The Inner Hebridean island of Raasay is sparsely populated with about 200 residents, though the numbers swell in the tourist season as visitors arrive to enjoy the wild beauty of the place. At around 14 miles in length north-south and just two or three wide there is then no shortage of room to breathe here. Raasay is a Norse name, meaning isle of the red deer, and that animal can still be spotted roaming the wilderness areas, though for the keen mammal spotter a somewhat smaller beast is of more interest, a sub-species of vole, this being the only place where it is found. More spectacular creatures are to be seen too, such as the occasional golden eagle and the mountain hares that would make them a fine supper. The best place from which to appreciate the island at a glance is the top of the tallest hill on the island, Dun Caan, its oddly flat top 1455 feet above the sea. As was too often the case Raasay suffered from ill-treatment by its owners down the years, in the mid-19th century a decision to move towards sheep farming disrupting the lives of many residents – the route to clearance for that laird being to ban marriages! Emigration not unnaturally followed. The next proprietor thought his lands should be dedicated to field sports, with equal lack of consideration for those living there. Tourism is now the biggest earner, though crafting and fishing continue as additional sources of revenue. The largest village, Inverarish, is in the south of the island, now boasting a fine new ferry terminal to serve the link with Sconser on Skye, controversially running these days on a Sunday – most of the inhabitants are strict observers of the Sabbath. Travel to Raasay and you are following in the famous footsteps of Johnson and Boswell, who visited in 1773, noting the good arable land – protected behind Skye from the worst of the Atlantic weather – and enjoyed the entertainment that included piping, songs in Gaelic, and dancing by the locals, with luck their descendents providing similar diversions during your stay.
Activities
Raasay Outdoor Centre(Water Sports)
Places to Stay near Raasay
Raasay House Hotel (4.06 miles)
Cuillin Hills Hotel (5.22 miles)
Superbly situated with breathtaking views over Portree Bay towards the grandiose Cuillin Mountain range. A very fine hotel, open all year round enjoying an excellent location for exploring the island.
Our ... More
Bosville Hotel (5.43 miles)
Situated in Portree, the Islands Capital, our quality Hotel offers fresh, stress free accommodation with many rooms overlooking idyllic Portree harbour. We have an unrivalled reputation for superb, award winning cuisine created using the freshest ... More | visit website
Dunsgiath Apartments (5.43 miles)
- 4 Star apartments on the beautiful Isle of Skye - Free Wireless Broadband Access - LCD Satellite TV, CD & DVD player - Spectacular ... More
Marmalade Hotel (5.79 miles)
Skeabost Country House (10.62 miles)
Skeabost Country House Hotel stands within large private grounds at the edge of Loch Snizort. The hotel is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Scottish highlands and visiting the ... More
Morrison Cottage (12.54 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
n a crofting community set amidst spectacular scenery below the Cuillins, Morrison Cottage, attached, and the newly built MacNab House are both set on an elevated location ... More
Broadford Hotel (12.65 miles)
Dunollie Hotel (12.95 miles)
The Dunollie Hotel has magnificent views across the sea to Loch Kishorn and the Applecross Hills.
The bright, airy restaurant has an excellent reputation locally, and looks out across the water where ... More
Shorefield Guest House (14.96 miles)
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