Catch it as its broadcast, check it out on BBC i player. DVD coming soon!

The film ‘Blessed’ stars James Nesbitt, Gary Lewis, and Lillian Woods as Charlotte. It's a magical story that challenges us to question what our priorities should be in today’s mad world. It is a visually stunning and immensely moving film written and directed by award winning filmmaker, Mark Aldridge. Having been shot on Skye, the film combines extraordinary performances with a breathtaking location and an inspirational soundtrack. It really is a unique cinematic experience; the kind of film which reminds us why we go to the movies. James Nesbitt says “This is the script, the film, the role that I’ve waited my whole professional life to play.” For more details on the storyline, check out the Events diary, and for the chance to a WIN family holidays, a luxury break for 2, DVD and a piece of art, check back later on the 21st June!

The newly released guide from Pocket Mountains Ltd, ‘Wester Ross and Lochalsh - 40 Coast and Country Walks’, is sister to the already much enjoyed ‘Isle of Skye & Raasay - 40 Coast and Country Walks’ both by Paul and Helen Webster. Visit our promotions page where you can try entering our competition to win it, or if you really want it NOW, you can buy it direct from our trip planning - guidebook section.

Visit our promotions page for your chance to win this newly launched DVD of The Skye Trail as seen on BBC Scotland. Join Cameron, as he walks from the northern tip of the Trotternish Ridge on Skye to Broadford, visiting the Quiraing, the Storr, the Braes, Sligachan, Loch Coruisk, Bla Bheinn and the lost villages of Suisinish and Boreraig. Also AVAILABLE TO BUY on our trip planning pages.

If you missed Cameron McNeish on his long walk through Skye - now known as The Skye Trail - last time it was broadcast, then you have the chance to watch it again on BBC2 on election night from 7 – 8pm. As yet unofficial, this is becoming established as the NEWEST & MUST DO, long distance walk route for serious walkers. The route from the northern tip of Skye, along the almost supernatural Trotternish Ridge, alongside enchanting Loch Coruisk and over The Bad Step in the Cuillin, are only a few of the challenges on this demanding route. Cameron chats to storytellers, and naturalists along the way, bringing this truly awesome landscape alive. Mark your viewing schedule now to avoid missing it again.

The cookery competition returns for a fifth series. This time the country's top chefs are competing to cook at a fabulous banquet to celebrate the very best local produce from across the land and the pressure is on, as the host will be HRH the Prince of Wales. Each week three chefs will battle it out in the kitchen for a chance to cook at the banquet and in a new twist, a veteran of the competition will also taste and score their dishes every day. Only two chefs can make it through to cook for the Great British Menu judges at the end of the week and one will go home. It's the turn of the Scottish chefs, Michael Smith, Tony Singh and Alan Murchison, in the battle of the starters. So which dish is going to fly the flag for Scotland? Will it be cock-a-leekie terrine, pigeon salad or Scotch pie? Scheduled for Tuesday 6th and Wed 7th April, for more details see the Festivals and Whats on page.

but Shirley says ......“Even after 25 years, we can still let the marmalade puddings boil dry and burn the hot crab tart!” Exactly 25 years ago, on her first crazy night as chef, on 1st April 1985, Shirley made so many mistakes she remains amazed to this day, that anyone returned to the restaurant ever again. The blackened Hot Crab Tart was abandoned outside the back door, the Soup Lorraine would not thicken, her steaks were frozen solid and much of the menu far too complicated to execute with speed and precision. She learned the hard way, but learned from her mistakes and bad experiences, moving swiftly on to help build one of Scotland’s most legendary restaurants.“ With husband Eddie Spear taking charge front-of-house, the couple pressed on with their aim to create the kind of restaurant that they would like to find for themselves if they were on holiday in Scotland. Today wiith 35 - 40 employees the business supports a whole network of local fresh produce growers, crofters and fishermen in the Skye and Lochalsh area. With extensions, new developments and awards galore under their belt, a fantastic story to tell the grandchildren and many experiences – good, bad and hilarious – to recall, The Spears, their family and close friends will celebrate quietly in the Isle of Skye, knowing that the work of this high-profile restaurant with rooms will be ongoing, unabated, long into Thursday evening – another April Fool’s Day just before Easter weekend, will come and go and many more will follow.

The Tartan Company on The Isle of Skye are delighted to have at last, their own designed tartan, Fraochs Grian ( frooks gree-han meaning heather n sun) made for them in the famous Harris Tweed. Joan MacLoed said "It seems we have been talking about this for so long it was so exciting to receive it". Our Harris Tweed is a unique product made using pure new wool, dyed to The Tartan Co, specifications in the Outer Isles, and woven in the time honoured fashion by a Harris Islander on his own loom, in his island home. Their products are available via their website linked from our shopping page. Why not treat yourself to a browse right now!

In a glittering year for one of Scotland’s best–loved hotels, Kinloch Lodge have been awarded a Michelin star for its food, the first Michelin star to be awarded in Skye. Claire Macdonald comments “Michelin’s star is a testament to the fantastic work being carried out by Marcello and his team at Kinloch Lodge. They work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure every guest’s stay is truly memorable, so to be given this recognition by Michelin is heart warming and truly wonderful.”

'Edge of the World' p54 - 77 is a fabulous article with exceptional images of the Hebridean Islands including Skyes Trotternish Ridge and Red Cuillin. The photography is simply spectacular and captures the soul of these magical islands in a way that no words can ever describe. Be sure to get your copy now.

Set your viewing schedule to catch this programme which will be broadcast on BBC 2 Scotland and Sky Channel 990 on December 27, at 6.45pm. It will also be on the BBC I-Player for the following seven days. It follows on from his highly acclaimed ‘Sutherland - The Empty Lands?’ screened last year, Cameron and Richard set out on a 100 mile journey through the Isle of Skye from its northern tip in Trotternish to its southernmost in the Sleat Peninsula. ‘The Skye Trail’ is covered by foot, sea kayak and mountain bike. Starting at Rubha Huinish on the northern tip of the Trotternish peninsula it follows the awesome rolling escarpment of the Trotternish Ridge, including the almost supernatural volcanic slips of The Quiraing and Old Man of Storr, and on to Portree. Cameron says ‘From there we trek through the area known as The Braes to Loch Sligachan then follow the north shore of the sea-loch to Sligachan Inn. We wander down Glen Sligachan, to visit Loch Coruisk, cross the Bad Step and climb Blaven from Camasunary. We then trek around by the head of Loch Slapin, visit the lost villages of Boreraig and Suisinish and wander along the Marble Trail to finish in Broadford. In between all the hiking we take time to visit Raasay and Hallaig, in celebration of the great Sorley MacLean. ‘ Along the route he describes the geology, history, legends and folklore of this magical island and with some great interviews it’s sure to be an inspiring programme. It’s ideal viewing for all those on the sofa doing some virtual activity, after the excesses of their festive indulgence, and perhaps it will lead to some trip planning.

Whatever next? We have some truly quirky eyecatching events in our diary over the next few weeks including; Stitches on the Bridge, Skyes Firework Spectacular, Highland Archaeology Festival, Skyes Jazz Festival and Waternish Wrapping up Xmas - visit the Festivals and Whats On Diary to find out more now!

Skyes most famous castle, Dunvegan Castle and Gardens is opening its doors exclusively by appointment to groups of ten people or more from the 16th October until the 31st January 2010 Monday to Friday. For more information about our winter opening scheme, please go to www.dunvegancastle.com

See our Top Tips for those much talked about 'endless rainy days'! Even if it could rain endlessly for 49 days, you can still have fun!

If you are worried by the media hype around the "endless rain Skye has been having", we would like to reassure you. The islands geography and climate is vast and diverse, and statistics can be interpreted and represented ambiguously. So enough, let us focus on a more positive note, ........... what can you do on Skye if it rains! We hope our welcoming smile, charisma, culture, and sense of humour will make a trip here great fun, no matter what the weather does! .......... and to be sure you know what to do, we have listed our Top Tips for wet weather.

On the 21st September 2009 the inspired project to install a sculpture to celebrate the climbing achievements of Collie & Mackenzie, pioneers of the Cuillin and Scotlands first climbing guides, takes another step forward. Much work has already been achieved, inlcuding path maintenance, securing planning permission and soon, to have the Hydro poles removed and the supplies put underground! Check out the local charity groups website to see what its all about. www.skyesculpture.com

Check out our 'Top Tips' page which currently highlights 10 suggestions for a great family day out in Skye & Lochalsh this summer. From snake handling to following faeries, exploring castles and discovering vikings, or trying a new and adventurous activity; there really is fun for all the family!

walks, historic sites, wildlife watching hints, and lots of other useful ideas 'To SEE & DO' are now listed in the database at the bottom of every page. They are marked as NCVA and when you follow the links, more details are provided, including GPS or Grid references linked to maps, many form Walk Highlands website. They are listed throughout the website on relevant pages. Photos to accompany them and more details will follow soon....... Please send details of any attractions you feel we may have missed to marketing@skye.co.uk.

You are now able to buy a range of locally relevant maps online in the 'Trip Planning' section of the website.

The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the world's largest organization of professional travel journalists and photographers, recently polled its members to come up with the "Top 10" most exciting ferry rides in the world. "Public and private ferry boats provide an inexpensive alternative to cruises, often traversing some of the world's most beautiful harbors, fiords, rivers and waterways at bargain prices," states SATW president, Bea Broda. In 10th place the ferry from Mallaig to Skye, is up there amongst some legendry destinations. "Skye is one of the most mysterious and beautiful islands in the world, and its emergence from the mists, shaped like a bird in flight, never fails to lift the heart." Marilyn Green, travel writer "Sailing across the waters to Skye carries romance equal to its beautiful scenery, as travelers follow in the footsteps of the Bonnie Prince or begin their own island-hopping expedition into the Hebrides." Barbara Radcliffe Rogers, author of “Exploring Europe by Boat”

The West Highland line has been voted the top rail journey in the world by readers of independent travel magazine, Wanderlust. Coming ahead of two trips in Peru and the Trans Siberian Express, the line from Glasgow to Mallaig is a 164 miles long and runs by Loch Long, Loch Lomond and Loch Eil. It crosses the world's first concrete rail viaduct at Glenfinnan, which was featured in the Harry Potter films, and passes the silver sands of Morar. Passengers can also see Britain's most westerly station at Arisaig. The line has also featured in programmes such as the BBC's Great Railway Journeys of the world. The West Highland line beat off competition from 400 other nominated rail journeys from around the world. The awards attracted almost 3,000 readers' votes. Wanderlust editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes said: "We have had a terrific response and it is obvious that the appetite for rail travel is ever increasing. Having a Scottish winner for this award is particularly exciting, and shows you don't have to travel far for truly world-beating scenery."

Skye was delighted to receive this accolade from the National Geographic Travellers panel. Click this link for more details. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/features/islandsrated0711/islands_europe.html#6