6-Day Isle of Skye Volunteer Adventure

We embark our journey to the Isle of Skye from Inverness and drive along the world-famous Loch Ness towards the west coast, where mountains give way to vast sea lochs. Crossing the Skye Bridge, we learn about the history and mythology of the Isle of Skye and enjoy the scenic drive down the Sleat Peninsula. We will don our wellies and waterproofs and meet the team who will explain the plan for the coming week – then it’s time to get our hands dirty! After our first day working in the Tormore Community Forest we head to Portree on the Isle of Skye, our home for the next few nights. 

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we drive down past the jagged Cuillin Mountain Range, hearing tales of Clan feuds and warfare, before getting stuck into a morning of tree planting and path repair. After lunch there is the opportunity to explore Armadale Castle & Gardens, the spiritual home of Clan Donald. On our return journey to Portree we make a stop at the infamous Fairy Pools and hear more legendary tales about the wee people. 

Our volunteer holiday resumes with another busy morning in the forest - a lovely boost for the soul! In the afternoon we immerse ourselves in the local culture and learn more about the founding language of Scotland at the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Our visit includes a tour, lecture, and Gaelic tutoring taster session. We’ll learn some basic phrases and about the use of tree names in the names of the letters in the Gaelic alphabet. 

Our physical effort this morning is balanced with a laid-back afternoon exploring Sleat’s hidden beaches and rocky shorelines. A scenic walk to the southernmost point of Skye passes a stunning white sandy beach with turquoise waters, perfect for a spot of lunch. Continuing to the modern lighthouse we enjoy some fantastic views out to the small isles of Rum, Canna and Eigg. On the way home we’ll stop at some art galleries and local shops – the perfect opportunity to pick up a souvenir of your time on Skye. 

Our morning volunteering on the Isle of Skye will be well-rewarded after lunch with a visit to the distillery at Torabhaig, the second ever licenced Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery on the Isle of Skye. You will have the opportunity to take a tour, learn the secrets to the “water of life” and make a toast to all the hard work and positive changes we have made – Slainte! This evening we will have the option of a group meal and sample more of Skye’s bountiful larder. 

We spend our final morning adding the finishing touches to our project before bidding farewell to our new friends on Skye and making the return journey over the Skye Bridge to view the iconic and truly romantic Eilean Donan Castle; used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. The last part of our adventure winds through the stunning Highland scenery, returning to Inverness in the late afternoon.