On the Isle of Skye, largest of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland

 "Beautiful isle of the sea, Smile on the brow of the waters." -- George Cooper

========

(on the largest of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland) The Isle of Skye takes its name from the old Norse sky-a, meaning "cloud island," a Viking reference to the often-mist-enshrouded Cuillin Hills. It’s a 50-mile- (80-km)-long patchwork of velvet moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs, and towering sea cliffs. The beauty of the island may be the main attraction, but when the mist closes in there are castles, crofting museums, and cozy pubs and restaurants, plus dozens of art galleries and craft studios. Along with Edinburgh and Loch Ness,and Skye is one of Scotland’s top-three tourist destinations. The crowds tend to stick to Portree (featured here), Dunvegan and Trotternish. Found on the east side of Skye overlooking a sheltered bay, Portree is the island's capital. It is surrounded by hills -- Ben Tianavaig to the south and Suidh Fhinn or Fingal’s Seat to the west, Chrachaig, to the north. Further north along the road to Staffin is the Old Man of Storr, a popular walk. Across the bay to the east, the Island of Raasay can be seen with its distinctive conical hill, Dun Caan. (Portree was created as a fishing village at the beginning of the 19th century by Lord MacDonald.)