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The Magic of Waternish

Author Holiday West Highland

Waternish magic begins with the Fairy Bridge and the first spellbinding panorama of Loch Bay, Dunvegan Head and beyond to the Outer Isles. Though it boasts the oldest inn on Skye, Waternish is an example of how tourism can develop the local modern economies of the remoter crofting areas and today over 40 businesses offer first-rate services to the many visitors throughout the year who discover the delights of this unforgettable part of the island.
Most establishments are either available all year round or advertise their winter opening arrangements and times separately. Historic Stein Inn and the celebrated Lochbay Seafood Restaurant anchor numerous bed-and-breakfast and self catering facilities. Of the five four-star visitor attractions on the island, two are found in Waternish: Skyeskyns, Scotland’s unique exhibition sheepskin tannery and Shilasdair wool dyehouse are both high profile attractions.

Top-quality accommodation and hospitality facilities make this spectacular peninsula the perfect place for exploring the rich history and wildlife of the area, as well as the wide range of activities and visitor attractions on offer.

Add to these two potteries, four art galleries and printmaker’s studios, knitwear and pyrography craft shops, a blacksmith, a weaver and more and you have a very full day. The picturesque fishing village of Stein, originally designed by Thomas Telford – with its diving centre, boat trips, upgraded jetty and car-park, moorings and conservation area – is an ideal and developing maritime centre too.

This unspoilt village in its idyllic shore-side setting is living architectural history and the hub of this thriving, dynamic community. As well as having one of the finest concentrations of quality crafts and businesses on Skye, Waternish is indeed rich in history and legend. Before leaving the area, visitors can walk forestry or coastal trails, see legendary Annat’s temple, the Cat Cairn, Trumpan Church, the ancient fort of Dun Hallin or trek to the lighthouse at dramatic Waternish Point. And if all that’s too much for a day out visitors can stay a week and explore all north Skye from this strategic and enchanting peninsula. Skyeskyns, the Scotland’s traditional exhibition tannery established 1983 in Waternish, Isle of Skye, is widely recognised as a manufacturer and supplier not only of natural sheepskins but also of specialist sheepskins and related products.

Many of the leading interior designers are customers and have featured Skyeskyns in the national media. Today, visitors are transported back in time to witness the time-honoured methods of leather-making. Whilst the reconditioned machinery is what one might have found in a 1920’s tannery, state-of-the-art leather technology produces fully machine washable leather. A free guided workshop tour offers the chance to learn how leather is made, to see not only the tanner’s traditional implements: the beam, paddles, racks, buffing wheel, combs and ironing machine; but also hand-finishing processes which exploit the differing density and textures of the fleeces.

Having understood how a sheepskin is made and how to look after it, the refurbished showroom offers the chance to browse what must be the widest selection of sheepskins anywhere. Look out for the new line in exotic mosaics!