We figures we had to visit one island of Scotland and since the Isle of Skye was easy to get to, that’s where we went. Of course, one of the reasons that it is easy to get to is also the reason for local controversy. A huge bridge was built for access to the island along with a huge toll to use it. The locals are outraged and several were out with their signs protesting the toll. In Portree, the capital town of the island, we saw a coffee mug with an inscription informing all that the bridge is the only place you can be mugged in broad daylight and get a receipt for it. I believe we paid 5 Pounds 50 Pence—which is about $9.35, and we had to pay that each way.

We drove to the town of Portree where we found a wonderful little B&B. It had a sun room that overlooked the town and port and gave us a great place to hang out when it rained. There were lots of little shops to explore in town and Verna just had to buy a lightweight jacket made from brightly colored cotton hand-woven on the island. 

We then took a drive around the island. The northern part has a very rocky and scenic shore as you can see from the picture at right. The picture to the left is of a waterfall right on the coast near Staffin.

On the west side of the island we toured Castle Dunvagen, home of the Macleods for over 700 years. What a beautiful old residence castle. It was filled with massive antique furniture, exotic rugs, and fascinating relics. Among the latter was the Fairy Flag which dates from 400 AD and is purported to possess three significant aspects: 1) the "fairy" is its supernatural force; 2) its origin from the "East" is its spiritual force; and, 3) it assures the Macleods victory in battles. The Macleods have carried this flag into all its battles through the centuries. A second interesting relic was a lock of Bonny Prince Charlie’s hair encased in a locket. A third one was a circa 1500’s silver-rimmed drinking horn, which was used in a test of manhood at the coming-of-age ceremonies of the Macleod males. The horn holds one-half gallon of claret which "Must be drained at one Draught without sitting down or falling down." To do so proves a male Macleod’s fitness to lead his people. 

Although still in perfect condition, the castle is no longer inhabited, and has been turned over to the Heritage Service to be opened to the public. It was vacated about 30 years ago following a party in which one of the guests went missing. About three weeks later, the water began to taste . . . and the missing guest was found . . . in the well. Does dampen a good party.  After touring the castle, be sure to walk through the gardens. At left is one of the waterfalls in the gardens.

At right is a cove on the west coast, near the town of Uig.

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