Perhaps the most famous of all Scottish islands, Skye is an ideal place to escape the pressure of city life.

Your Hotel

Sheltered by a gently curving bay, your charming whitewashed hotel sits right on the seashore, enjoying expansive views over the Sound of Sleat to the wilderness of Knoydart. This, the most southerly part of Skye, is an area of great natural beauty, often referred to as the Garden of Skye thanks to its abundant bird life and profusion of wild flowers.

This is a Gaelic-speaking community and the bar is a convivial meeting place for the locals, who mix happily with hotel guests, often to the accompaniment of traditional music and Gaelic song in front of the roaring log fire.

Twelve bedrooms (six in the Garden House) are decorated with pretty cotton and linen chintzes and there are four new suites in the recently restored stables, each enjoying superb views across the water to the lighthouse of Isle Ornsay.

Candlelit meals in the wood-panelled dining room reflect the estate's culinary riches, with wonderful shellfish and game featuring prominently on the menu. Langoustines are landed at the old stone pier, and oysters come from the hotel's own oyster beds.

What to see and do

Evoking romantic images of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora MacDonald and the ancient warring clans, the magical isle of Skye is a sprawling and utterly captivating island, offering myriad spectacular contrasts. The towering Cuillin Range dominates the landscape, its snow-capped peaks visible from most parts of the island to tempt serious walkers and climbers. However, there is plenty of gentler walking to be found elsewhere, from the eerie Old Man of Storr and the dramatic cliffs of the Quirang on the northerly Trotternish peninsula, to the sheltered Bracadale area on the west coast, with its stunning views of the western isles.

On the little harbour right beside the hotel is the headquarters of 'The Gaelic Whiskies', where you can sample an excellent range of connoisseur brands before browsing in the nearby craft shop. The surrounding area of hills, moorland, woodland and seashore offers endless opportunities for walking and drinking in the magnificent sea views. Don't miss the enchanting walk to the Point of Sleat, from where you can gaze across to the small isles of Rum and Eigg and dream of future visits! On the way down to the Point of Sleat, it's worth stopping off at the Clan Donald Centre at Armadale Castle, with its fine arboretum and lovely garden. Further afield, in the north of the island, you'll find historic Dunvegan Castle, and Portree, the bustling island capital. A day trip to the unspoilt neighbouring island of Raasay is also well worth considering for those who enjoy walking in the wilds!

From £185 per person for holidays between November 2007 and February 2008 (excluding 20th December to 3rd January), from £229 for March & April, from £279 for May - September holidays, and from £249 per person for October, based on 2 people sharing a room, for 3 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.

The price includes a one way journey on the Mallaig - Armadale ferry for a car and 2 adult passengers; return would be via the Skye bridge.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.