| Kyleakin Harbour (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Kyleakin Harbour
Kyleakin Harbour
Panorama from Kyleakin Harbour with a view of the ruins of Castle Moil. This panoramic photograph also has views down Loch Alsh which runs between this part of Skye and the Scottish Mainland. Kyle of Lochalsh lies on the other side of Loch Alsh, from here the Skye Bridge (from Kyle viewpoint) links the Scottish mainland to Skye.Kyleakin pier, once the landing point of the Skye ferry, now encloses a busy harbour for smaller vessels. While Kyle pier is used by larger ocean-going fishing and military vessels, Kyleakin is used by smaller inshore fishing vessels, yachts and pleasure craft. This panorama was taken from the end of a floating pontoon which offers additional berths to smaller craft throughout the summer months.
Kyleakin takes it's name from "Kyle of Haakon". A kyle is a narrow channel of sea water usually forming a passageway between two open areas of sea. Haakon was a Norse king who used the village for income and built Castle Moil as his fortress. The narrow straits between Kyleakin and the mainland allowed him to block this sea lane by tying boats bow to stern as an articifical barrier and only allowing passage through upon payment of a pricey toll to his daughter, Saucy Mary. Not the only toll across this sea channel to cause controversy!
Travel and Getting There:
Go "Over the Sea to Skye" across the Skye bridge, turning first left at the roundabout for Kyleakin village. This harbour is at the far end of the village.