Geary (An Geàrraidh) is a small crofting township on the northeast coast of the Waternish peninsula. The cottage has uninterrupted views to the Ascrib Islands and across the Minch to the Western Isles.
Sguirr Bay
The Waternish peninsula is one of the prettiest areas of Skye. Fairy Bridge is said to mark the place where a fairy wife of a MacLeod chief said good bye to her husband and child before going to live amongst her own people.
Trumpan Church is an old ruin in a beautiful location. This is where the MacDonalds came to exact their revenge on the MacLeods in 1578 for the Massacre of Eigg. The MacDonalds set fire to the church when it was full with all inside perishing except for one little girl who escaped through a small window and raised the alarm. The Clan chief on hearing this raised the fairy flag and set sail from Dunvegan. Lady Grange is also buried here.
Close by are the beautiful coral beaches and Dunvegan castle and gardens. The famous Fairy Flag is on display here.
Geary is a short drive from the bustling harbour town of Portree with its numerous cafes and eateries.
Wining and Dining
Sixgeary is close to the historic fishing village of Stein which boasts the oldest inn on Skye - the Stein Inn. Almost next door is the renowned Loch Bay Seafood Restaurant. A little further afield in Colbost is the Michelin-starred Three Chimneys restaurant. The Old School House restaurant in Dunvegan and the Edinbane Inn serve excellent food. The oldest bakery on Skye is also in Dunvegan and it sells fantastic artisan bread.
Outdoor Activities
Skye provides a wealth of outdoor activities from world-class climbing, walking, kayaking, cycling, and whale watching. There are also many stunning coastal walks and it’s a great location for star gazing. The cottage has easy access to three of the islands dark sky discovery sites. Waternish was recently voted by Travel Magazine as having the best sunsets in the world.
Local Crafts
There are a number of crafts practiced locally in Waternish. In Stein you will find Dandelion crafts and Skyskins is the only tannery in Scotland. At Carnach you can find Halistra Pottery. Close by is The Skye Shilasdair Shop (Dye house and exhibition). Iain Williams’ gallery and tea room is also well worth a visit.
Wildlife
Sea eagles can be observed from the cottage and in Loch Snizort basking sharks, porpoises, dolphins and whales can be spotted. The Ascrib islands are part of a special conservation area due to the significant breeding colonies of seals. Puffins also breed in the burrows on the Ascribs.