill Chriosd lies to the south-west. The site offers panoramic views of Strath Suardal and the surrounding mountains.
Highland cows, or “coos,” can be seen across the Isle of Skye, with Hector’s Highland Coos in Sconser being a popular spot for visitors. Duirinish: Close to the Skye Bridge, this traditional village often has free-roaming Highland cows. Plockton: A picturesque coastal village nearby where cows may be seen grazing.
Highland cows are a hardy Scottish breed known for their long, shaggy coats and impressive horns, adapted to survive Scotland’s unpredictable weather. On the Isle of Skye, these gentle giants can be spotted grazing in fields, often near small villages or along scenic roads.
Always keep a safe distance, avoid sudden movements, and do not attempt to feed or touch them, especially if calves are present. They are calm and docile but large, so respecting their space ensures both visitor and animal safety. Spring (April–May) is calving season, offering the chance to see adorable calves, while summer provides lush green pastures ideal for photography. Highland cows come in various colors beyond the classic ginger, including black, white, yellow, dun, and brindle.
The Isle of Skye primarily raises hardy sheep breeds such as Cheviots, Scottish Blackface, and Hebridean sheep, well-suited to the island’s rugged and wet landscape.
Sheep on Skye are typically raised on small-scale crofts averaging 2–15 acres, often with access to common grazing land. Crofters prioritize sustainability, animal welfare, and traceability, with sheep grazing on natural pastures and being supplemented with feed during harsh winters. The crofting lifestyle also integrates sheep management with other activities such as vegetable growing, poultry keeping, and small-scale tourism, reflecting the diverse and community-oriented nature of Skye agriculture.
The Quiraing is a unique geological formation on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish escarpment on the of the Isle of Skye. It was created by a massive landslip, which continues to shift today, producing cliffs, pinnacles, and hidden plateaus. Notable features include the Needle, a 120-foot rock pinnacle; the Prison, a pyramid-shaped outcrop resembling a medieval keep; and the Table, a flat grassy plateau historically used to hide cattle from Viking raiders. The name “Quiraing” comes from the Old Norse “Kví Rand,” meaning “Round Fold”.
The main Quiraing Circuit is a 6.8 km (4.3-mile) loop, with sections requiring scrambling over loose rocks and steep grassy slopes. The route offers sweeping views of the Isle of Skye, the Outer Hebrides, and the mainland mountains. A shorter Prison Walk covers 4 km roundtrip, suitable for those with limited time or mobility. The path can be muddy, slippery, and uneven, especially after rain. Some sections are close to cliff edges, so caution is advised. Hiking boots, waterproof clothing, and layered attire are recommended.
The Quiraing is accessible via a single-track road connecting Uig and Staffin, about 35–40 minutes from Portree. Weather is a key factor; clear days provide the best visibility and photography opportunities. Sunrise and sunset are ideal for dramatic lighting. The Quiraing is accessible year-round, but winter and autumn offer misty, atmospheric conditions.
Image 2 is a mural on a wall in Portree. Our photography group went to the Quiraing at dawn.
Neist Point is the westernmost tip of the Isle of Skye in the area known as ‘Durinish’. It is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, iconic lighthouse, and abundant wildlife.
Neist Point is one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland and can be found on the most westerly tip of Skye near the township of Glendale. From the path you will see stunning views of the high cliffs and the lighthouse itself, at sunset the view is made even more spectacular making this a top destination for landscape photographers. This walk is not suitable in all weather conditions. As it takes you near high cliffs so it cannot be recommended in windy conditions or if it’s misty (low visibility).
Neist Point Lighthouse was built in 1900 when it was a manned lighthouse. Since then the internal light system has been updated to an automated system that no longer requires daily maintenance. The light is 43 meters above sea level and can be seen up to 16 nautical miles offshore. The keeper’s cottages that surround the main tower are now privately owned, for a few years were used as holiday lets, but recently don’t seem to have been used.
Image 2 is a mural in Portree.
