Episode 8 - Skye
Scottish Island Adventures: Skye with Sarah Cruickshank
Skye is the largest of the Islands belonging to the Inner Hebrides at 50 miles long. The Isle's picturesque scenery attracts visitors from all over the world who can take on its many hill walks and engage in all kinds of outdoor activities from Kayaking in the beautiful Lochs to spotting protected wildlife species such as the Sea Eagle or Red Deer.
Skye has a rich, vibrant history as the site of both the MacDonald and MacLeod Clan castles, as well as having played a role in the heavily romanticised Jacobite Rebellion led by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. Today, the island has a thriving culture scene with plenty of art to take in as well as lots of restaurants, bars, and distilleries to show off the best of Scottish cuisine.
Find out more on Skye:
SkyeSkyns
Skye Skyns was originally founded by a couple, Clive and Lydia, forty years ago in response to local farmers who would leave their sheep skins to waste. In the time that has passed, SkyeSkins has become a tanner, maker, and supplier of quality sheepskins, home furnishings, and sustainable clothing. You can visit their tannery and showroom in Waternish as well as a variety of other attractions including a seasonal Yurt cafe, and a boutique shop in Skye's capital Portree.
Find out more on Skye Skyns
Cafe Cuil
The story of Cafe Cuil began in Hackney, East London, in 2019 when Isle of Skye native Clare Coghill first opened her Hebridean-inspired cafe. After returning to her homeland, Coghill brought Cafe Cuil with her to Calbost, a town on the west-side of the Island. The cafe uses locally sourced, seasonal produce to create its own spin on brunch and lunch.
Find out more on Cafe Cuil
Ellis O'Connor
Ellis O'Connor is a Scottish artist specialising in contemporary landscape drawings and paintings. She produces most of her work on-site which allows her to incorporate the environment and extreme weather into the art as it is created. As well as using traditional mediums such as oil paints, O'Connor's landscape works have featured natural substances such as sand or dried seaweed to bring in elements of the natural world.
Find out more about Ellis O'Connor