Blue skies on Skye (Scotland, Part 2.)

From Inverness we traveled westwards to Skye. True to its name, all we saw was sky, and, uncharacteristic to Scotland, it was blue!
Surrounded by the gorgeous sky, sparkling water, and green braes (slopes in Scots), pretty Portree seemed like a Mediterranean town teleported to the Highlands.
A seaside walk with houses in pastel colors and boats departing for marine wildlife tours hosts the best restaurants in town. A little further up lies the seafood restaurant of the Royal hotel. Nevermind the unquestionably eighties interior and music - the food is fresh, stylishly served, and excellent value.

After enjoying the evening concert of the traditionally dressed highland pipe march orchestra at the square, we spent both evenings at the Isles Inn, where Scottish, and Celtic live music draw a crowd almost every night. Our base was the B&B of Mrs A. Nicholson, up Stormyhill road, where our room was comfortable and the service excellent.

Skye is quite manageable by bus, if you, like we, only wish to stay for a couple of days or if you, like we, are afraid to drive on the wrong side of the road. The best solution to enjoy the gorgeous landscape may be to get off the paved roads.
We missed the bus connection once, but found that good and affordable taxi service is available throughout the island. A chauffeur may be wished for example for the drive back from Talisker distillery to Portree, especially if one wishes to get a good taste of the only whisky distillery on Skye...
Up north lies the remains of the castle of Duntulm, once a great fort of the MacDonald clan and the object of battle between the MacDonalds and MacLeods. Unfortunately this arm of the MacDonald clan was extinguished when a (most likely ill-fated) nurse dropped the heir down on the rocks below. Poor child.
The famous MacDonald clan is one of the largest Scottish clans, and has its seat in Armadale castle on Skye. The clan is operating a heritage trust and the castle is open for visitors, hosting, among other, a museum, a restaurant, and accommodation.

The rocky shore and tide pools below Duntulm are a treasure trove for beach combers. We spent a good hour looking for sea shells, anemones, sea glass, and driftwood.
And look, we even found something that looks like an old, rusty anchor ball!