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In which I think about driving on Skye.

June 12, 2017 by hdadmin 9 Comments

Before I start let me state that I am a bloomin’ good driver. Not everyone agrees. Johnny seems to develop phantom brake foot in the passenger seat of the truck. Also he alerts me to sheep/oncoming traffic/dust molecules when they are a very long way away. But anyway…

Dear lovely drivers who come to our island. I know it’s beautiful. I understand you slowing down to pop your Go-Pro out of the window and catch that view. I appreciate that our single track roads and passing places can be intimidating. So I really, honestly don’t mind you travelling at 25 mph all the time. I also sympathise with the *which side of the road am I on?* dilemma. After a year of living in Djibouti I still went the wrong way round the only roundabout in the country on my bicycle.

But please understand that those of us who live here have places to go. The bright lights of Or may be calling, with shiny things to buy as a treat for one of the staff…. There could be bargains to be had in the Co-op or an emergency squid run. That’s what passing places are for…. just pull over and let the little woman in the big truck pass. Then smile and wave…. if you don’t a fairy dies. or something. We don’t mean to stress you out, but when you have a picnic in a passing place or park between the hopeful cones on the distillery brae someone may shout at you a wee bit.

I promise I will be try to be patient with you. I want you to enjoy your holiday, to return to your home in one piece with a shed load of amazing pictures and memories. I want you to look back with fondness on the cheery islanders with their wavey hands and impressive cornering skills. Unless you’re in one of those *Wicked* camper vans (TM appaz). In which case I will run your tragic, misogynistic rear bumper into a big puddle.

 

Filed Under: Blog

Comments

  1. Derek Pellowe says

    June 12, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    I like it, but there again, I am one who stops to say ‘Good Morning’ at the Fairy Bridge on the Isle of Man.

    Reply
    • katie says

      June 13, 2017 at 6:12 pm

      Your right to chat in inalienable. Is it far to fall from the Fairy Bridge……:)

      Reply
  2. Bridget C says

    June 12, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    I drive at 25 mph even on the big roads here, so you would probably not appreciate my skillz.

    Reply
    • katie says

      June 13, 2017 at 6:11 pm

      True story. I would *influence* you to move aside. I would then wave. Obvs xx

      Reply
  3. Big G says

    June 12, 2017 at 4:09 pm

    I think you are spot on Katie not only on Skye but in other pretty areas of the country we call home

    Reply
    • katie says

      June 13, 2017 at 6:11 pm

      Why Thankyou Big G x

      Reply
  4. Myra says

    June 12, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    Perfectly described, love your sense of humour Katie

    Reply
  5. Alasdair Lambie says

    June 12, 2017 at 4:51 pm

    Maybe Johnny is right about the driving! This week we are in West Cork, Ireland as tourists. It’s really annoying to have natives blocking roads by delivering beer, pucking up the aged and infirm etc. Tourists should always have preference, West Cork, Skye wherever.

    Reply
  6. Annie says

    June 12, 2017 at 9:56 pm

    Awesome post! Having experienced the delights of those idiosyncratic roads on both Inner and outer Hebrides as a tourist (of which Harris is the ultimate in loveliness, obvs) I quite understand and defer to your rights as a resident … with things to do rather than simply time to pass.

    Reply

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Welcome

Wouldn’t it be lovely to get away from it all to a Hebridean island where you can relax and unwind,  explore and learn or challenge yourself physically, whatever suits your holiday needs. An island where history and the 21st century combine to give you the best possible experience. The Taigh Ailean team would really like to help you get the most of your time on Skye. From insider tips about the quieter spots to helping you book a swanky lunch to celebrate life, we’re so happy to help.
You’ll find amazing breakfasts, cosy rooms and a warm welcome at the Taigh Ailean Hotel.

Please note, Munros Bar is not open this year, but we do provide recommendations for places to eat (including dog and child friendly) and offer help with reservations.

 

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Taigh Ailean Hotel
Portnalong
Isle of Skye
IV47 8SL

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