Isleornsay: Culture, History and Nature

Choose from a range of experiences during your stay in Isleornsay: maritime history in Eilean Iarmain, Gaelic cultural activities, historic sites and wildlife watching.

Maritime history and historic sites

Ornsay Lighthouse was first brought into operation on 10 November 1857 and is a Category B listed building.

The ruins of a nuns’ chapel can be found on the island of Ornsay.

Eilean Iarmain was originally an island at high tide. North of Eilean Iarmain was a sheltered anchorage, which made the place an important centre for the herring fleet. Fish was processed in Eilean Iarmain, and barrels of herring from there were shipped as far as Russia. Eilean Iarmain was once the busiest harbour in the south of Skye.

Gallery An Talla Dearg is on the shore beside Eilean Iarmain’s old stone quay. According to local tradition, Flora MacDonald is said to have boarded the Unicorn from this quay.

Gaelic culture, music and crafts

Cultural Heritage Tours in Eilean Iarmain can be booked as private guided tours. They bring together local place names, legends, history and stories with music and song, as well as the Gaelic language and culture. If you’re planning to include this in your stay, check tour availability in advance.

Am Pràban regularly hosts evenings featuring live traditional music performances by local musicians and singers. Check for current dates before travelling, as the programme may change. Am Pràban bar offers local ales as well as award-winning Gaelic whiskies and gins. As the selection may change, check what’s currently available before your visit.

Visitors can sample award-winning Gaelic whiskies and gins for free at Praban na Linne. Check the arrangements for visiting before you travel.

At Flòraidh, the selection ranges from traditional tweed clothing and Scottish cashmere to printed silk and locally made handicrafts. The range may change.

Nature, fishing and finding a hotel

Wildlife walks in Eilean Iarmain offer the chance to see white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, hen harriers, wading birds, divers, otters and red deer. Sightings are not guaranteed. Possible sightings include both different groups of birds and mammals.

Day, weekly and seasonal fishing permits are available from the forestry office beside the pier at Eilean Iarmain Hotel. The permits cover different periods; check that the permit you want is available before travelling. The day permit covers the shortest period, while weekly and seasonal permits are for longer periods, depending on how long you plan to fish.

Eilean Iarmain Hotel offers views across the Sound of Sleat to the distant hills of Knoydart.

Explore more destinations: Mybster, Rogart, Halkirk, Evanton, Foyers, Ballachulish, Lybster, Kyle Of Lochalsh

See the main travel overview: Highland.