Isleornsay is a quiet little settlement on Skye. This panorama was taken late in the afternoon, in a break in the weather following a series of showers. Sitting in Isleornasy watching the surroundings in the late afternoon sun and quiet is very relaxing.

Isleornsay - Pier - Skye visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Isleornsay - Pier' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Highland.

Panorama from the pier at Isle Ornsay village overlooking (but not on) Ornsay island, Loch na Dal and the Sound of Sleat.

Isle Ornsay village is part of a privately owned estate. This village is largely converted estate workers homes and outhouses which have been beautifully renovated. The main house is now a hotel and the hub of village life.

This village undoubtedly grew from the use of the natural harbour between Ornsay island and the Sleat coast. The Sound of Sleat has for centuries been a primary and heavily used shipping channel for the west coast. Until the mid 20th century, parts of the Isle of Skye remained accessible only by boat and not by road. Indeed the mainland peninsula of Knoydart is still only accessed by boat, or by very tired feet after a two day walk in from the end of the road!

As a natural harbour, this would have been of great strategic importance especially during the tumultuous centuries when the clan system ruled the land. Land belonged to clans (extended families sharing a surname) and this harbour is a few miles from the seat of the clan MacDonald, one of the most prolific and historically noted clans. Ownership and usage of this harbour would have been fiercely protected.

From this panorama, the pier looks out past Ornsay lighthouse, across the Sound of Sleat, to Glenelg, Arisaig, Knoydart and the mainland coast of Scotland north of Mallaig, Morar and Fort William. Today, it is used mostly for small fishing vessels and pleasure craft seeking it's sheltered waters.

Travel and Getting There:
Halfway between Broadford and Armadale, 8 miles from either, this pier lies half a mile off the main Sleat road behind the houses and hotel in Isleornsay village.