Much of the following information on Portree has been supplied by the Isle of Skye Business Community web site, with their permission.  www.isbuc.co.uk/

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Portree is the capital and largest settlement on the Isle of Skye. The Isle of Skye is in the Hebrides, a group of islands off the northwest coast of Scotland.  The name Portree means Kings Harbour.  The town is named after King James V who visited the island to meet with the clan chiefs in 1540, trying to unite the bickering clans of the MacLeods and the MacDonalds.    Before that Portree was known as Kiltaraglen (Gaelic: Chapel at foot of glen).

PORTREE HARBOUR

 

The main town of Portree lies above and behind the harbour. The primary focus is Somerled Square, home to a war memorial.  The harbour, surrounded by cliffs, is central to life in Portree and is used by fishing boats and pleasure vessels.  Along the south-west side of the harbour are brightly painted buildings.  Natural stone and whitewashed buildings adorn the north-west side.   The peninsula to the south, with its beautiful cliff-side gardens, is known as "The Lump."  It was a great locale for the island’s public hangings.   What a combination!

 

Scottish Gaelic is the native language on the Isle of Skye.  Gaelic culture and heritage encompass the island.  Each region has its own lore and stories of the past.

 

The following are links for information on history, tourism and business in Portree and the Isle of Skye.

  The Isle of Skye Business Community

  Undiscovered Scotland:  Portree

  Isle of Skye

  Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA)

  Portree Riding Stables

  The Isle of Skye Brewing Company

 

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