Isle of Skye’s Local Folklore Inspired by the Shore
On Skye, stories often begin where the sea meets land, the boundary blurred by haar. It's a place where makers and artists turn to wildlife, weather and folklore for inspiration.
It was here that boats once carried news, goods and mail, the sea shaping daily life until faster roads and ferries changed the rhythm. But traces remain in abandoned lighthouses, bothies, stone slipways and croft ruins still turned toward the water.
Here we've gathered our favourite spots to enjoy along Skye's coastline and the pieces inspired by their stories.
Waternish Peninsula
The Waternish Peninsula reaches into the Minch and has been shaped by centuries of fishing and sea travel. It’s an area steeped in history, with ruined buildings and clan battle sites, including the tragedy at Trumpan Church and the Highland Clearances. The meandering walk along its edge also takes you past the picturesque lighthouse which has stood at this most northerly point since 1924.
On clear days, Waternish Peninsula offers glimpses of whales, dolphins and the outline of the Outer Hebrides across the water, a reminder of the routes that once connected these coasts. Our ceramic seals are inspired by this northern stretch of sea and are all hand-sculpted by Skye potter Catriona Archibald.
Neist Point
Neist Point is one of Skye’s most recognisable landmarks, a long stretch of land reaching into the Minch. Sheer basalt cliffs drop to the water, and on the tip stands the lighthouse, built in 1909 to guide ships through these busy waters.
The path to it was laid for the lighthouse keepers who once lived here, a route that still rises and falls with the shape of the land. Local lore tells of the Blue Men of the Minch, said to test passing sailors with riddles, rewarding a correct answer with safe passage and punishing the wrong one with storms.
On a calm day you might see dolphins or even whales offshore, the view shifting with the light and weather. Our Neist Point Art Print by David Fleck reflects that same meeting of land and sea, captured in balanced lines and moody tones.
Rubha Hunish
At Skye’s northern tip, Rubha Hunish looks toward the Shiant Isles and the outline of Harris. If you’re lucky you may catch the smooth rise of a porpoise close to shore or a minke whale passing through. This is one of the best places on the island to watch the sea for signs of life.
At the end of the route, you’ll find The Lookout Bothy, a basic shelter maintained by volunteers and available to anyone wanting to rest their head for the night after the hike to this northerly point.
When you reach the edge, you might also spy a fishing boat or two among the waves. Our Jellyfish at Night print created by Scottish artist Phoebe Roze draws on this traditional fisherfolk history, a practice you’ll still find today along the isle’s shore.
Fairy Pools
Residing in the shadow of the Black Cuillin Mountains lies the Fairy Pools, with River Brittle cascading from the munros into the glen, carving waterfalls and crystal-clear rockpools along its path. The 2.4km trail will lead you past bridges and, in late summer, blooming purple heather on your way to the waterfalls.
The Fairy Pools are named for the ancient myths and legends surrounding them, with old stories told of selkies seen here; seals who could step from their skins to walk the shore before returning to the water. Scottish illustrator and printmaker Abbie Lois captures this creature in her Selkie Folklore Print, a reminder of the old myths that still cling to these shores.
Abbie will be hosting a folklore lino printing workshop with us on 25th September, where she’ll be bringing plenty of reference books and artworks on Skye’s local legends for inspiration.
The Pull of the Tide’s Edge
These places draw us back again and again, for their spectacular views, abundant wildlife and ancient stories. You can explore more prints, books and coastal pieces that carry a little of this shoreline spirit over on our online shop.
