Tours
Scotland’s largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago, the Isle of Skye, is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular islands in the country. It can be reached by car in just over four hours from Glasgow on the West Coast.
This enchanting island is famous for its fairy pools, rugged coastlines, and breathtaking scenery that captivates both locals and visitors. It is a land of myths, legends, and otherworldly beauty.
In my opinion, the Isle of Skye is an exceptional destination, and one of my favorites in Scotland due to its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and peaceful atmosphere. There is nothing more satisfying than wandering this island barefoot, carefree, and fully immersed in the surrounding environment.
So, to shed more light on this charming Scottish island, here are six interesting and unique facts about the Isle of Skye.
1 : The population of sheep exceeds that of humans !
With approximately 100,000 sheep of various breeds, the island of Skye has a higher population of sheep than humans, who number around 10,000. It is common to encounter sheep wandering freely on the streets. Additionally, visitors may come across Highland cattle, also known as “hairy coos,” roaming around Skye.
2 : At one time, the Isle of Skye was one of the most prominent areas in Scotland where Gaelic was spoken.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the usage of the Gaelic language was in decline in Scotland, but the Isle of Skye maintained a Gaelic-speaking population of over 90 percent during this time.
Currently, it is still possible to learn and study Gaelic on Skye, and the island is actively working towards the preservation of its endangered language.
3 : The largest town on Skye has a population of slightly more than 2,000 people.
The capital of the Isle of Skye is Portree, which is famous for its cheerful and colourful buildings, as well as its easy-going small-town vibe.
4 : Legend has it that sticking your face in the water beneath the Old Sligachan Bridge on Skye for seven seconds and allowing it to air-dry naturally will grant you eternal beauty.
According to the tale, Skye was once home to a fierce female warrior named Scáthach, who was renowned as the world’s greatest warrior. Cú Chulainn, Ireland’s most beloved warrior, traveled to Skye to challenge her.
Despite his Herculean strength, Scáthach was fearless, and the battle between the two lasted for weeks. However, Scáthach’s daughter grew tired of the fighting and ran to the Sligachan River, weeping and begging for it to stop.
Unbeknownst to her, the water is a gateway between the faerie world and ours, and the faeries heard her plea. They instructed her to put her face in the water for seven seconds, promising that it would provide her with a solution.
The daughter went on to gather the finest herbs, meats, nuts, and other delicacies that Skye had to offer, creating a sumptuous feast. The aroma was so tempting that Cú Chulainn and Scáthach smelled it and decided to take a break from their battle to enjoy the meal.
Eating in Scáthach’s home meant that Cú Chulainn was her guest, and as such, he was compelled not to harm his host, his guest, or anyone else within. This marked the end of the battle and the two warriors made peace.
Because of Scáthach’s beauty and her tears of love that flowed into the river, it is said that the faeries will grant anyone who immerses their face in the Sligachan River eternal beauty.
5 : There are dinosaur prints.
If you’re a fan of Jurassic creatures, you’ll be delighted to know that Skye is host to several dinosaur prints on its soft sedimentary rocks. 165 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the Isle of Skye and you can still witness their existence by visiting Staffin and other locations. Although the prints are covered during high tides, they become visible during low tides on the beaches of Staffin. The prints belong to Ornithopods, which were herbivorous bipedal dinosaurs.
