A Conscientious Guide To Skye
There's something about Skye that stays with you long after the ferry leaves or the car curves inland. For those visiting, it might be akin to a sense of peace, comfort and appreciation for its scenery, culture and people. There's not really a word to describe the feeling in the English language, but there is in Gaelic.
The concept of 'dùthchas' describes a connection to the land, its people and its culture, encouraging continued responsibility for your home and surrounding wilderness. It's tied to a deep-seated sense of belonging; a promise to preserve heritage for generations to come.
This summer, explore ways to be part of something enduring by supporting local projects, getting to know Skye's community and helping protect beautiful landscapes.
Wild Places, Thoughtful Steps
In summer, Skye offers longer days, warmer tides, and a pull toward the outdoors. It’s a season for climbing, wild swimming, and coasteering along the island’s dramatic edge. But the weather can change quickly here, and not every challenge is marked on a map.
Skye Adventure offers more than a route from A to B. They offer a way to experience the island with skill and awareness, so your adventure stays with you.
Gathering What Doesn’t Belong
The tide leaves things behind. On good days: driftwood, sea glass, shells. On others: plastic rope, bottles, nets frayed by salt.
The Skye Beach Cleans group takes to the shore to gently undo the damage. Their gatherings are relaxed and welcoming. A good way to meet people. A better way to give an hour or two back to the sea.
Join them if you can:
👉 facebook.com/SkyeBeachCleans
Where the Water Runs Clear
Skye & Lochalsh Rivers Trust is a small but mighty team. Their work keeps the rivers clean, restores lost habitats, and makes space for salmon, otters, and waterbirds to thrive.
From April to September, they welcome helping hands, especially those curious to learn. If you fancy lending a hand or learning more about the waterways in Skye and Lochalsh, they’d love to hear from you!
To lend your time or support:
👉 slrt.org.uk
Preserving Place
In the far northeast of Skye, the Staffin Trust has found a way to preserve more than just land. Together with the local community, they’ve created the Skye Ecomuseum (Druim nan Linntean, “ridge of ages”), a living museum held within the landscape itself.
There’s no single doorway to step through. Instead, the museum unfolds across the land — through cleared villages, ancient pathways, and places shaped by generations. This community-led project honours the Gaelic language, crofting culture, and the connection between people and place.
Visitors can support the Ecomuseum by exploring it with care and are also welcome to lend a hand on path projects. Each careful step helps ensure these stories are not just remembered, but carried forward.
A Few More Acts of Kindness
There are so many good people doing small, thoughtful things to care for Skye, far more than we could fit here! Here are a few other lovely organisations worth checking out:
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Skye Climate Action – local climate action through food, energy, and community.
👉 skyeclimateaction.org
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Viewfield Garden Collective – Charity run therapeutic garden in Portree supporting local adults living with mental health difficulties. Sells local, organically-grown produce on a donation basis.
👉viewfieldgardencollective.org
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Sleat Community Trust – community-led work in woodlands, renewables, and local enterprise.
👉 sleat.org.uk
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Skye Community Cinema - Brings monthly special event screenings of independent films and documentaries often with Q+A sessions with the filmmakers.
👉 www.facebook.com/cinemaskye
- Skye Mountain Rescue - Volunteers on call 24/7 to help those in difficulty in Skye's wild and rugged landscapes.
👉 www.skyemrt.org
