There’s Nowhere Else You’d Want to Be
There have been some days on the west coast of Scotland recently, when you find yourself wondering why anyone would want to be anywhere else.

It doesn’t happen every year, but this year, we’ve had some proper summer’s days. Blue sky. Warmth in the air. The water catching the light. A breeze coming in from the sea, just enough to stop things becoming too hot. And, best of all, no (or at least, very few) midgies.

These days don’t always arrive when expected, which perhaps makes them feel all the more special when they do. But when summer settles over Skye, even for a little while, the whole island of Eilean Sionnach seems especially magical.

The days stretch on almost endlessly. Morning light arrives early, and evening takes its time. There’s no rush to finish anything before dark because darkness feels a very long way off. You can sit outside with a coffee and listen to the water. Walk down to the shore without thinking about coats or waterproofs. Paddle in the water, swim if you’re feeling brave, or
simply find a sheltered place to sit and watch the day pass. Out on Eilean Sionnach, there’s very little to interrupt you.

There’s a particular kind of peace that comes with warm weather here. Windows open. Doors left ajar. The sound of the sea moving through the house. A gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt water and summer grass.

Even the evenings feel different.

You might eat outside while the light remains soft over the hills, then sit a while longer because there’s no real reason to go indoors. The water becomes still. The sky changes slowly. Ben Sgritheall sits across the Sound of Sleat, looking close enough to touch. And because you’re on an island of your own, there’s no pressure to do very much at all.

You don’t need an itinerary. You don’t need entertainment. You don’t need to be anywhere at a particular time.

Of course, The Isle of Skye is beautiful in every season. In the Scottish Highlands, the wild weather, ever changing skies and light are all part of the character.

But when a west coast heatwave arrives, and the sun shines from morning until late at night, Eilean Sionnach becomes something else entirely.

Warmth; seclusion; serenity; soul. A place that’s almost impossible to leave. On days like these, there really is nowhere else you’d want to be.

Adventure awaits…