Spring is a lovely time of year to visit Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, as you can avoid many of the crowds that build up in the summer months.
The downside, of course, is that the weather can be less than perfect. And that was certainly my experience this year when I spent a week on Skye.
But even on a wet and windy day, Skye is dramatic — as I hope my pictures show. I darted outdoors between rain showers to photograph the sky above the Red Cuillin and Broadford.
The sun was shining on the day I walked to the abandoned township of Leitur Fura, with its magnificent views across to the mainland. There were still snowy caps on some of the mountains in the distance.
Another wonderful walk was on the island of Raasay. I’ve already written about my quest to find Calum’s Road on this remote and wild island. On the journey north, I stopped off at some ancient woodland to follow the steep trail known as Burma Road, once a hive of activity in the heyday of the island’s industrial mining past.
Of course, industry of an altogether different sort is key to the economy of Scotland’s islands nowadays. Whisky is big business, and Skye’s iconic Talisker distillery has recently been joined by a smaller newcomer, Torabhaig.
With its distinctive pagoda roof, it’s an interesting place to visit when the weather makes being outdoors impossible.
And the café serves a very nice scone!
Angela Gilchrist I am the former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. My passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. My favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.
