The idyllic Scottish seaside town known as ‘most beautiful’ in country

Here in Scotland, we live in constant hope that we will get some proper sunny weather over the summer.

Everything just seems better when the mercury rises and the sun is shining. It also makes heading out for a day trip or staycation a lot more enjoyable.

One destination that is well worth a visit — rain or shine — is Portree on the Isle of Skye, as reported by the Scottish Daily Express. Unofficially known as Scotland’s ‘most beautiful town’, it serves as the stunning island’s capital.

Dating back around only 200 years, Portree was founded as a fishing village in the early 19th century by Lord MacDonald. The name Portree, or Port Righ, translates to King’s Port in Gaelic, and is commonly believed to have originated from a visit by King James V (of Scotland) in 1540.

However, the area around the harbour was referred to as Portree, or Portray, long before the king’s visit. The name actually derives from the Gaelic term for ‘Port on the Slope’.

Upon arriving in Portree, visitors will find everything they could possibly need. Among the amenities around town are banks, churches, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, a swimming pool and library at the school, gift and book shops, a tourist information centre, petrol filling stations and supermarkets.

Meanwhile, Portree is renowned for its bustling annual events that bring tourists far and wide. Highlights include the Portree Show, the Isle of Skye half marathon, and the Skye Highland Games — the island’s largest spectacle.

Endorsed by Visit Scotland, the tourist board states on its website: “The town is a popular base for exploring the rest of the island. Many visitors are drawn to the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Ridge to the north as this wild area is dominated by weird and wonderful at the same time rock formations such as the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the truly extraordinary pinnacles of the Quaraing.”

Tripadvisor reviews echo this sentiment, with one visitor commenting: “Very beautiful place, the artwork is magnificent and very nice and welcoming people, beautiful scenery.”

Another review reads: “Beautiful town of Isle of Skye with many shops and restaurants. The people are very nice and accommodating. Can be very busy as main tourists area.”

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