Apothacaries Tower
TranscriptThe Apothecary Tower in Portree was completed in 1835 and is home to one of the most unique views on the Island. Looking ahead out to sea, you are looking over Loch Portree and Portree Harbour, beyond in the distance is the Isle of Raasay, well worth a visit on the Ferry from Sconsor. The large hill toward the right of the bay is Ben Tianavaig, standing at just over 400 metres. This is a great steep climb taking around 2.5 hours to get up and down.Apothecaries' towers like this one can be seen throughout the western isles and were often used to indicate to passing vessels that medical supplies and assistance were available in the vicinity.This apothecary tower was built by an unsung local hero - Alisdair Ban MacLeod in the 1830’s. His life serves as a microcosm of the islanders' struggles and triumphs during the mid-19th century.The following stories of Alisdair Ban MacLeod were taken from a famous local book ‘Old Skye Tales’, by William Mackenzie.Alisdair was born into a family of Doctors in 1788 and qualified as a doctor himself in 1809. Word of Dr. Ban’s skill spread far and wide. Soon, patients from neighbouring towns, weary and hopeful, began making the long trek to his doorstep. His once quiet home slowly transformed, taking on more of the hum of a makeshift hospital.The 19th century on these islands was a time of struggle for many, these struggles were not just medical. Islanders who relied on the land for survival faced a brutal reality. Landowners demanded high rents, leaving families with little income and scant control over their lives. Harsh living conditions added a further layer of hardship. These landowners , often unseen, oversaw powerful factors who managed their estates. Both showed little regard for the well-being of their tenants. Stories abound of island families evicted from their land, forced to relocate to harsh, rocky coastlines. Driven by desperation, some resorted to taking soil from the very land they were denied ownership of , for use on the barren land they were given.As Dr MacLeod fame spread, so did his influence - he was appointed to manage several different estates for landowners over his life. Unlike the factors that came before him, he took great care of his tenants. He was a compassionate leader who never charged for medical services while acting as a factor. Dr. MacLeod was a beacon of hope for struggling crofters and farmers on the lands he managed. Despite these tenants facing rent arrears due to poor harvests, eviction was never threatened by Dr Macleod. Instead, he devised projects and agricultural solutions that benefited both the tenants and the estate. He revolutionised agriculture on the Isle of Skye. He developed innovative dam systems to reclaim fertile land from tidal inlets. Additionally, he drained marshes and transformed sand dunes into productive areas. These actions increased available farmland on Skye, allowing for substantial expansion of crops like barley, oats, and potatoes.During this time Doctors like Alisdair MacLeod were called upon to travel to patients all across the island and surrounding area. There were - of course - no cars and no traditional roads. Doctors would routinely have to venture out in stormy conditions and across wild moorlands. Dr MacLeod was no different. One stormy evening in April 1854 Dr MacLeod set out to visit a shepherds wife. On his return he became lost in the treacherous darkness. Dr. MacLeod strayed from the path and plummeted over a sixty-foot precipice.Dr Keith MacDonald wrote on MacLeods death, ‘The gloom was widely felt all over Skye and the Uists. His life was spent relieving suffering humanity, and sacrificed in the end in that pursuit.’ Dr MacLeod stands as a testament to the ingenuity, compassion, humour and unwavering resolve that have always seen the islanders through even the toughest of times.
The Lump
Transcript More information can be found at www.skye-highland-games.co.ukYou’re standing at the lump - the location of the annual highland games.The Lump usually offers a tranquil escape – a place to spread a picnic blanket and soak in the view, a world away from the throngs of visitors. However, on one special day each year in August, a different kind of energy crackles through the air.Have a look at the attached picture to see a flyer advertising the games here in Skye back in 1886. The prize money of £1 would be worth about £160 today (about 200 USD).These traditional highland games, are a testament to Scottish strength and skill. Here you can witness the mighty caber toss, the focused determination of the stone putters, or the raw power unleashed in the hammer throw. Races add another layer of excitement, with competitors vying for not just cash prizes, but the coveted – and perhaps most prized – trophy: a bottle of single malt whisky.The Highland games offer a taste of traditional life here in Skye. The lively energy spills over into highland dancing displays, with their intricate footwork and colourful costumes. The air thrums with the powerful music of pipe bands, and even sailing regattas take place, testing the skills of local skippers.Speaking of skilled skippers, a local legend recently won first place in the Skye Highland Games Sailing Regatta in 2023. His name is Dander MacDonald and he also happens to be my father - congratulations Dad!The origins of the Highland Games are a matter of some debate, but it is generally believed that they date back to the early Middle Ages. These events were originally held as a way to test the physical fitness and prowess of Scots men and women, and they soon became a popular way for the clans to celebrate their culture and heritage.Scotland has several global exports and the Highland Games is one of them. You may have seen them occur in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The events were started in these countries normally by Scots and their descendants as a way to celebrate an important part of Scottish heritage.
Somerled Square
TranscriptThis bustling square bears the name of a legend, Somerled. To truly grasp who Somerled was and why his memory still echoes here, we must journey back in time to when Skye and the surrounding islands remained untouched by the rule of Scottish Kings.The year was 794AD. For 300 years the kingdom of Dál Riata stretched across Skye, the Western Isles and the western coast of Scotland. Christianity - which had arrived from Ireland - had taken hold, its psalms reaching into every coastal community and sacred site. But amidst the prayers and serenity, a vulnerability lurked. These houses of worship, often overflowing with riches, stood exposed, tempting targets waiting to be plundered.On the horizon, ships sailed towards our shores, loaded with warriors from foreign lands. These were the Norse Vikings. Their arrival on Skye would ignite a fire that transformed this land forever.Their initial raids, fueled by fury and greed, left a trail of destruction and plunder. But with time, something unexpected happened. These Norse warriors began to settle, their language mingling with the Gaelic tongue, their customs settling into the fabric of island life for the next 400 years. It was then that Somerled emerged from the shadows of history.Not much is known about Somerleds origins before his name was first recognised in official sources in 1153. His likely lineage, a blend of Gaelic and Norse, positioned him uniquely as a bridge between these two worlds.Somerled's naval strength was particularly notable. His sailors and fighters were capable of navigating the treacherous waters of the Scottish coast and engaging in naval warfare against Nordic and mainland oppressors. Somerled's strategic acumen and naval capability came to the forefront during the pivotal naval Battle of Islay. The battle took place over 850 years ago between the armies of the Norse and Somerleds men. The battle of Islay lasted 2 days in the end being settled by negotiation with the Norse rulers conceding lands to the south and the centuries-long Norse controlled Kingdom of the Isles was torn in two.Somerled became a symbol of resistance celebrated for his ability to navigate the treacherous waters of 12th-century island politics. As you explore the landscapes that Somerled once knew, imagine a world caught between the tides of Norse and Gaelic influences, a realm of warriors and scholars, of raids and reconciliation.Somerled met his end in 1164, leading an expedition against the Scottish King Malcolm IV, Somerled's ambition to extend his influence over the Scottish mainland culminated in his death during a battle at Renfrew, near Glasgow - not far from where the Erskine Bridge now stands. Somerled's legacy did not perish with him; his descendants continued to shape the Scottish and Gaelic landscapes for centuries. He is revered as a founding father of significant Scottish clans such as the MacDonalds, MacDougals and MacAlistairs.
Portree Harbour
TranscriptThis is Portree Harbour. The hills surrounding the bay provide natural shelter. This has made the bay a safe harbour for ships throughout history, helping the town and its commerce to flourish.The harbour was designed by Thomas Telford between 1818 and 1820 and is now over 200 years old. Thomas Telford was a famous engineer of roads and canals in the UK. He designed the roads linking Portree to Uig and Kyleakin, and for our Swedish friends the Gota Canal in Sweden.Portree grew rapidly after the opening of the new harbour to become the main village in Skye. From 1826, the harbour had steamers visiting from all over the North West coast and in 1851 the weekly ship from Glasgow to Stornoway also called in.For anyone leaving the island, this was likely where they boarded a ship and had one last glimpse of home, the final anchoring sight before sailing into the vast expanse of unknown. Throughout Skyes history many have been compelled to leave the island forever. For many, the journey that began at Portree Harbour was one of honour and duty to their country, one that led them to lands far from home, where the outcomes were uncertain.And then there were the emigrants, victims of the clearances, torn from their homes, their land, their very essence. They congregated at the harbour, with meagre belongings and heavy hearts. The waters of Portree Harbour reflected their pain, their dreams, and their silent prayers for a better life on distant shores. They were leaving behind more than just land; they were leaving behind a part of their life.The harbour has also seen Royal visits over hundreds of years. It was the host of King James in 1540, and the escape route of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. Every person who has stood here, from kings to commoners, has been a witness to the same beauty, the hills surrounding the bay offered the last moments of safety before they stepped into the unknown.Have a look at the guide on your phone to see some historic pictures of Harbour life through the generations.Today the harbour is as popular as ever. It’s an ideal place to get fish and chips and look at the boats. Most boats in the harbour are pleasure boats but you will likely see fishing boats tied up alongside the far end of the harbour and you may be lucky enough to see fishermen unloading their catch of the day. The most commonly caught by sea anglers are mackerel and coaly also known as pollock. The fishing boats bring in more variety such as langoustines, crabs, cod and haddock.The orange boat in the Harbour is the RNLI lifeboat which is ready to help anyone that gets into difficulty at sea and is crewed by volunteers who live in Portree. The RNLI is a charity that gets 94% of its funding from charitable donations which can be made at RNLI.org. The Portree Lifeboat is run by volunteers. Contribute to the RNLI Charity which operates the lifeboat at www.RNLI.org
War Memorial
TranscriptIn the heart of Portree, the War Memorial stands as a poignant tribute. Here the village remembers the islanders who departed for the 20th Century's conflicts and did not return. Yet, more than a marker of loss, it stands as a testament to the spirit of small island communities.War impacts every community that faces it, but for small communities like ours, the impact is severe. The story of thirteen men from Portree lost in a single day in France, underscores not just the pain of absence but also the strength found in the unity and collective memory of a close-knit community. Letters from the front, like those of young John McFarlane, offer glimpses of hope and resilience amidst hardship. Here’s an extract from a letter John wrote to his family on Skye:‘We meet quite a number of soldiers who have been in the trenches and they tell us they are not quite as bad as people imagine. We are quite well, and enjoying the fun immensely, much love to all, Johnny’.Later John would write:‘Now we are quite used to shot and shell. The only thing that pains me is to think you are worried.’John MacFarlane was a true son of Skye, despite his hardship his thoughts remained with those in Portree.It was John’s father, Thomas Macfarlane, who constructed this memorial in 1922 as a testament to his son and others like him. Sadly John’s name is on the memorial his father built. John McFarlane was the youngest person from Portree to die in World War One.Every November, a quiet ceremony takes place in the Square on Remembrance Day. Current and former service members gather alongside the local community. It's a powerful tribute, a shared moment to remember the sacrifices made during wartime.This spirit of connection extends beyond the day. Local veterans meet as part of a Veterans Breakfast Club. It's a chance to share camaraderie with fellow veterans and friends.
Introduction to Portree
TranscriptPortree is the capital of Skye home to roughly 2,300 residents year round.The town and the surrounding areas have served as a home to islanders for thousands of years. Recently unearthed treasures hint at a surprisingly long history here. Local digs have uncovered pottery fragments, known as Beaker ware, dating back to 2550 BC – that's around the same time the Egyptians were constructing their pyramids. This evidence suggests Portree has been inhabited since the Early Bronze Age, placing human presence here for at least four millennia.Other findings illustrate diverse and continuous human presence in this area. Excavations have revealed the robust remains of Iron Age roundhouses, indicating a period of established settlement. Medieval coins discovered in Portree suggest extensive trade activity with wider Europe, while ceremonial markers such as standing stones point to rituals and beliefs from a bygone era. This area has some stories to tell.The buildings you see around the square today were mostly built in the mid-1800s. Back then, the village felt totally different. Imagine the sounds of hooves and carts and the calls of herders as livestock were moved through the village on their way to and from the harbour. Perhaps you can even sense the quiet murmur of fishermen returning from a long day at sea, heading for a few drams at the local inn.Portree may be a starting point for many visitors journeying to Skye, but for generations of islanders it was also the end point of their island story. The sea was the highway of the past and this town and it’s harbour was Skye’s gateway to the world. Portree witnessed countless departures – families leaving their possessions and homes behind to seek a new life across the oceans. Many set sail from here to America, Australia, and Tasmania. Perhaps your own family story has threads that lead back here. If so, Portree warmly welcomes you home.The threads of Skye’s story are bound together here. From Vikings to Scottish Kings, Soldiers to sailors, Bonnie Princes and ordinary people living extraordinary lives.
The Last Hanging
TranscriptCenturies ago, the Lump served a far more somber purpose. Here, public executions took place. The last grim execution was performed in June of 1742.A travelling merchant, James Ore, had recently met his tragic end near Rigg just beyond the Old Man of Storr. Not only was his life stolen, but his belongings were plundered by ruthless criminals.A young boy was the sole witness to this terrible crime. He was silenced by the perpetrators, sworn to secrecy and told to never tell another soul about what he had seen. However, fate quickly intervened. He escaped his captors and stumbled upon a nearby manse, home of a local minister. The kind minister, sensing the boy's deep distress, patiently drew out the truth. The boy wished to confess to witnessing something awful, yet was too afraid to speak. With wisdom and compassion, the minister guided the boy to share his secret with a large rock nearby.Alerted by the boy's confession, authorities swiftly apprehended the criminals: Duncan McQueen and Angus Buchanan. Both were taken to Inverness for trial, where McQueen was condemned to hang near Inverness.Buchanan, however, faced a different fate. He was transported all the way back to Portree for a public execution at the lump.The sheriff would write that Buchanan would be,‘transported under a sure guard to Portree in the Isle of Sky and there kept in a sure prison .. until the Eighteenth day of June … and there betwixt the hours of two and four of the Clock of the afternoon … To be hanged by the Neck by the hands of the Hangman upon a gibbet until he be dead…’Imagine the sight – Buchanan, under heavy guard - with this spectacular beauty all around him, heading for the gallows. The townsfolk watched with a mix of morbid curiosity and a touch of fear as Buchanan was condemned. His execution served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of crime and punishment in the 18th century. Following his execution - Buchanan was buried here at the lump.
Boat Trips From Portree
Book HereExperience the tranquil beauty of the Scottish Isles with Seaflower Skye. Departing from Portree, our tours offer three to eight-hour voyages showcasing the scenic coastlines of Rona, Raasay, and Skye. Each journey features a knowledgeable crew, comfortable settings, and a chance to witness local wildlife. Highlights include guided explorations, seafood lunches, and thoughtful seating for up to twelve guests. Private Charters Available.
