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.

The Isle of Skye historically has two dominating clans; the MacDonalds and the MacLeods. These two clans were once known to be great rivals and many fights broke out as the dueling clans clashed. One such fight became famous and instigated the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke in the year of 1578. This battle began when the MacLeods attacked the MacDonalds, and in an act of retaliation, the MacDonalds attacked back by barricading the Trumpan Church doors when it was full of people. The MacDonalds then set the church ablaze. A girl that was on the verge of dying managed to call for help. The MacDonalds were pretty much eliminated during the attack and the dead was thrown into the Dyke, hence the name.

After the battle ceased, it would not be long before The Isle of Skye would see unrest between the MacLeods and the MacDonalds again. Just when it was looking as if the two clans could become cordial with each another through marriage the of Margaret MacLeod and Donald Gorm Mor MacDonald, tragedy would strike again. Individuals were not able to be officially married until the end of the customary one year waiting period. At the end of this year, it was determined if the potential marriage would be a success or failure. During that year, Margaret lost one of her eyes and had not become pregnant. Her fiancée shunned her and sent her away on a horse that also had a missing eye. She was led away by a one eyed man, accompanied by a one eyed dog. This action enraged Margaret’s father and The War of the One-Eyed Woman began. Both clans sustained serious fatalities and would never fight amongst themselves again.

Even though these two clans never rose up against one another after this last battle, The Isle of Skye still seen its fair share of violence and murderous individuals. It has been noted that from as early as the 13th century the MacLeods and MacDonalds began fighting among themselves and with other clans as well, all the way through to the 18th century.

The Isle of Skye is found in Scotland in the areas northern Inner Herbides Islands. It is an area that is steeped rich in a history full of rulers and clans. It is a beautiful, calm and enchanting piece of land and is home to roughly 9,000 individuals. Fairies Glen is said to be the headquarters for all fairies and is a place that you should not miss if you are visiting. National Geographic has recently voted the island to be the fourth best island in the world.

The area also had many castles such as MacLeod and Dunvegan and should also be on your agenda for visiting should you come this way. The castles have gorgeous grounds and many gardens that encase the rocky cliff built castle. Fairies are said to protect the castle and it stands protected in where and how it was built. You can easily schedule a boat ride that takes you sightseeing around the island.

There is much for visitors and tourists to do while on their visit to the scenic Isle of Skye. From folk music, which is very much alive and part of this area, to horseback riding and may other things to fit each person who visits. The area and it’s town has been the backdrop for many well known Hollywood films and the area has many pubs for eating and partaking of fine wines, ale’s and spirits of such.

No trip will be complete if you fail to experience what this magical island has to offer. This secretive and intricate lacing of small villages and historical buildings are absolutely fascinating for the visitor who is out for adventure and history. Cullin ridge sloped gently into a sandy white shoreline and will be as unforgettable as it is breathtaking.

The wildlife is remarkable to experience while visiting there as well. Many gift stores and shopping are open for business and the Gaelic culture is very much alive to experience fully. A strong, proud, rebel-like heritage is found in the many sights and individuals that live here. The environment and cultural heritage of the island’s inhabitants have molded and shaped Gaelic life for many centuries here as well.

There is evidence that the Isle of Skye has been inhabited since Mesolithic times. Isle of Skye history, as you can imagine, is therefore rich and varied with inhabitants dating back to the 7th century BC. Through the years the island has been home to many peoples and much activity for such a relatively small place.

Isle of Skye history is, for many, all about the Norse invasions. The island was ruled by the Vikings from the 9th century until the 13th century when the Treaty of Perth ended the wars between the Vikings and the Scots. This treaty ceded control of the island from the Norwegian forces to Scottish rulers. There is not a lot of evidence of this Viking rule on the island today but some clans can trace their descendants back to the Norwegian invaders.

Under initial Scottish rule much of the Isle of Skye history at this point was involved with a variety of clans, including the Clan MacLeod and the Clan MacDonald. These were warring factions and the island saw many disputes between the two families including the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke in the 1570s.

One of the most famous events in Isle of Skye history came in the 1700s during the Jacobite rebellion. The Scottish Prince, Charles Stuart, was rescued from under the noses of opposing Hanoverian soldiers by a local island woman, Flora MacDonald and secreted to safety via the Isle of Skye. This famous escape gave birth to the equally famous Scottish folk song — the Skye Boat Song.

From this point the ruling clans of the island were replaced in island rule by a series of estates. This period of Isle of Skye history can still be seen, however, in the castles and buildings that date back to this time including Dunvegan Castle, Armadale Castle, Knock Castle and Dunscaith Castle.

In the 18th century Isle of Skye history entered a darker phase as famine hit the island. The Highland Clearances that displaced people from the Highlands areas also had an effect on the island. This led to frequent skirmishes with the police and the armed forces and led to a significant dip in the island’s population which can still be seen today. In the early 1800s, for example, the island has over 20,000 inhabitants. By 2001 this number stood at just over 9,000.

People interested in learning more about Isle of Skye history might do well to take a visit to the island. Its population now mainly works in the tourism, agriculture, fishing and whisky distilling areas and this has become a popular holiday destination.