Skye's Eastern Coastline and Islands

Rona 

To the east of Skye lie the islands of Rona and Raasay, both fascinating and scenic places to visit. For those island – baggers amongst you, there is really only one way to get to Rona and that is by private boat. No ferries run there but a number of commercial boats in the area do – and you can include Rona as part of your Red Moon Cruise.

Rona has a permanent population of just two, the island Manager Bill and his wife Lorraine. He is a font of knowledge about the island as you would expect and is usually ready for a blether to interested visitors who respect the island. There are some great, compact walks on the island – out to Church Cave on the east coast with superb views over the Inner Sound, up and downhill to the local history of the Abandoned Village or out along the ridge to look over Caolas Rona, where you may spot an eagle or two. A beautiful anchorage, expect to spot seals, possibly deer, eagles or even an elusive otter...

Between Rona and Raasay lies Caolas Rona, which is usually a must - do on our cruises, either to pass down the east side of Raasay or just to go eagle and seal spotting! It is also crossed by four legged animals – deer have been seen swimming bewteen the two islands.

Raasay

Just down the west side of Raasay we get to Eilean Fladda or Fladday – this is joined to Raasay at low tide by a rocky causeway but even at high tide we can't pass through. Instead we use the 'Crevice' as a sheltered anchorage, chosing either north or south of the causway depending on where the wind is blowing from. Walks ashore are possible on Eilean Fladda or Raasay itself from this anchorage.

At the north end of Raasay, which is geologically similar to Rona, very rocky and austere, a man called Calum MacLeod made his own stand against slow local bureacracy by building his very own road, hacking his way through that very rock. It is worth reading the book ( 'Calum's Road') and then seeing the road for yourself – am amazing man-made endeavour. There are also some castle ruins on the north east side of Raasay which you can visit by foot, or which you may view from the decks of Red Moon as we cruise north or south down the Inner Sound.

Further south on the west coast is the settlement of Churchton Bay. We usually anchor here near to the main jetty and ferry terminal. A visit ashore here is very worthwhile as it can include a trip to Rassay Distillery which opened in 2018 and now produces a fine malt whisky with a slightly peaty island flavour. Equally delicious is Raasay's own gin and both can be purchased in the adjoining Distillery Shop.

Close to the distillery are a range of craft shops and an art gallery. These include the Silver Grasshopper, where you can buy hand made silver jewellery. Further along the road you will find Raasay Gallery and The Studio which specialises in local crafts and where you can see the local Raasay tartan. Raasay House stands in lovely grounds,close to our anchorage, and is now a hotel, bar and restaurant. It also offers outdoor activities such as kayaking and bike hire is available.

Southern Raasay is much greener and more fertile than the north and there are a number of lovely walks from Churchton, along the coast, through woodland or you can trek further inland to Raasay's highest point, Dun Caan.

raasay.com

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Skye Coastline & Portree

During an East of Skye cruise we will usually include a sail up or down Raasay Sound to view the dramatic Skye coastline, sometimes getting as far north as Staffin Bay, past the famous Kilt Rock – you get a much better view of this from the sea than the land! Also on view – the Old Man of Storr, Mealt Falls and Leat. Raasay Sound is a good place to potentially see dolphins or porpoises and we know the best places for some eagle spotting...

A stop at Portree, the islands capital is possible with time to visit local shops ashore and pick up some Skye gifts.

We often stop for the night in Caolas Scalpay which is a stretch of water between Skye and the island of Scalpay. It is usually a sheltered spot with deer often to be seen on the shores of Scalpay and can be a great place for sunset viewing.

isleofskye.com