Sligachan Campsite

Sligachan (Pronounced Sligahan) is one of the favourite starting points for walks onto the Black Cuillin Range that forms the background to this image. It may be the favourite Campsite simply because of its situation and proximity to Portree which is just 9 miles away.

The Sligachan Hotel is very close by and has an Outdoor Centre which is open through the summer months. This caters for the campers and walkers providing them with both liquid and food sustanance. It also provides shelter from rain. Oh, and a refuge from the dreaded Skye Midge.

Between the campsite and the hotel is the main A87 trunk route.

Earlier this week saw the remnants of Hurrican Katia pass over Britain. I had the occasion to drive through here on Monday on my way to Carbost to collect more Oysters for the Restaurant. That day we had constant torrential rain. I had never previously seen the River Sligachan so full of water yet today it was back to normal. Fortunately we missed the high winds that had been frorecast.

However the newspapers had writtrn the usual frighteners to the public with threats of structural damage due to winds of upto 80 miles an hour. Frankly this is not out of the ordinary for Skye. Some years ago we experienced winds gusting to 145 miles per hour. Now that was frightening! I have witnessed roof slates flying around like frisbies. I have witnessed winds so strong that when reaching out my hand was blown back towards me. Oh yes, it can blow up here.

Today however it has been like a true summers day, hot and pleasant. One great day like today and you forget all the doom and gloom. Even now, as I write this, the sky is clear though the sun has gone down. Aye, the evenings are drawing in.