Property, Houses and Flats for Sale in Isle Of Skye, Scotland

Property for sale in Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye, situated off the west coast of mainland Scotland, is the largest, most northerly and best known of the Inner Hebrides. The island has a population of approximately 9,000 and is about 50 miles long and between 7 and 25 miles wide - nowhere on the island is more than 5 miles from the sea. Skye has some of the most dramatic and challenging mountains in Scotland, including the Black Cuillin and Red Hills (sometimes called the Red Cuillin). Local estate agents in Isle of Skye say the island has a vibrant community life, with a mixture of traditional Highlanders and also many incomers. All kinds of arts and crafts can be found on the island, and the way of life is far removed from the frenetic pace of 21st century Britain. Skye remains one of the most dramatic and romantic of the Scottish islands, with breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife and some of the finest walks in Britain. It is due to these aspects of the Isle of Skye that it is a popular holiday destination with a good tourist industry. It is worth noting that one of the other things that Skye is famous for is the very changeable weather. It is said locally that 'If you can't see Skye, it is raining. And if you can see Skye, then it is about to.' There is a good selection of property for sale in Isle of Skye in a variety of locations, amongst which there are traditional detached period houses on the spectacular Waternish Peninsula on the north west coast of the island, substantial country houses in scenic positions on the edge of Loch Dunvegan, and a number of bungalows and houses in the island’s capital of Portree.

Amenities for properties in Isle of Skye

Due to the size of the island the majority of houses are not that far from the pretty fishing port of Portree, with its row of pink, white, and yellow-painted cottages built around a natural harbour. As the island`s capital, it has all the usual facilities of a small prosperous town. Families with children who are considering Isle of Skye property will discover the town has both primary and secondary schooling, and other amenities including a supermarket, a selection of shops, a modern medical centre and a cottage hospital. There are also hotels, restaurants and a good selection of leisure facilities, including a small swimming pool. Skye is home to Scotland’s only Gaelic college. Situated in Sleat, the college provides courses in Gaelic. With its open landscape of wilderness, craggy mountain ranges, forests, and sea lochs, walking, hill climbing and observing the wildlife are just some of the key reasons people relocate to the Isle of Skye. In the south the sandy seaweed-strewn shoreline and the green fertile hills of Sleat, known as " the garden of Skye", offers a range of walks amidst the purest, freshest air. And with its hills, moorland, and a coastline of undulating inlets, sheer cliffs and rocks, the island is the natural habitat for red deer, buzzards, ravens, seabirds and otters. Skye was the home of Gavin Maxwell and the inspiration for his story, Ring of Bright Water. And for sports, you can play golf at Sconser and Skeabost, fish or go pony trekking. Watersports available on the island include diving, canoeing, windsurfing and yachting.

Transport for Isle of Skye

If you are searching for houses for sale in Isle of Skye, the island is accessible by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale. The island is also accessible by road across the Skye Bridge, which span from Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin. From the bridge the Highland capital of Inverness is approximately a 2 hour drive. Once on the island the main road routes are almost entirely good modern dual track, however parts of the main road in Sleat, and almost all side roads, are still single track.

Surrounding areas

While searching for property to buy or property to rent in Isle of Skye, you may like to extend your search and explore neighbouring counties for property for sale in Isle of Mull, Isle of Islay and Isle of Jura.