Holiday cottages on the Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Isle of Skye lies off the west coast of Scotland, between Gairloch and Ardmamurchan. It is an island of crofts and black houses, and Gaelic is still spoken frequently. Skye is dominated by the Cuillins, a massive range of mountains, popular with serious climbers and also great walking for those less experienced. Skye is connected to the mainland by a bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh, which is free of toll charges: you can also arrive by ferry (far more romantic to go 'over the sea to Skye') from Mallaig, Gairloch and Glenelg. Many people spending holidays on Skye come for the range of outdoor pursuits - walking, climbing, kayaking and wind-surfing: there are also more gentle activities such as pony-trekking if you want a more relaxing family holiday on Skye.

Renting a holiday cottage on Skye will give you the freedom to explore this fascinating island, and there are a good selection of cottages by the sea, self-catering houses and modernised black houses available to rent. Take a cruise from Elgol, near Broadford, into Loch Coruisk - a memorable trip surrounded by the dramatic Cuillins. The Sleat Peninsula is a Macdonald stronghold - on the east coast is Isle Oronsay, beautiful woodlands, ruined castles and the famous Armadale Casle which houses the Museum of the Isles.

If you go further on you will reach Aird of Sleat with glorious views across the sound. Tiny settlements cluster round pretty coves and sandy beaches. Portree is the main town on Skye and is busy in the summer. Some of the colourful houses set around the pretty harbour are available for cottage holiday rental. North of Portree is The Old Man of Storr, the tallest of the amazing pinnacles and towers of basaltic rock - an incredible sight.

Dunvegan Castle is seat of the Macleod clan: it's a massive castle on a rock which is open to the public and set in glorious gardens. From the jetty below the castle you can take a boat trip to view the seals on the little islands. From Skye you can also go whale and dolphin watching - another memorable Isle of Skye holiday experience.

If you are renting a holiday cottage on Skye then you are in for a culinary treat - second only to the scenery! There is the most wonderful seafood and fish to buy all over the island - it is simply delicious and you couldn't buy fresher. The Isle of Skye is also home to two of Scotland's best restaurants - Kinloch Lodge at Sleat (Lady Claire Macdonald's Michelin starred establishment) and The Three Chimneys at Colbost (winner of many top accolades). Both are amazing and if you are holidaying on Skye then give yourself a big treat and go to one of these amazing restaurants and have a break from self-catering!