Isle of Skye, north Scotland

Skye, or the Isle of Skye, recently voted the '4th best island in the world by National Geographic magazine' is the second largest and most northerly large island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. With an area of 639 sq miles, its population is just over 10,000. Skye is famous for its breathtaking scenery and dramatic landscape. The Isle of Skye is also a great destination for Wildlife watching with the White Tailed Sea Eagle at the top of bird watchers lists. Otters, seals, whales, dolphins and red deer are just some of the other impressive creatures that can be seen on and around the Isle of Skye.

We stayed at The Caledonian Hotel, a bed and breakfast accommodation in Portree which is the capital and the main service centre in the island.

Diatomite mine ruins in the Isle of Skye. What is Diatomite? Known to the locals as 'Caile' (Gaelic for chalk), diatomie is a white or grey mineral earth which is quite similar to china clay. It is formed by microscopic algae and has many uses, such as for face powder, fire-proofing and insulation and as a filter in several industrial processes.