Portree, Isle of Skye

When exploring the town, the best place to start is Somerled Square. The Square really is the hub of Portree, and if arriving by bus, it is most likely where you will disembark on your Portree journey of exploration.

Somerled Square is named after the 12th century Chief of the MacDonald clan. At the centre of the Square sits the war memorial, dedicated to those from Portree and the surrounding area who lost their lives in the World Wars. Interestingly, the memorial was designed to be a smaller version of the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh (on the Royal Mile, behind St Giles’ Cathedral). A Mercat Cross is the Scots name for a market cross and was traditionally used to mark that the town or city had the right to hold a market.

Whether deliberate or by coincidence, during the summer, Portree’s market is set up right next to the monument on Thursdays, offering a great chance to speak with some locals while purchasing both handmade crafts and local produce. Around the edge of the Square, as well as the church, bank and police station, is a lovely bakery and café, along with a couple of pubs and restaurants.

If you manage to tear yourself away from the town square, then there is plenty more to see. On your way east down to the harbour or south east over to the Lump, you will find a selection of other restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, gift shops and local amenities. If you’re in need of further information about the area, you can also check out the tourist information centre – the staff are always very friendly and ready to help.

In the unfortunate event that wet weather accompanies your trip to Portree, never fear – there are several indoor attractions to enjoy. Like many of the Scottish islands, Skye is home to many artists, photographers and craftspeople. Not far from Somerled Square, there are several small galleries, where you can admire and even make some purchases.

On the way into Portree, visitors will see the Isle of Skye Candle Company Visitor Centre. This is not just a candle shop! It is a family-run business specialising in creating home fragrance products inspired by their home island. The visitor centre is home not only to their store but also to a pizzeria, a cinema, and a studio. Perhaps the perfect place to stop off at on a dreary day.

For those looking to keep active but have had enough of being out in the rain, the Fingal Centre, located next to Portree High School, might be your answer. Run by Highlife Highlands, the Fingal Centre is home to a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and fitness suite.

The library is also attached to the sports centre and sits right across from the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre. If anyone is looking into local or family history, a visit may be a good idea. Visitors can drop in or book an appointment in advance. The centre also has an exhibition space which hosts various exhibits throughout the year.

As you head out of the town centre on the A87, don’t be deceived. The signs may read industrial estate, and you will indeed find stores typical of an industrial estate, but you will also find some hidden gems! The Isle of Skye Baking Company, a pizza takeaway and the SkyeWorks Gallery are all hidden around here – so why not take a little detour on your way out of town, you never know what delight you might find!

The Isle of Skye has plenty of hiking options to offer, ranging from rocky mountains, rugged moors and winding coastal paths. As well as the short walk up the Lump, the walk down to the harbour and strolling around the streets, Portree has another couple of walks worth exploring.

For a short woodland stroll to stretch the legs and leave the tarmac behind, the Leasgeary Woodland Walk makes for a nice option following the River Leasgeary through Portree. For the best views of Portree, there is only one choice when it comes to walks.

The Scorrybreac Circuit is a beautiful 3km loop through woodland and along the coastline, taking in views across the Sound of Raasay to the Isle of Raasay and, most importantly, across the bay to a picture-perfect view of Portree’s harbour with the brightly painted waterfront buildings behind and the famous Lump standing guard above.