Portree

As the main town on the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands, Portree is the hub of culture and commerce in the area with its central and scenic harbor. Surrounded by tall cliffs and richly green forests, it makes for an excellent base from which to explore the island — though it is a destination in its own right. Colorfully painted homes line the waterfront, and the city is steeped in rich Scottish history and heritage.
Fishing has long been the center of Portree’s economy, and as such there are many excellent fresh seafood eateries. The town’s Aros Centre runs theatre, music and film productions on a regular basis, many of which celebrate the island’s Gaelic heritage. Although English is widely spoken, about one third of the population still speaks Scottish Gaelic. The name Portree is derived from the words for “King’s Harbor” in Gaelic.

Practical Info

You can find Portree on the large Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. It is about a five hour drive from Edinburgh. From Portree you can easily arrange transport to visit the many scenic stops on the Isle of Skye.