At first, the clan Chiefs decided to increase the available workforce on their land, to develop the booming kelp industry. Kelp was used to produce soaps and other consumer products. Many leading Chiefs, for example, MacDonald of Sleat encouraged larger families and the lands subdivision amongst their children, so that family farms could no longer sustain those living on them; it is hoped then more cheap labor would be available, as the ‘landless’ would relocate to the coast to help with the kelp industry.

Unfortunately, the kelp industry collapsed in 1822 when less expensive substitutes from Spain became available, and the sheep was the new way for wealthy landlords to make profits. The Highlands became an immense sheep farm, and many subsistence farmers who had inhabited the land for a millennium now stood in the new way for ‘progress’. Many were forcibly evicted from the most fertile and best farming land to the sheep grazing areas, and had to resettle on rocky and barren coastal strips where growing enough crop to survive was daunting.

Famine became widespread, particularly following the potato blights in 1845. For them voluntary emigration could be the only way out; thousands of farmers boarded ships to begin a new life in Canada or America each year, many of them dying en route due to epidemic on the crowded ships. Many villages were torched and their inhabitants were forced to leave the Isle with virtually no preparation or possessions. By the late 19th century, crofters began to fight back after inspired by the Ireland Land Struggle.

For those who wish to see the site of a forced clearance, the Suisnish-Boreraig walk is especially recommended. In this trip, you will visit a couple of villages cleared in 1853; while the old ruins in Boreraig remains a haunting spot. Other remnants of cleared villages can still be found in Lorgill, cleared in 1830, which you can visit on the Ramasaig-Orbost walk.

Many tales about the clearances have been passed down through the generations and are still remembered until now, both by people in Isle of Skye and by descendants of emigrants in the new world.

The Isle of Skye, located off the Scottish mainland, is one of the largest Scottish islands. The island itself is divided into five main areas, all of which have something to offer visitors to the region. Let’s take a look at each of the Isle of Skye regions in a little more detail:

• North West Skye — North West Skye has some of the most dramatic scenery on the island. It combines impressively craggy headlands, caves and cliffs with a range of coral and black sand beaches. The area inland here is also home to lochs and glens. This is one the most popular Isle of Skye regions for nature lovers as you can spot many different species from this region. You could, for example, see whales, sharks, seals and there is plenty of bird life around as well. This region is also home to Dunvegan Castle.
• North East Skye — North East Skye is home to one of the best known and most popular long distance walks in the area which takes in rolling hills and arresting ridges. Of all the Isle of Skye regions this is perhaps the best known for its medieval castle, Hugh’s castle, which is considered to be the last castle of its time built on the island. People visiting this region also often enjoy visiting the Fossil Museum to see the remnants of the dinosaurs that once lived here.
• Central Skye — This is probably the best known of the Isle of Skye regions in terms of climbing and mountaineering. Central Skye is home to the Cuillin range which gives climbers of all levels plenty of opportunities to match their wits against the local hills and ridges. Central Skye is also home to some of the island’s largest towns and settlements such as the island’s capital Portree, Carbost, Broadford and Sconser.
• South Skye — South Skye is often referred to as the ‘garden of Skye’ as its climate makes it perfect for cultivation. Visitors often enjoy a visit to Armadale Castle here to see the exotic trees grown there. Unlike other Isle of Skye regions South Skye is relatively flat and is mainly composed of moorland and forests. Other popular places to visit in this region include Dunsgathaich Castle and Ord Bay.
• Lochalsh — Lochalsh is perhaps best known for its fishing villages and the red deer and Highland Cattle which roam around the region. Like many Isle of Skye regions this area was involved in the Jacobite rebellion and is home to the site of a major battle. Walkers also enjoy all that Lochalsh has to offer. A visit to Glomach Falls is a must.

The Isle of Skye regions all have their own individual charm. Any visitor to the island that takes the time to investigate each region will find something of interest to see and to do.

Of all the Inner Hebrides, Skye has the most in common with the Outer Hebrides, with half the population speaking Gaelic, and many belonging to the Free Church of Scotland, known for its strict observance of the Sabbath.

Shinty is a highly popular sport, although football is widely played as well. Portree based Skye Camanachd won the Camanachd Cup in 1990.

The Talisker Distillery, which produces a single malt whisky, is beside Loch Harport on the west coast of the island.

Dunvegan Castle has been the seat of Clan MacLeod since the thirteenth century.

The Isle of Skye has been immortalised in the traditional song The Skye Boat Song and in the book To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf.

Skye has a strong folk music tradition, although in recent years dance and rock music have been growing in popularity on the island. Gaelic Rock Band Runrig started in Skye and former singer Donnie Munro still works on the island. The Isle of Skye Music Festival has been growing in recent years and this year featured sets from The Fun Loving Criminals and Sparks. Mylo was born in Skye and frequently returns there to play sets.

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.

At 1656 km² (639 mi²), Skye is the second largest island in Scotland after Lewis with Harris. The island has some of the most dramatic and challenging mountain terrain in Scotland, including the Cuillin, as well as a rich heritage of ancient monuments, castles, and memorials.

The coastline of Skye is a series of peninsulas, including Sleat in the south, Strathaird, Minginish and Duirinish, and Waternish in the west, and Trotternish to the north. Surrounding islands include Rona, Raasay, Scalpay and Soay.