Portree, the capital and largest town on the Isle of Skye, has been named Scotland's prettiest coastal town and the second prettiest in the whole of the UK, according to a shortlist published by independent digital travel and history publication, loveExploring.
The town, which has a population of less than 2,500, narrowly missed out on the top spot to the seaside town of St Ives in Cornwall, England. Scotland is home to six of the most beautiful coastal towns in the UK, according to the recently published list.
History and Culture
Portree, known for its brightly coloured houses along the harbour, was founded as a 19th-century fishing village by Lord MacDonald. It later served as a major departure point during the Highland Clearances.
According to statistics published by the BBC, more than 37 per cent of the small Portree population speaks Scottish Gaelic, and you can find bilingual signs and traditional music in local pubs. The bustling centre of the town, called Somerled Square, features many independent shops and cafes, and serves as the main hub for island buses.
Gateway to Skye's Sights
Portree sits on the east side of the island along the Trotternish Peninsula, making it a fantastic base for exploring Skye's top sights. These include the iconic Old Man of Storr hill walk and the extraordinary pinnacles of the Quiraing.
Other sights that can easily be reached by car include the ancient dinosaur footprints on An Corran Beach and the fairy pools in Glen Brittle, which are popular with wild swimmers.
Other Scottish Locations on the List
While Portree sat the highest on the list of the UK's prettiest towns, five other Scottish locations also made the shortlist out of 39 various locations across Britain. These are listed below.
- 6. Tobermory, Isle of Mull
- 12. Pittenweem, Fife
- 23. St Andrews, Fife
- 27. North Berwick, East Lothian
- 32. Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire
The full list of the UK's prettiest coastal towns can be found here.
