The Òr team share their ideas for autumn on the Isle of Skye

Autumn is a favourite time of year for many members of the Òr team here on Skye. So, we thought it’d be wonderful to share what we’re looking forward to as summer’s lively hum gives way to the slower rhythms of the season ahead. From making foraged bramble jams and heading to our local sea saunas, to the places we love to visit at this time of year on our island.

Walks & reads

‘This year, I’ll be walking around the beautiful gardens of Dunvegan Castle to see the leaves turn and I’m looking forward to getting a chance to read more as the nights draw in earlier. The first book on my list has to be Morvern Graham’s new Seasonal Folktales which covers myths and magic from Scandinavia to Scotland. I’ll also be helping my son Laurie practise on his bike if we get some calm autumn days.’
Jen, co-owner of Òr

Knead & sow

‘I’m looking forward to watching the new series of Slow Horses — if you haven’t seen it yet, you definitely should! Then I’ll be spending some time in our garden to tidy it and plant some spring bulbs ready for next year. I also have a new bread maker, so I’m going to start experimenting with that, too!’
Andy, co-owner of Òr

Embracing spooky season

‘Autumn is my favourite time of year. I can’t wait to search for conkers and feel the crunch of leaves underfoot as I wander along the Portree Nature Trail next to the river. A few other things I’ll be enjoying will be preparing for spooky season with Halloween decorations, watching my favourite autumn films like 13 Ghosts, Scream, and Hocus Pocus, making lots of hot chocolates and pumpkin soup, and listening to favourite tunes on my autumn playlist like Thriller and Things Go Bump in the Night.’
Stacey, retail assistant

Skye’s culinary spots

‘This autumn, I’ll be enjoying more sauna sessions, Café Cùil’s new seasonal menu, and Bog Myrtle’s soup and cheese scones — though they’re good at any time of year in my book. I’ll also be taking my dog Domino out for plenty of walks to his favourite haunts and exploring the waterfalls around Uig. But most of all, I’m looking forward to the end of midgie season!’
Sisi, retail assistant

Land & sea

‘Autumn, for me, is all about making the most of those crisp, sunny days before winter hits. So, when the next one comes around, I’ll be heading down to Kinloch Forest to pick some blackberries to make a batch of bramble jam. I’m also planning to make the most of our new local sauna here in Portree — there’s nothing better than warming up after a wild day on the island.’
Floss, partnerships manager

Comfort shows & local trails

‘I love to re-watch Gilmore Girls every year and I always find that any songs by Chris Stapleton get me in the mood for autumn. On Skye, this season tends to be a quieter time of year where I can enjoy the local landscapes at home near Portree. I’ll definitely be doing a few walks along the Scorrybreac Trail and making my way to Staffin’s sea sauna, too!’
Hannah, retail assistant

Books, films & brochs

‘Cosy season is my favourite time of year. I prefer everything about it — the weather, the layered clothes, and most of all the opportunity to hunker down at home. Come September, you’ll find me listening to lots of Kate Bush, re-watching the 1985 Anne of Green Gables, doing my annual walk to Dun Beag Broch to watch the sun dip, and reading fantasy fiction. I might also purchase a few more reads from my local bookstores at Waystone and Carmina Gadelica to add to my endless to-be-read list!’
Sophie, marketing & ecommerce manager

Home sweet home

‘I love autumn for its crisp leaves and the excuse to stay indoors under a blanket with a hot chocolate to hand. When the season comes around, I re-watch my favourite autumn film Coraline every year and I decorate the house with plenty of seasonal decorations. I’ve also started having a go at making cordials — I’ve already made a raspberry, blueberry and strawberry one so far, and I’m going to try and make some jams next.’
Bella, retail assistant

Dark, stormy days

‘I’ll be listening to lots of Stevie Nicks, most likely watching Practical Magic and You’ve Got Mail, and of course, looking forward to thunderstorms and dark, cosy evenings at home. Oh, and drinking constant teas and coffees! I’ll also be hosting a tea blending workshop at Òr on 17th October — you can sign up here!’
Kathryn, retail & events assistant 

Sweet treats

‘As we move towards autumn, I’m looking forward to plenty of walks, visiting some of the local sea saunas — especially as the sea gets more chilly — watching a couple of Nora Ephron films, and drinking lots of tea — hopefully with some of Anna’s homemade cinnamon rolls!’
Jane, retail assistant & jeweller

Slow, peaceful days

‘To me, autumn means enjoying the peace that being at home brings. So, I’ll be checking I’ve got enough books to read, trying to get the garden sorted, celebrating my wedding anniversary with my husband, and of course, walking my beautiful cocker spaniel, Ellie.’
Rosemary, retail assistant

Wild swims, crafts & bakes

‘I’m always more drawn to the autumn and winter months, especially on Skye. This year, I’ll be re-watching Harry Potter, knitting my first autumn sweater, baking pumpkin spice cakes, and going for weekly cold-water swims.’
Anna, retail assistant