Celebrating Summer Solstice on Skye
The summer solstice usually falls around 21st June and brings the longest day of the year, marking the moment when the sun sits at its highest. In Scotland, communities have gathered for thousands of years to honour the turning of the seasons.
In days gone by, fires were lit as a tribute to the sun’s strength and to bless the land, while people came together to sing, dance, and share food under the open sky. Here on Skye, with its deep sense of history and natural wonders, the solstice feels especially meaningful.
We’ve pulled together a few of our favourite places to spend a slow evening in the light. Some are tucked away, others just a short walk from Òr’s home in Portree, each holds something we return to, year after year.
Photo by Hannah Morris
Rubha Hunish
Rubha Hunish marks the northernmost tip of Skye - a wild, rugged headland reached by a grassy trail and a short scramble down towards the sea. The atmosphere here is spectacular, with steep cliffs, seabirds overhead, and the chance to spot whales or dolphins in the waters below.
Perched above the cliffs is the Lookout Bothy, a former coastguard station with panoramic windows, perfect for resting or even spending the night. It's remote enough to feel like a world of its own, and is particularly beautiful as the sun begins to fade.
Photo by Hannah Morris
Old Man of Storr
One of Skye’s most recognisable landmarks, the Old Man of Storr rises sharply from the hillside, its silhouette visible for miles. Set high on the Trotternish Ridge, it offers wide, dramatic views which come into their own as evening falls. We love the way Ludovica Perison captures The Storr in sunlight in our collaboration piece.
Beyond its otherworldly atmosphere and appearance, the Old Man of Storr is steeped in legend. One popular tale tells of a giant who once lived on the ridge. When he died, he was buried there, but his thumb remained above ground, forming the towering pinnacle we see today.
For a deeper look at Skye’s myths and legends, head to our earlier journal: Skye’s Landscape Legends Explored Through Art.
Photo by Hannah Morris
Waternish Peninsula
Located on Skye’s northwest coast, the Waternish Peninsula offers sightlines across Loch Dunvegan all the way to the Outer Hebrides. It’s a peaceful stretch of coastline with fewer crowds, gentle hills, and long views that hold the evening glow beautifully.
Photo by Hannah Morris
Sligachan
Sligachan lies at the crossroads between Portree, Broadford, and Dunvegan, right at the foot of the Cuillin. Its striking scenery draws the eye - it’s open, dramatic, and shaped by shifting light. As the day moves on, the landscape reveals new textures, tones, and a real sense of scale.
Sligachan isn’t just a beautiful spot, it’s also wrapped in local legend. According to the story, if you dip your face in the cold river water, you might be granted eternal youth. It’s a myth that still draws curious visitors today (and yes, plenty of them give it a try!).
Photo by Hannah Morris
Oronsay
Accessible only at low tide, Oronsay is an island off Skye’s west coast. A 3km walk leads you across a narrow causeway to this serene haven. Here, the interplay of sea and sky as the day softens makes this a spot we love to return to. One of our talented artists, Philippa Thomas, captures Oronsay beautifully in this print.
Beyond Skye
For those willing to go a little further afield, Uist is well worth the journey (you can see our trip here)! The islands are known for their long beaches and scattered lochans. Whether walking the coastline or sitting among the dunes, the landscape offers a beautiful backdrop, especially at sunset.
And if you keep going north, you’ll find the Calanais Standing Stones on Lewis and the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney. Both are profound sites of ancient worship associated with lunar events, making them especially resonant at this turning point in the calendar.
For the Road (or the Ridge)
At Òr, we often find ourselves drawn to this time of day, whether walking by the harbour or watching the sun fall behind the Cuillin.
If you’re heading out to catch the last of the light and find yourself near Portree, pop in and say hello. Or explore ideas and inspiration for your trip online.
