- published: 12 Sep 2014
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Skye or the Isle of Skye (Scottish Gaelic: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach or Eilean a' Cheò) is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate out from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin hills. Although it has been suggested that the first of these Gaelic names describes a "winged" shape there is no definitive agreement as to the name's origins.
The island has been occupied since the mesolithic period and has a colourful history including a time of Norse rule and a long period of domination by Clan MacLeod and Clan Donald. The events of the 19th century had a devastating impact on the human population, which declined from over 20,000 to around 9,200 in the early 21st century. Nonetheless, in contrast to many other Scottish islands, this represents a 4 per cent increase from the census of 1991. The main industries are tourism, agriculture, fishing and whisky-distilling. The largest settlement is Portree, known for its picturesque harbour.
To the Land Of Shadows once he came
Young warrior of Erin
With valour, honour and strength
Cuchulainn was his name
To win the heart of fair Emer
The Plain Of Ill-luck he crossed
To search for knowledge of war
The Perilous Glen he traversed
Then guided by Lugh, one fatherly hand
His scorched path he followed to the
... Isle Of Skye
Yonder,
The scholars were gathered
Among them Ferdiad,
The Firbolg who was his friend:
“Welcome Hound of Culan,
I hope you'll stay by our side
Beyond the Bridge Of Leaps,
Scáthach's stronghold you'll find on the
... Isle Of Skye
All by yourself you must stride
Not challenge fate with false pride
Beware of the bridge to reach the far side
All by yourself be your own guide
To make the Salmon leap up high
Scáthach you'll find on the Isle of Skye”
Crógacht!
Three times over Cuchulainn tried and failed
And at the fourth attempt he finally prevailed
To the Land Of Shadows once he came
Young warrior of Erin
With valour, honour and strength
Cuchulainn was his name
Yonder,
The scholars were gathered
Among them Ferdiad,
the Firbolg who was his friend:
“Welcome Hound of Culan,
I hope you'll stay by our side
Beyond the Bridge Of Leaps,
Scáthach's stronghold you'll find on the
... Isle Of Skye”
To win the heart of fair Emer
The Plain Of Ill-luck he crossed
To search for knowledge of war
The Perilous Glen he traversed
Then guided by Lugh, one fatherly hand
His scorched path he followed to the
... Isle Of Skye
But little did the hero know
What tragedy upon him