We had been to Portree in 2011. While looking at the photos taken on that trip, we remembered that there was not much to actually do! So, we booked a ship’s tour, “Northern Skye Scenic Drive,” (3 ½ hours, $99.95/pp.)
The photos follow:
The MS Rotterdam at anchor.All the tenders are ready to transport!This is a very steep ramp up to the roadway. But our buses are parked and awaiting our arrival!As we set off on our tour, we have a great opportunity to admire the counryside.This is sheep country and they are everywhere. Cattle graze here also, but not as many.Many nice-looking houses along the way.Our first stop was the viewing platform at Kilt Rock . A Bagpiper greeted our arrival.Kilt Rock, so named because it is said to resemble a pleated kilt. Made of basalt columns resting on a sandstone base, when the light is right, the colors appear almost tartan. This was not one of those days!The Mealt Waterfall.Arriving at our destination: The Skye Museum of Island Life. A hundred years ago, thatched houses were very much a part of the Higland scene. They were warm, sturdy and economical. the croft house was suited to the landscape and climate.The crofters were farmers who lived off the land. They heated their homes with peat. Grew or raised their food. And spent little time indoors. Crofters cared little for worldly possessions or domestic luxury.In an account of his visit to Skye in 1773, James Boswell describes a house in which he stayed: “We had no rooms that we could command, for the good people here had no notion that a man could have any occasion but for a mere sleeping place.”The General StoreThe General Store sold the necessities of life.The Old Smithy.The Smithy took care of the equine needs as well as those repair needs encountered in farm life.Ah, here is the coffee shop at the Skye Museum of Island Life!This is the view of Ulg Bay as we negotiate a hairpin turn to head back to Portree.That is quite a turn for a 45 foot bus! Our driver was a pro, he expertly performed a perfect 3-point turn!Upon our return to Portree, we tried to find a place for a drink—but no, everyplace was standing room only.So we decided to walk back to the tender dock.Past the harbor.and ready to enjoy the end of day libation aboard the ship!
RovingRaconteurs.com 
You are having an incredible trip!
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