Kyleakin
Kyleakin is one of the main gateways to Skye and is now a picturesque fishing village. It has plenty of backpacker accommodation and this now lends it a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere with young visitors from all over the world using it as a base to explore the charms of the Island. The name of the village comes from Kyle Haakon or Haakon's strait in memory of the Norwegian king, (the island was Norwegian territory for hundreds of years).
There is evidence of the strategic importance of the village and of its colourful history at Castle Moil which still dominates the views south from the village even though it is now in a poor state of repair. It was originally known as Dunakin was built in the 10th Century as a fortress and lookout, stronghold of the MacKinnons. It is also from here that chain was said to be strung across the kyle and all ships had to pay a toll or risk the rougher outer passage. There were however certain rewards to paying the toll!
It was here that King Haakon IV of Norway gathered his ships prior to the Battle of Largs in 1263. It was the victory of Alexander III of Scotland here that brought large tracts of Scotland back from Norwegian rule and finally broke the power of the Norsemen on this side of the North Sea.
It used to be the landing point for the ferries which crossed from Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland. This crossing is now made by the Skye Bridge which opened in 1995 and has ever since been a bone of contention across the area. Although promises have been made that the tolls are to be removed or at least reduced in the near future, it remains one of the most expensive toll bridges per metre anywhere in the world.
What we do in Kyleakin:
- Enjoy the live music
- Take a boat trip
- Occasionally use it as our base to explore the wonders of Skye
Tours that may visit Kyleakin:
Other places that may be of interest:
