Skye 15259 223889285 2008-07-06T10:27:57Z Lightbot 7178666 Units/dates/other {{other}} {{Infobox Scottish island | |Map=UK Skye.PNG |GridReference=NG452319 |celtic name=An t-Eilean Sgitheanach |norse name=Skíð |meaning of name= Etymology unclear |area=1,656.25 km² (639.21&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi) |area rank=2 |highest elevation= [[Sgurr Alasdair]] 993&nbsp;m (3,257&nbsp;ft) |Population=9,232 |population rank=4 |main settlement=[[Portree]] |island group=Skye |local authority=[[Highland (council area)|Highland]] |references=<ref name=WHM146>Murray (1966) page 146.</ref><ref>General Register Office for Scotland (28 Nov 2003) [http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/publications-and-data/occpapers/occasional-paper-10.html "Occasional Paper No 10: Statistics for Inhabited Islands"] Retrieved [[9 July]] [[2007]].</ref><ref name=Smith>Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 173-9.</ref><ref name=OS>[http://getamap.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getamap/frames.htm?mapAction=gaz&gazName=g&gazString=NG4525231950 "Get-a-map"]. [[Ordnance Survey]]. Retrieved [[30 March]] [[2008]].</ref> }} '''Skye''' or the '''Isle of Skye''' ([[Scottish Gaelic]] '''An t-Eilean Sgitheanach''' {{pronounced|əɲ tʰʲelan s̪kʲiə.anəx}}), is the largest and most northerly island in the [[Inner Hebrides]] of [[Scotland]]. The island's peninsulas radiate out from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin hills. Although it has been suggested that the Gaelic name describes this shape there is no definitive agreement as to its origins. The island has been occupied since the [[Mesolithic]] and has a colourful history including a time of Norse rule and a long period of domination by [[Scottish clan|clans]] [[Clan MacLeod|Leod]] and [[Clan MacDonald|Donald]]. The events of the 19th century had a devastating impact on the human population, which today numbers around 9,200. In contrast to many other Scottish islands this represents a 4% increase from the census of 1991.<ref name="population">{{cite web| url=http://www.scottish-islands-federation.co.uk/population.htm| title=Scotland's Island Populations| publisher=The Scottish Islands Federation| accessdate=2007-09-29}}</ref> The residents are augmented in the summer by large numbers of tourists and visitors. The main industries are [[tourism]], agriculture, fishing and [[whisky]]-distilling. The largest settlement is [[Portree]], which is known for its picturesque [[harbour]]. Just over 30% of the residents on Skye speak [[Scottish Gaelic|Gaelic]]. Skye is part of the [[Highland Council]] local government area and is now linked to the mainland by a road bridge. The island is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, and its abundant wildlife including the [[Golden Eagle]], [[Red Deer]] and [[Atlantic Salmon|Salmon]]. ==Etymology== [[Image:Quiraing, Isle of Skye.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Looking south from the [[Quiraing]], Skye.]] Skye's history includes the influence of Gaelic, Norse and English speaking peoples and the relationships between their names for the island are not straightforward. The Gaelic name for the Isle of Skye is ''An t-Eilean Sgitheanach'' (or ''Sgiathanach'', a more recent and less common spelling). The meaning of this name is not clear.<ref>[http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/features/featurehistory1620.html "Skye: A historical perspective, drawn from the Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland"]. Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved [[1 June]] [[2008]].</ref> Various etymologies have been proposed, such as the "winged isle" or "the notched isle"<ref>Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2003) [http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/language/gaelic/vl-trans.htm#places ''Placenames'']. (pdf) Pàrlamaid na h-Alba. Retrieved [[23 March]] [[2007]].</ref> but no definitive solution has been found to date and the placename may be from a [[substratum]] language and simply be opaque.<ref>Oftedal, M. ''The Gaelic of Leurbost'' Norsk Tidskrift for Sprogvidenskap 1956</ref> For example, writing in 1549, Donald Munro, High Dean of the Isles wrote: "This Ile is callit ''Ellan Skiannach'' in Irish, that is to say in Inglish the wyngit Ile, be reason it has mony wyngis and pointis lyand furth fra it, throw the dividing of thir foirsaid Lochis".<ref>Munro, D. (1818) ''Description of the Western Isles of Scotland called Hybrides, by Mr. Donald Munro, High Dean of the Isles, who travelled through most of them in the year 1549.'' Miscellanea Scotica, 2. Quoted in Murray (1966) page 146. English translation from [[Scots language|Lowland Scots]]: ''This isle is called ''Ellan Skiannach'' in [[Scots Gaelic language|Gaelic]], that is to say in English, "The Winged Isle", by reason of its many wings and points that come from it, through dividing of the land by the aforesaid lochs''.</ref> This was by no means the first written reference. [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] sources refer to the ''Scitis'' (see the [[Ravenna Cosmography]])<ref>[http://www.kmatthews.org.uk/Ravenna_Cosmography/group34.html "Group 34: islands in the Irish Sea and the Western Isles 1"] kmatthews.org.uk. Retrieved [[1 March]] [[2008]].</ref> and ''Scetis'' can be found on a map by [[Ptolemy]].<ref>Strang, Alistair (1997) ''Explaining Ptolemy's Roman Britain''. Britannia. Vol. 28 pp. 1-30.</ref> A possible derivation from ''[[Asterisk|*skitis]]'', an early [[Celt]]ic word for "winged", which may describe the island's peninsulas that radiate out from a mountainous centre, has also been suggested.<ref name=Smith/> [[Image:Hebridesmap.png|thumb|275px|Map of the Hebrides. Skye is the northernmost large red island.]] In the Norse sagas Skye is called ''Skíð'', for example in the [[Hákonar saga Hákonarsonar]] saga<ref>[http://sagnanet.is/saganet/?MIval=/SinglePage&Manuscript=100391&Page=882&language=english "Haakon Haakonsøns Saga"] Norwegian translation by [[P. A. Munch]]. saganet.is. Retrieved [[3 June]] [[2008]].</ref> and a skaldic poem in the [[Heimskringla]] from c. 1230 which contains the line ''Hungrþverrir lét herjat hríðar gagls á Skíði''<ref>Schultz, W. (1869-72) [http://www.heimskringla.no/original/heimskringla/sagamagnuskonungsberfoetts.php "Saga Magnús konungs berfœtts"] Heimskringla.no. Retrieved [[4 June]] [[2008]].</ref> which translates as "the hunger battle-birds were filled in Skye with blood of foemen killed".<ref>[http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Heimskringla/Magnus_Barefoot%27s_Saga#King_Magnus_Makes_War_on_the_Southern_Hebudes "Magnus Barefoot's Saga"]. English translation: en.wikisource.org Retrieved [[4 June]] [[2008]].</ref> According to other authors, it was referred to in Norse as ''skuy'' (misty isle)<ref name=Smith/>, *skýey or ''skuyö'' (isle of cloud).<ref name=WHM146>Murray (1966) page 146.</ref> It is not certain whether the Gaelic poetic name for the island, ''Eilean a' Cheò'' "isle of the mist" precedes or postdates the Norse name. Some legends also associate the isle with the mythic figure of Queen [[Scáthach]].<ref>MacLeod, Fiona [http://www.horrormasters.com/Text/a2391.pdf "The Laughter of Scathach the Queen"] (pdf) horrormasters.com. Retrieved [[1 March]] [[2008]].</ref> The problems with the proposed Gaelic etymologies can be summed up as follows. Firstly, the Gaelic word for "winged" is ''sgiathach'' and ''sgiathanach'' is not attested in Gaelic except in the place name and the [[ethnonym]] ''Sgiathanach'' "person from Skye". Secondly, the recorded pronunciations all point towards a clear [a] preceding the ''-ach'' ending: [s̪kʲiəhanəx], [s̪kʲiə.anəx] or [s̪kʲiaːnəx].<ref>Borgstrøm, C. (1941) ''The Dialects of Skye and Ross-shire''. Oslo. Norwegian University Press.</ref> This means the form ''Sgiathanach'' is very unlikely to be based on the Gaelic plural of "wing" (''sgiathan''), which contains a [[schwa]] ([s̪kʲiəhən]) and would represent a highly unusual adjectival form based on a plural noun. Thirdly, the [[diminutive]]/[[nominalization|nominaliser]] ending ''-an'' would result in [s̪kʲiəhan] but the form ''sciathán'' is only attested in [[Irish language|modern Irish]]. The [[Old Irish]] attested form is ''scíath'' (cognate with [[Welsh language|modern Welsh]] ''ysgwydd'' "shoulder") with a reconstructed Celtic form ''[[Asterisk#Linguistics|*]]skeito-'', which suggests the Irish form ''sgiathán'' is an innovation and an unlikely root for ''Sgiathanach''.<ref>MacBain, A. (1911) ''An Etymological Dictionary of the Gaelic Language'' Stirling. Eneas MacKay. 1982 edition by Gairm ISBN 901771686.</ref> Finally, deriving the name from ''Scáthach'' involves two main problems: there would be a case of unexplained [[palatalisation]] of [s̪k] to [s̪kʲ] and an unexplained extra element ''-an-''. The roots of the Roman and Greek forms, ''Scit-'' and ''Scet-'' (meaning unknown), could be the root of ''Sgitheanach'' as they would regularly develop into Old Gaelic [s̪gʲiθ-] and be an entirely logical source for the attested Norse ''Skíð''. It would also lead to modern ''Sgitheanach'' via a regular suffigation of ''-an'' and ''-ach'' to form an ethnonym and adjective. This would also explain the use of an apparent root form in ''An Cuan Sgith(e)'' the [[The Minch|Little Minch]] (the [[strait]] separating the [[Outer Hebrides]] from the [[Inner Hebrides]]) and the older Irish form of ''Scíth'' rather than the modern ''An tOileán Sgiathanach'', for example: ''Do ṡiuḃal sé Scíṫ agus an dá Uiḃeast agus Beinn a’ Ṁaola...'' "He travelled Skye and the two Uists and Benbecula...".<ref>Ó Caḋlaiġ, C. ''An Ḟiannuiḋeaċt'' Oifig an tSoláṫair 1937</ref> In this case the interpretation of the name as "winged" may simply be a case of [[folk-etymology]].<ref>For discussions of phonological development see Borgstrøm (1941), Oftedal, Magne (1956) ''The Gaelic of Leurbost''. Oslo. Norsk Tidskrift for Sprogvidenskap and McCone, Kim (ed) (1994) ''Stair na Gaeilge: In Ómós do Phádraig Ó Fiannachta''. Coláiste Phàdraig, Maigh Nuad. ISBN 0-901519-90-1.</ref> In April 2007 it was reported in the media that the island's official name had been changed by the [[Politics of the Highland council area|Highland Council]] to ''Eilean a' Cheò''. However, the Council clarified that this name referred only to one of its 22 wards in the then impending election, and that there were no plans to change signage or discontinue the English name.<ref name=WHM146/><ref name="EaC">{{cite news| author=Tinning, William| url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1365849.0.0.php| title=Council says Isle of Skye will keep English name| work=[[The Herald]]| date=1 May, 2007| accessdate=2007-09-29}}</ref> ==Geography== [[Image:Skye map.PNG|thumb|left|Skye and the surrounding islands]] At 1,656&nbsp;km² (639&nbsp;[[square mile|mi²]]), Skye is the second-largest island in [[Scotland]] after [[Lewis and Harris]]. The coastline of Skye is a series of [[peninsula]]s and bays radiating out from a centre dominated by the [[Cuillin]] (Gaelic:''An Cuiltheann'') hills. The main peninsulas include [[Trotternish]] in the north, [[Waternish]], [[Duirinish, Skye|Duirinish]], [[Minginish]] and [[Strathaird]] to the west and [[Sleat]] in the south. Surrounding islands include [[Isay]], [[Longay]], [[Pabay]], [[Raasay]], [[South Rona|Rona]], [[Scalpay, Inner Hebrides|Scalpay]], [[Soay, Skye|Soay]] and [[Wiay]].<ref name=Murr146>Murray (1966) page 146.</ref><ref name=Smith/> Malcolm Slesser suggested that its shape "sticks out of the west coast of northern Scotland like a lobster's claw ready to snap at the fish bone of Harris and Lewis" <ref>Slesser (1970) page 19.</ref> and [[W. H. Murray]] that "Skye is sixty miles long, but what might be its breadth is beyond the ingenuity of man to state".<ref name=Murr146/> [[Martin Martin]] visited the island and reported on it at length in a 1703 publication. His geological observations included a note that: <blockquote>There are marcasites black and white, resembling silver ore, near the village Sartle: there are likewise in the same place several stones, which in bigness, shape, &c., resemble nutmegs, and many rivulets here afford variegated stones of all colours. The Applesglen near Loch-Fallart has agate growing in it of different sizes and colours; some are green on the outside, some are of a pale sky colour, and they all strike fire as well as flint: I have one of them by me, which for shape and bigness is proper for a sword handle. Stones of a purple colour flow down the rivulets here after great rains.<ref name=Martin>[[Martin Martin|Martin, Martin]] (1703) [http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/mno/martinmartin.html ''A Description of The Western Islands of Scotland'']. Undiscovered Scotland. Retrieved [[31 May]] [[2008]].</ref></blockquote> The Black Cuillin, which are mainly composed of [[basalt]] and [[gabbro]], include 12 [[Munro]]s and provide some of the most dramatic and challenging mountain terrain in Scotland. The ascent of [[Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh]] is one of the longest rock climbs in Britain and the [[Inaccessible Pinnacle]] is the only peak in Scotland that requires technical climbing skills to reach the summit.<ref name=Smith/><ref>[http://www.skyewalk.co.uk/innpinn.shtml "Sgurr Dearg and the In Pinn"] skyewalk.co.uk Retrieved [[2 March]] [[2008]].</ref> A full traverse of the Cuillin ridge may take 15-20 hours to complete.<ref>Wells, Colin (2007) [http://www.sundayherald.com/sport/nationalsport/display.var.1429069.0.running_in_heaven.php "Running in Heaven"]. Glasgow. ''Sunday Herald'' Retrieved [[9 March]] [[2008]].</ref> The Red Hills (Gaelic: ''Am Binnean Dearg'') to the south are sometimes also known as the Red Cuillin. They are mainly composed of [[granite]] that has weathered into more rounded hills with many long screes slopes on their flanks. The highest point of these hills is [[Glamaig]], one of only two [[Corbett (hill)|Corbetts]] on Skye.<ref>Johnstone, Scott ''et al'' (1990) ''The Corbetts and Other Scottish Hills''. Edinburgh. Scottish Mountaineering Trust.</ref> [[Image:Am basteir.jpg|thumb|The vertical west face of [[Am Basteir]] in the Cuillin, with [[Sgurr nan Gillean]] in the background]] Trotternish is underlain by basalt, which provides relatively rich soils and a variety of unusual rock features. The Kilt Rock is named for the [[tartan]]-like patterns in the 105&nbsp;metre (350&nbsp;ft) cliffs. The [[Quirang]] is a spectacular series of rock pinnacles on the eastern side of the main spine of the peninsula and further south is the rock pillar of the [[The Storr|Old Man of Storr]].<ref>Murray (1966) page 149.</ref> Beyond [[Loch Snizort]] to the west of Trotternish is the Waternish peninsula, which ends in Ardmore Point's double rock arch. Duirinish is separated from Waternish by Loch Dunvegan. It is ringed by sea cliffs which reach 295&nbsp;metres (967&nbsp;ft) at Waterstein Head. [[Oolite|Oolitic]] loam provides good arable land in the main [[strath]]. Lochs Bracadale and Harport lie between Duirinish and Minginish which includes the narrow valleys of Talisker and Glen Brittle and whose beaches are formed from black basaltic sands.<ref>Murray (1966) pages 156-61.</ref> Strathaird is a relatively small peninsula close to the Cuillin hills with several small [[Croft (land)|crofting]] communities.<ref>[http://www.elgolandtorrinhistoricalsociety.org.uk/about.htm "The locality"] Elgol & Torrin Historical Society (''Comunn Eachdraidh Ealaghol agus Na Torran'') Retrieved [[9 March]] [[2008]].</ref> The bedrock of Sleat is Torridonian [[sandstone]] which produces poor soils and boggy ground, although its lower elevations and relatively sheltered eastern shores produces a lush growth of hedgerows and crops.<ref>Murray (1966) pages 147 and 165.</ref> ===Climate=== The influence of the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and the [[Gulf Stream]] create a mild oceanic climate. Temperatures are generally cool, averaging 6.5 [[°C]] (44 [[°F]]) in January and 15.4 °C (60 °F) in July at Duntulm in Trotternish.<ref name=Cooper/><ref>Figures provided for Staffin, only a few miles to the east, average 4.6 °C (40.2 °F) in January and 15.6 °C (60.0 °F) in July at noon. Slesser (1970) pp. 31-3. (20-year averages). See also [http://www.carbostweather.co.uk/Staffin/staffinweather.htm "Weather Data for Staffin Isle of Skye"]. carbostweather.co.uk. Retrieved [[7 June]] [[2008]].</ref> Snow seldom lies at sea level and frosts are fewer than the mainland. Winds are a limiting factor for vegetation with speeds of 128&nbsp;kph (80&nbsp;mph) being recorded and south-westerlies the most common. High winds are especially likely on the exposed coasts of Trotternish and Waternish.<ref>Murray (1966) page 147.</ref> In common with most islands of the west coast of Scotland, rainfall is generally high at between 1500-2000&nbsp;mm (60-80&nbsp;in) per annum and the elevated Cuillin are wetter still.<ref>Murray (1966) page 147.</ref> Variations can be considerable, with the north tending to be drier than the south. [[Broadford, Isle of Skye|Broadford]], for example, averages more than 2,870&nbsp;mm (113&nbsp;inches) per annum.<ref>Slesser (1970) pp. 27-30</ref> Trotternish averages 200 hours of bright sunshine in May, the sunniest month.<ref> [[W.H. Murray|Murray, W.H.]] (1973) ''The Islands of Western Scotland.'' London. Eyre Methuen. p.79.</ref> <!--Infobox begins-->{{Infobox Weather |metric_first= Yes |single_line= Yes |location =Duntulm, Skye |Jan_Hi_°C =6.5 |Feb_Hi_°C =6.6 |Mar_Hi_°C =8.1 |Apr_Hi_°C =9.6 |May_Hi_°C =12.4 |Jun_Hi_°C =14.3 |Jul_Hi_°C =15.4 |Aug_Hi_°C =15.7 |Sep_Hi_°C=14.2 |Oct_Hi_°C =11.5 |Nov_Hi_°C =9.1 |Dec_Hi_°C =7.6 |Year_Hi_°C = 10.9 |Jan_Lo_°C =2.4 |Feb_Lo_°C =2.2 |Mar_Lo_°C =3.3 |Apr_Lo_°C =4.3 |May_Lo_°C =6.5 |Jun_Lo_°C =8.7 |Jul_Lo_°C =10.4 |Aug_Lo_°C =10.7 |Sep_Lo_°C =9.4 |Oct_Lo_°C =7.2 |Nov_Lo_°C =5.1 |Dec_Lo_°C =3.6 |Year_Lo_°C = 6.2 |Jan_Precip_inch=5.84 |Feb_Precip_inch=3.93 |Mar_Precip_inch=3.24 |Apr_Precip_inch =3.40 |May_Precip_inch =2.87 |Jun_Precip_inch =3.35 |Jul_Precip_inch =3.83 |Aug_Precip_inch =4.41 |Sep_Precip_inch =5.05 |Oct_Precip_inch =6.00 |Nov_Precip_inch =5.63 |Dec_Precip_inch =5.58 |Year_Precip_inch =53.13 |source = <ref name=Cooper>Cooper, Derek (1983) ''Skye''. Law Book Co of Australasia. ISBN 0710095651. pp. 33-5. Averages for rainfall are for 1916-50, temperature 1931-60.</ref> |accessdate = }}<!--Infobox ends--> [[Image:Skye-Portree-arjecahn.jpg|thumb|left|Portree, Skye's largest settlement]] ===Towns and villages=== {{seealso| Category:Skye Villages }} [[Portree]] in the north at the base of Trotternish is the largest settlement, and main service centre on the island, with a population of 1,960.<ref>[http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/highlandfactsandfigures/highlandprofile.htm "Highland Profile"] The Highland Council (2004 estimate). Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> Broadford is on the east side of the island and [[Dunvegan]] in the west. [[Kyleakin]] is opposite [[Kyle of Lochalsh]] on the mainland, the Skye Bridge now spanning the narrow strait between them. [[Uig, Skye|Uig]] is on the west of the Trotternish peninsula and [[Edinbane]] is located between Dunvegan and Portree.<ref name=Smith/> ==History== ===Prehistory=== A [[Mesolithic]] hunter-gatherer site dating to the 7th millennium BC at ''An Corran'' in Staffin is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Scotland. Its occupation is probably linked to that of the rock shelter at [[Sand, Applecross]] on the coast of [[Ross and Cromarty|Wester Ross]]. Surveys of the area between the two along shores of the [[Inner Sound]] and Sound of Raasay have revealed thirty three sites with potentially Mesolithic deposits.<ref>[http://www.staffin.net/data/localhistory/geology/corran.htm "An Corran"] Staffin Community Trust (''Urras an Taobh Sear'') Retrieved [[15 March]] [[2008]].</ref><ref>Wickham-Jones, C.R. and Hardy, K. [http://www.historyscotland.com/features/firstsettlers.html "Scotlands First Settlers"]. History Scotland Magazine. Retrieved [[15 March]] [[2008]].</ref> Finds of [[Heliotrope (mineral)|bloodstone]] [[microlith]]s on the foreshore at Orbost on the west coast of the island near Dunvegan also suggest Mesolithic occupation of the area. These tools probably originate from the nearby island of [[Rùm]].<ref>[http://www.umb.no/noragric/publications/workingpapers/noragric-wp-27.pdf ''Aesthetics, morality and bureaucracy: A case study of land reform and perceptions of landscape change in Northwest Scotland''] (pdf) Centre for International Environment and Development Studies, Noragric. Retrieved [[19 May]] [[2008]].</ref> [[:gd:Rubha an Dùnain|Rubha an Dùnain]], an uninhabited peninsula to the south of the [[Cuillin]], has a variety of archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic onwards. Loch na h-Airde, which is situated close to the ruins of a promontory fort, is linked to the sea by the artificial 'Viking canal' and there are remains of prehistoric settlement dating from the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages nearby.<ref>[http://www.arcl.ed.ac.uk/arch/annrept/skyesurv.htm "Skye survey"] University of Edinburgh. Retrieved [[15 March]] [[2008]].</ref> [[Dun Ringill]] is a ruined [[Prehistoric Scotland#Iron age|Iron Age]] hill fort on the Strathaird peninsula, which was further fortified in the [[Middle Ages]] and may have been the seat of [[Clan MacKinnon]].<ref>Ritchie, Anna and Ritchie, Graham (1998) ''Scotland: An Oxford Archaeological Guide''. Oxford University Press. ISBN 019288002-0</ref> ===Norse Rule=== The Norse held sway throughout the Hebrides from the 9th century until after the [[Treaty of Perth]] in 1266. However, little remains of their presence in the written or archeological record on Skye. [[Viking]] heritage is nonetheless claimed by [[Clan MacLeod]] and Norse tradition is celebrated in the winter fire festival at Dunvegan, during which a replica Viking long boat is set alight.<ref>[http://www.celtictraditions.com/content/800x600/isle_of_skye/norse_connection.htm "The Norse Connection"] celtictraditions.com. Retrieved [[15 March]] [[2008]].</ref> ===The Clans & Scottish Rule=== [[Image:Blaeu - Atlas of Scotland 1654 - SKIA - The Isle of Skye.jpg|thumb|Skye as shown on [[Willem Blaeu|Blaeu's]] 1654 Atlas of Scotland]] The most powerful clans on Skye in the post Norse period were Clan MacLeod, originally based in Trotternish, and [[Clan MacDonald]] of Sleat. The MacDonalds of [[South Uist]] were bitter rivals of the MacLeods, and the attempt by the former to murder church-goers at [[Trumpan]] in retaliation for a previous massacre on [[Eigg]], resulted in the "Battle of the Spoiled Dyke" of 1578.<ref> Murray (1966) p. 156.</ref><ref>[http://www.thehendrys.freeserve.co.uk/eigg/eigg.htm "The Massacre at Trumpan Church and the subsequent Battle of the Spoiled Dyke"]. The Hendry Family. Retrieved [[25 May]] [[2008]].</ref>After the failure of the [[Jacobite]] rebellion of 1745 [[Flora MacDonald (Scottish Jacobite)|Flora MacDonald]] became famous for rescuing Prince [[Charles Edward Stuart]] from the [[House of Hanover|Hanoverian]] troops. Although she was born on South Uist her story is strongly associated with their escape via Skye and she is buried at Kilmuir in Trotternish. Skye was visited by [[Samuel Johnson]] and [[James Boswell]] during their 1773 [[A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland|''Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland'']]. Boswell wrote of their visit to Kilmuir that "To see Dr. Samuel Johnson, the great champion of the English Tories, salute Miss Flora MacDonald in the isle of Sky, was a striking sight; for though somewhat congenial in their notions, it was very improbable they should meet here.<ref>Boswell (1785) pp. 142-3.</ref> Written on her gravestone are Johnson's words that hers was "A name that will be mentioned in history, and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour".<ref>Murray (1966) pages 152-4.</ref> In the wake of the rebellion the clan system was broken up and Skye became a series of landed estates. Of the island in general, Johnson observed: <blockquote> I never was in any house of the islands, where I did not find books in more languages than one, if I staid long enough to want them, except one from which the family was removed. Literature is not neglected by the higher rank of the Hebrideans. It need not, I suppose, be mentioned, that in countries so little frequented as the islands, there are no houses where travellers are entertained for money. He that wanders about these wilds, either procures recommendations to those whose habitations lie near his way, or, when night and weariness come upon him, takes the chance of general hospitality. If he finds only a cottage he can expect little more than shelter ; for the cottagers have little more for themselves but if his good fortune brings him to the residence of a gentleman, he will be glad of a storm to prolong his stay. There is, however, one inn by the sea-side at Sconsor, in Sky, where the post-office is kept.<ref name = Johnson>Johnson, Samuel (1775) ''A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland''. London. Chapman & Dodd. (1924 edition). Pages 73-4.</ref> </blockquote> [[Image:Dunvegan Castle.jpg|thumb|left|Dunvegan Castle, looking towards MacLeod's Tables]] Skye has a rich heritage of ancient monuments from this period, especially [[castle]]s. [[Dunvegan Castle]] has been the seat of [[Clan MacLeod]] since the [[1200s|thirteenth century]]. The castle contains the ''[[Fairy Flag]]'' and is reputed to have been inhabited by a single family for longer than any other house in Scotland.<ref>[http://www.dunvegancastle.com/content/default.asp "Dunvegan Castle"] dunvegancastle.com Retrieved [[2 March]] [[2008]].</ref> The 18th century [[Armadale Castle]], once home of [[Clan Donald]] of [[Sleat]] was abandoned as a residence in 1925 but now hosts the Clan Donald Centre.<ref>[http://www.clandonald.com/index.php/page/castle/ "Armadale Castle"] Clan Donald Centre. Retrieved [[2 March]] [[2008]].</ref> Nearby are the ruins of two more MacDonald strongholds, [[Knock Castle (Isle of Skye)|Knock Castle]], and [[Dunscaith Castle]], the legendary home of Queen Scáthach.<ref name=Smith/><ref>[http://www.baronage.co.uk/2003a/macdonald.html "The Barony of MacDonald"] baronage.co.uk Retrieved [[2 March]] [[2008]].</ref> [[Caisteal Maol]] built in the late 15th century near [[Kyleakin]] and once a seat of [[Clan MacKinnon]] is another ruin.<ref>[http://www.castles.org/Chatelaine/MAOL.HTM "Caisteal Maol"] castles.org Retrieved [[2 March]] [[2008]].</ref> ===Clearances=== [[Image:Scotland Skye Trotternish.jpg|thumb|Restored [[black house]], Isle of Skye]] From the latter part of the 18th century up to the mid-19th century, the inhabitants of Skye were devastated by [[famine]] and [[Highland Clearances|clearances]]. The "Battle of the Braes" involved a demonstration against a lack of access to land and the serving of eviction notices. The incident involved numerous crofters and about 50 police officers. This event was instrumental in the creation of the [[Napier Commission]], which reported in 1884 on the situation in the Highlands. Disturbances continued until the passing of the 1886 [[Crofters' Holdings (Scotland) Act 1886|Crofters' Act]] and on one occasion 400 [[Marine (military)|marines]] were deployed on Skye to maintain order.<ref>[http://www.highlandclearances.info/clearances/clearances_battleofthebrae.htm "Battle of the Braes"] highlandclearances.info. Retrieved [[29 March]] [[2008]].</ref> An example of a clearance village can be seen at [[Boreraig]], Strath Swordale. The clearances contributed to a severely depleted population, which measured less than nine thousand at the 1991 [[Census]].<ref name="population"/> ===Overview of population trends=== In common with many Scottish islands, Skye's population peaked in the 19th century and has experienced a significant decline since then in the wake of the Clearances. By 1971 the population was less than a third of its 1841 peak recorded figure. The later years of the twentieth century saw a revival and the total grew by over 28% in the thirty years to 2001. <div style="float:left; width:48%;"> {| class="wikitable" | '''''Year''''' | '''''Population'''''<ref name=Smith/> |- | 1755 | 11,252 |- | 1794 | 14,470 |- | 1821 | 20,827 |- | 1841 | 23,082 |- | 1881 | 16,889 |- | 1891 | 15,705 |- | 1931 | 9,908 |}</div><div style="float:centre; width:48%;"> {| class="wikitable" | '''''Year''''' | '''''Population''''' |- | 1951 | 8,537 |- | 1961 | 7,479 |- | 1971 | 7,183 |- | 1981 | 7,276 |- | 1991 | 8,847 |- | 2001 | 9,232 |}</div><br clear="all"> The changing relationship between the residents and the land is evidenced by Robert Carruther's remark circa 1852 that "There is now a village in Portree containing three hundred inhabitants". Even if this estimate is inexact the population of the island's largest settlement has likely increased since then by about 600%. During the period the total number of island residents has declined by 50% or more.<ref>Carruthers was the editor of the National Illustrated Library's 1852 edition of Boswell (1785) who added a footnote to this effect. See [http://www.archive.org/details/journaloftourtoh00boswiala p. 141.]</ref> ===Gaelic in Skye=== Skye has historically been a very strong Gaelic speaking area. Both in the 1901 and 1921 census, all parishes in Skye were reported to be over 75% Gaelic speaking. By 1971, only the [[Kilmuir]] parish still had more than 75% Gaelic speakers, the rest of Skye ranged between 50-74%. This made Kilmuir the only area outside the Western Isles which had more than 75% Gaelic speakers.<ref>Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2004) [http://www.linguae-celticae.org/dateien/Gaelic_1901-2001.ppt ''1901-2001 Gaelic in the Census''] (PowerPoint ) Linguae Celticae. Retrieved [[1 June]] [[2008]].</ref> In comparison, it remains a relatively strong Gaelic speaking area in spite of a continued decline. in the 2001 census, Skye overall had 31% Gaelic speakers. These are unevenly distributed, with the strongest Gaelic speaking areas located in the far North and South-west of the island ([[Staffin]] 61%, [[Tarskavaig]] and [[Achnacloich]] 54%). The weakest areas are in the far West and East of the island ([[Galtrigill]] 18%, [[Luib]] 23%, [[Kylerhea]] 19%). All other areas on Skye range between 48% ([[Earlish]]) and 25% ([[Kyleakin]]). Kilmuir, historically one of the most Gaelic areas, today has 47% Gaelic speakers.<ref>Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2004) [http://www.linguae-celticae.org/dateien/Gaelic_1901-2001.ppt ''1901-2001 Gaelic in the Census''] (PowerPoint ) Linguae Celticae. Retrieved [[1 June]] [[2008]].</ref> ==Government and politics== [[Image:OM Storr 2004.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Old Man of [[The Storr|Storr]], Skye]] In terms of [[Local government of Scotland|local government]], Skye forms part of the [[Highland Council]] area (''Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd'') based in [[Inverness]].<ref name=HC>[http://www.highland.gov.uk "The Highland Council (''Comhairle na Gaidhealtachd'')"]. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> From 1975 to 1996, Skye, along with the neighbouring mainland area of [[Lochalsh]], constituted a [[Local government of Scotland|local government]] district within the Highland administrative area. In 1996 the district was included into the [[Highland Council|Highland Unitary Authority]], and formed one of the new council's [[area committees]].<ref>[http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1994/Ukpga_19940039_en_1.htm "[[Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994]]: Chapter 39".] Office of Public Sector Information. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> Following the [[Scottish local elections, 2007|2007 elections]], Skye now forms a four-member ward called '''Eilean a' Cheò'''; it is currently represented by two [[Independent (politician)|Independent]], one [[Scottish National Party]], and one [[Liberal Democrats|Liberal Democrat]] councillors.<ref name=HC/> Skye is in the [[Highlands and Islands (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Highlands electoral region]] and comprises a part of the [[Ross, Skye and Inverness West (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Ross Skye and Inverness West]] [[Scottish Parliament]] constituency, which elects one [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|member]] under the [[first past the post]] basis to represent it. Currently this is [[John Farquhar Munro]] for the Liberal Democrats.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msp/index.htm |title=Scottish Parliament MSPs |publisher=Scottish Parliament |accessdate=2006-11-14}}</ref> In addition, Skye forms part of the wider [[Ross, Skye and Lochaber (UK Parliament constituency)|Ross Skye and Lochaber]] [[UK Parliament]] constituency, which elects one member to the [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]]. The present [[Member of Parliament]] is [[Charles Kennedy]] MP for the Liberal Democrats, who is a former leader of the party and has represented the area since [[United Kingdom general election, 1983|1983]].<ref>[http://biographies.parliament.uk/parliament/default.asp?id=25680 "Member Profile: Charles Kennedy"] United Kingdom Parliament. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> ==Economy== [[Image:Scotland Skye Caisteal Maol.jpg|right|thumb|Caisteal Maol and Kyleakin]] The largest employer on the island and its environs is the public sector, which accounts for about a third of the total workforce, principally in administration, education and health. The second largest employer in the area is the distribution, hotels and restaurants sector, highlighting the importance of tourism. Key attractions include Dunvegan Castle, the Clan Donald Visitor centre, and The Aros Experience in Portree.<ref>[http://www.visitbritain.com/en/Attraction/Portree/Heritage-or-Visitor-Centre/211357/The-Aros-Experience.htm "The Aros Experience"] Visit Britain. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> There are about a dozen large landowners on Skye, the largest again being the public sector, the Department of Agriculture owning most of the northern part of the island. However, small firms dominate employment in the private sector. The [[Talisker Single Malt|Talisker Distillery]], which produces a [[single malt whisky]], is manufactured beside Loch Harport on the west coast of the island. Three other whiskies (''Mac na Mara'' (lit. "son of the sea" {{pronounced|maxg̊ nə maɾə}}, ''Tè Bheag nan Eilean'' (lit. "wee dram of the isles" {{pronounced|tʲeː veg̊ nə ɲelan}}) and ''Poit Dhubh'' (lit. "black pot" {{pronounced|pɔʰd̊ʲ ɣuh}}) are produced by blender Pràban na Linne (lit. "smugglers den of the [[Sound (geography)|sound]] {{pronounced|pɾaːb̊an nə ʎiɲə}}), based at [[Isleornsay|Eilean Iarmain]] on Sleat.<ref>[http://www.scotchwhisky.net/distilleries/talisker.htm "Talisker Scotch Whisky Distillery"]. Scotchwhisky.net. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref><ref>[http://www.gaelicwhisky.com/ "Pràban - The Home of fine Scottish Whisky"] gaelicwhisky.com. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> These are marketed using predominantly Gaelic-language labels. Crofting is still important, but although there are about 2,000 crofts on Skye only 100 or so are large enough to enable a crofter to earn a livelihood entirely from the land.<ref> MacDonald, Jonathan (1988) [http://pages.eidosnet.co.uk/~skye/crofting.html ''A Short History of Crofting in Skye''] eidosnet.co.uk. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> [[Cod]] and [[Herring]] stocks have declined but commercial fishing remains important, especially [[fish farming]] of salmon and shellfish such as [[Norway lobster|scampi]].<ref name=SLBG/> The west coast of Scotland has a considerable [[Renewable energy in Scotland|renewable energy potential]] and the Isle of Skye Renewables Co-op has recently bought a stake in the Ben Aketil wind farm near Dunvegan.<ref>[http://www.skye.coop/skye_home.asp "Welcome"] Isle of Skye Renewables Cooperative Ltd. Retrieved [[31 March]] [[2008]].</ref><ref>Parker, David ''et al'' (April 2008) "Leading by Example" Durham. ''New Sector'': Issue 78.</ref> The unemployment rate in the area tends to be higher than that for the [[Highlands of Scotland|Highlands]] as a whole, and is seasonal in nature. The population is growing and in common with many other scenic rural areas in Scotland, significant increases are expected in the percentage of the population aged 45 to 64 years.<ref>[http://www.hie.co.uk/skye-west-ross/about-our-area.html "About our area"] HIE Skye and Wester Ross. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]]. Statistics are not produced for Skye alone, but for the HIE Skye and Wester Ross area, in which the public sector provides 37.1% of the labour force.</ref> ==Transport== Skye is linked to the mainland by the [[Skye Bridge]], while [[ferry|ferries]] sail from [[Armadale, Isle of Skye|Armadale]] on the island to [[Mallaig]], and from [[Kylerhea]] to [[Glenelg, Scotland|Glenelg]]. Ferries also run from [[Uig, Skye|Uig]] to [[Tarbert, Harris|Tarbert]] on [[Harris]] and [[Lochmaddy]] on [[North Uist]], and from [[Sconser]] to [[Raasay]].<ref name=Smith/><ref name=spice>{{cite web |url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/research/briefings-07/SB07-56.pdf |title=Ferry Services in Scotland |accessdate=2007-11-17 |author=Alan Rehfisch |date=2007 |format= pdf |work=SPICe Briefing |publisher=Scottish Parliament Information Centre}}</ref> [[Image:Skye Road Bridge.JPG|thumb|left|250px|[[Skye Bridge]], Isle of Skye]] The [[Skye Bridge]], linking Skye with the mainland of Scotland, opened in 1995 under a [[private finance initiative]]. The high [[toll bridge|tolls]] charged (£5.70 each way for summer visitors) met with widespread opposition, spearheaded by the pressure group SKAT (Skye and Kyle Against Tolls). On [[21 December]] [[2004]] it was announced that the [[Scottish Government|Scottish Executive]] had purchased the bridge from its owners and the tolls were immediately removed.<ref>[http://www.skat.org.uk/ "SKAT Fought the Cost of Over The Sea To Skye"] SKAT. Retrieved [[9 March]] [[2008]].</ref> Bus services run to [[Inverness]] and [[Glasgow]], and there are local services on the island, mainly starting from [[Portree]] or [[Broadford, Isle of Skye|Broadford]]. Train services run from [[Kyle of Lochalsh]] at the mainland end of the [[Skye Bridge]] to Inverness, as well as from [[Glasgow]] to [[Mallaig]] from where the ferry can be caught to [[Armadale]].<ref>[http://www.astro.gla.ac.uk/users/martin/skye07/travel.html "Travel Information"] University of Glasgow. Retrieved [[9 March]] [[2008]].</ref> There is also a small [[aerodrome]] at Ashaig near Broadford, which is used exclusively by private aircraft.<ref name=Aer>[http://www.aerlines.nl/journal.php?m=page&p=13 "Finding (on) Ashaig Airstrip"] ''Aerlines''. Retrieved [[9 March]] [[2008]].</ref> The [[A87 road|A87]] [[trunk road]] traverses the island from the Skye Bridge to [[Uig, Skye|Uig]], linking most of the major settlements. Many of the island's roads have been widened in the past forty years, but there are still substantial sections of [[single track road]].<ref name=Smith/><ref name=OS/> ==Culture== [[Image:Sabhal Mor new campus.JPG|thumb|The new college buildings, [[Sabhal Mòr Ostaig]] ]] Students of Scottish Gaelic travel from all over the world to attend ''[[Sabhal Mòr Ostaig]]'', a Scottish Gaelic college based in Sleat.<ref>[http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/en/colaiste/index.php "Weclome to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig"] UHI Millennium Institute. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> In addition to members of the [[Church of Scotland]] and a smaller number of [[Roman Catholicism|Roman Catholics]] many residents of Skye belong to the [[Free Church of Scotland (post 1900)|Free Church of Scotland]], known for its strict observance of the [[Sabbath in Christianity|Sabbath]].<ref>Pacione, Michael (2005) "The Geography of Religious Affiliation in Scotland". ''The Professional Geographer'' '''57(2)'''. Oxford. Blackwell. The 2001 census statistics used are based on local authority areas and do not specifically identify Free Church adherents. However the averages for Highland and [[Eilean Siar]], between which the total for Skye is likely to lie are 48-42% Church of Scotland, 7-13% Roman Catholic and 12-28% 'Other Christian', of whom the majority will be Free Church members. The total for all other religions combined is 1% for both areas.</ref> [[Shinty]] is a highly popular sport and Portree based [[Skye Camanachd]] won the [[Camanachd Cup]] in 1990.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.shinty.org.uk/default.aspx?sub=24&Cid=7| title=The Camanchd Association Challenge Cup| publisher=Camanachd Association| accessdate=2007-09-29}}</ref> ===Media and the arts=== Skye has a strong [[folk music]] tradition, although in recent years dance and rock music have been growing in popularity on the island. Gaelic [[folk rock]] band [[Runrig]] started in Skye and former singer [[Donnie Munro]] still works on the island.<ref>[http://www.donniemunro.co.uk/about.htm "Donnie Munro: Biography"] donniemunro.co.uk. Retrieved [[5 April]] [[2007]]</ref> [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]] singer [[Ian Anderson (musician)|Ian Anderson]] owned an estate at Strathaird on Skye at one time.<ref>{{cite news| publisher=Sunday Herald| title=Anderson swaps fish for his flute| author=Jim Gough| url=http://web.archive.org/web/20040607035038/http://www.sundayherald.com/42278| date=[[30 May]] [[2004]]| accessdate=2007-04-22}}</ref> Several Tull songs are written about Skye, including ''Dun Ringil'', ''Broadford Bazaar'', and ''Acres Wild'' (which contains the lines "Come with me to the Winged Isle, / Northern father's western child" as a poetic reference to the island itself).<ref>[http://www.cupofwonder.com/contents.html The Annotated Jethro Tull Lyrics Page] Cupofwonder.com Retrieved [[10 November]] [[2007]].</ref> The [[Isle of Skye Music Festival]] has been growing in recent years and has featured sets from The [[Fun Lovin' Criminals]] and [[Sparks (band)|Sparks]].<ref>[http://www.skyemusicfestival.co.uk/"Isle of Skye Music Festival 07"] Skye Music Festival. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref><ref>[http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/skye/2006/ "Isle of Skye Music Festival 2006 "] efestivals.co.uk. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> [[Electronic music]]ian [[Mylo]] was born in Skye and frequently returns there to perform.<ref>[http://www.mylo.tv/bio.htm "Mylo Biography"] mylo.tv Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> The poet [[Sorley MacLean]], a native of the [[Isle of Raasay]] which lies off the island's east coast, lived much of his life on Skye.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/arts/writingscotland/writers/sorley_maclean/ "Sorley Maclean 1911 - 1996"] bbc.co.uk. Retrieved [[8 March]] [[2008]].</ref> The island has been immortalised in the traditional song ''[[The Skye Boat Song]]'' and is the notional setting for the novel ''[[To the Lighthouse]]'' by [[Virginia Woolf]], although the Skye of the novel bears little relation to the real island.<ref>Woolf, Virginia (1927) ''To the Lighthouse''. London. Hogarth.</ref> [[John Buchan]] descriptions of the island, as featured in his [[Richard Hannay]] novel ''Mr Standfast'', are more true to life.<ref>Buchan, John. ''Mr Standfast.'' (London: Penguin Books, 1919)</ref> Skye has been used as a location for a number of feature films. The Ashaig aerodrome was used for the opening scenes of the 1980 film [[Flash Gordon (film)|Flash Gordon]].<ref name=Aer/><ref>[http://news.scotsman.com/scottishfilm/Scotlands-starring-role-in-100.2777203.jp "Scotland's starring role in 100 films"] Edinburgh. ''The Scotsman''. Retrieved [[01 March]] [[2008]].</ref> [[Stardust (2007 film)|Stardust]], released in 2007 and starring [[Robert De Niro]] and [[Michelle Pfeiffer]], featured scenes shot as Eilean Iarmain and the [[Quiraing]].<ref>Synnot, Siobhan [http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/celebrity-interviews/2007/10/06/michelle-pfeiffer-my-battle-with-scottish-weather-86908-19906108/ "Michelle Pfeiffer: My Battle With Scottish Weather"] ([[6 October]] [[2007]]). Glasgow. ''Daily Record''. Retrieved [[21 October]] [[2007]].</ref> Another 2007 film, [[Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle]], was shot almost entirely in various locations on the island (a small number of scenes being filmed on the mainland).<ref>[http://www.seachd.com/ "Seachd: The Innacessible Pinnacle"] seachd.com Retrieved [[02 March]] [[2008]].</ref> The [[West Highland Free Press]] is published at Broadford. This weekly newspaper takes as its motto "An Tir, An Canan 'sna Daoine" - "The Land, the Language and the People" which reflects its radical, campaigning priorities. The Free Press was founded in 1972 and circulates in Skye, Wester Ross and the Outer Hebrides.<ref>[http://www.whfp.com/ ''West Highland Free Press'']. Broadford. Retrieved [[02 March]] [[2008]].</ref> [[Image:Loch Fada Storr Skye restitch 2007-08-22.jpg|thumb|center|450px|Loch Fada, Trotternish, looking towards The Quirang]] ==Wildlife== The Hebrides generally lack biodiversity in comparison to mainland Britain,<ref>For example, there are only half the number of mammalian species that exist on mainland Britain. See Murray, W.H. (1973) ''The Islands of Western Scotland''. London. Eyre Methuen. Page 72.</ref> but like most of the larger islands Skye has much to offer the naturalist. Observing the abdundance of game birds Martin Martin wrote: <blockquote>There is plenty of land and water fowl in this isle - as hawks, eagles of two kinds (the one grey and of a larger size, the other much less and black, but more destructive to young cattle), black cock, heath-hen, plovers, pigeons, wild geese, ptarmigan, and cranes. Of this latter sort I have seen sixty on the shore in a flock together. The sea fowls are malls of all kinds - coulterneb, guillemot, sea cormorant, &c. The natives observe that the latter, if perfectly black, makes no good broth, nor is its flesh worth eating; but that a cormorant, which hath any white feathers or down, makes good broth, and the flesh of it is good food; and the broth is usually drunk by nurses to increase their milk.<ref name=Martin/></blockquote> Similarly, Samuel Johnston noted that: <blockquote>At the tables where a stranger is received, neither plenty nor delicacy is wanting. A tract of land so thinly inhabited, must have much wild-fowl; and I scarcely remember to have seen a dinner without them. The moor-game is every where to be had. That the sea abounds with fish, needs not be told, for it supplies a great part of Europe. The Isle of Sky has stags and roebucks, but no hares. They sell very numerous droves of oxen yearly to England, and therefore cannot be supposed to want beef at home. Sheep and goats are in great numbers, and they have the common domestic fowls."<ref name = Johnson/> </blockquote> [[Image:Tystie1.jpg|thumb|The Black Guillemot or Tystie (''Cepphus grylle'')]] In the modern era avian life includes the [[Corn Crake|Corncrake]], [[Red-throated Diver]], [[Rock Pigeon|Rock Dove]], [[Black-legged Kittiwake|Kittiwake]], [[Black Guillemot|Tystie]], [[Atlantic Puffin]], [[Common Goldeneye|Goldeneye]], [[Golden Eagle]] and [[White-tailed Eagle|White-tailed Sea Eagle]]<ref>[http://pages.eidosnet.co.uk/~skye/birds.html "Wildlife of Trotternish, Isle of Skye"] eidosnet.co.uk. Retrieved [[29 March]] [[2008]].</ref> The [[Chough]] last bred on the island in 1900.<ref>Fraser Darling (1969) page 79.</ref> [[Mountain Hare]] (apparently absent in the 18th century) and [[European Rabbit|Rabbit]] are now abundant and predated on by [[Wildcat|Wild Cat]] and [[Pine Marten]].<ref>Fraser Darling (1969) pages 71-2.</ref> The rich fresh water streams contain [[Brown Trout]], [[Atlantic Salmon]] and [[Eurasian Water Shrew|Water Shrew]].<ref>Fraser Darling (1969) page 286.</ref><ref>[http://www.trout-salmon-fishing.com/scotland-skye.htm "Trout Fishing in Scotland:Skye"] trout-salmon-fishing.com. Retrieved [[29 March]] [[2008]].</ref><ref>[http://www.skyesalmon.co.uk/www.skyesalmon.co.uk/frames.php 'Salmon and Trout Fishing on the River Snizort"] skyesalmon.co.uk. Retrieved [[29 March]] [[2008]].</ref> Offshore the [[edible crab|Edible Crab]] and [[Ostreidae|Oyster]] are also found, the latter especially in the Sound of [[Scalpay, Inner Hebrides|Scalpay]].<ref>Fraser Darling (1969) page 84.</ref> There are also nationally important [[Mussel|Horse Mussel]] and [[Brittle star|Brittlestar]] beds in the sea lochs.<ref name=SLBG/> Heather moor containing [[Calluna|Ling]], [[Erica cinerea|Bell Heather]], [[Erica tetralix|Cross-leaved Heath]], [[Myrica gale|Bog Myrtle]] and [[Fescue]]s is everywhere abundant. The high Black Cuillins weather too slowly to produce a soil that sustains a rich plant life, but each of the main peninsulas has an individual flora. The basalt underpinnings of Trotternish produce a diversity of Arctic and alpine plants including [[Sagina|Alpine Pearlwort]] and [[Minuartia|Mossy Cyphal]]. The low-lying fields of Waternish contain [[Glebionis segetum|Corn Marigold]] and [[Corn spurry|Corn Spurrey]]. The sea cliffs of Duirinish boast [[Dryas octopetala|Mountain Avens]] and [[Huperzia selago|Fir Clubmoss]]. Minginish produces [[Linum catharticum|Fairy Flax]], [[Catsear|Cats-ear]] and [[Black Bog-rush]].<ref>Slack, Alf "Flora" in Slesser (1970) pp 45-58.</ref> There is a fine example of [[Brachypodium]]-rich [[Ash tree|Ash]] woodland at Tokavaig in Sleat incorporating [[Silver Birch]], [[Hazel]], [[Bird Cherry]], and [[Common Hawthorn|Hawthorn]].<ref>Fraser Darling (1969) page 156.</ref> The local Biodiversity Action Plan recommends land management measures to control the spread of [[Senecio jacobaea|Ragwort]] and [[Bracken]] and identifies four non-native, invasive species as threatening native biodiversity: [[Japanese knotweed|Japanese Knotweed]], [[Rhododendron ponticum|Rhododendron]], [[New Zealand Flatworm]] and [[American Mink|Mink]]. It also identifies problems of over-grazing resulting in the impoverishment of moorland and upland habitats and a loss of native woodland, caused by the large numbers of [[Red Deer]] and sheep.<ref name=SLBG>[http://www.highlandbiodiversity.com/htm/counties/skye_lochalsh/skye_lochalsh.pdf ''Skye & Lochalsh Biodiversity Action Plan''] (2003) (pdf) Skye and Lochalsh Biodiversity Group. Retrieved [[29 March]] [[2008]].</ref> ==See also== *[[:Category:Mountains and hills of Skye]] *[[List of islands of Scotland]] ==References== * Boswell, James (1785) ''[[The Journal of a Tour to the Hebrides]]''. London. * Fraser Darling, Frank; Boyd, J.M. (1969) ''Natural History in the Highlands and Islands''. London. Bloomsbury. * Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004) ''The Scottish Islands''. Edinburgh. Canongate. ISBN 1841954543 * [[W.H. Murray|Murray, W.H.]] (1966) ''The Hebrides''. London. Heinemann. * Slesser, Malcolm (1970) ''The Island of Skye''. Edinburgh. Scottish Mountaineering Club. ==Notes== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== {{commonscat|Skye}} *[http://www.theskyeguide.com/ The independent guide to Skye] *[http://www.skyewalk.co.uk/ Free independent guide to walks on the Isle of Skye] *[http://www.skyewalking.co.uk/ Pictures and Walks in Skye] *[http://www.skat.org.uk/ SKAT homepage] *[http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/gallery.php?gid=124 Isle of Skye images] *[http://www.skyemusicfestival.co.uk/ The Isle of Skye Music Festival homepage] *[http://www.skyelife.com/ 'Skyelife' community bulletin board] *[http://www.plant-identification.co.uk/skye/index.htm Skye Flora] {{Hebrides}} [[Category:Isle of Skye|*]] [[Category:Islands of the Inner Hebrides|Skye]] [[cs:Skye (ostrov)]] [[da:Skye]] [[de:Skye]] [[et:Skye]] [[es:Skye]] [[eu:Skye]] [[fr:Skye (Écosse)]] [[gd:An t-Eilean Sgitheanach]] [[gl:Skye]] [[it:Skye]] [[he:האי סקאי]] [[nl:Skye]] [[ja:スカイ島]] [[no:Skye]] [[nds:Skye]] [[pl:Skye]] [[pt:Ilha de Skye]] [[sco:Skye]] [[simple:Isle of Skye]] [[sv:Skye]]