SKYE, ski. The second largest of the Scottish islands and the most northerly of the inner Hebrides (q.v.). forming part of the County of Inverness, from the mainland of which it is separated by a narrow channel (Map: Scotland, B 2). Area, 535 square miles_ Skye is moun tainous and but contains some arable and pasture land. The principal mountains are the CooHit Hills, which stretch irregularly chiefly from southwest. to northeast, culminating in the sharp peaks of Seoor-nan-Gillean (3167 feet) and Senor Dearg (3233 feet). The most famous scene in this region, immortalized by Sir Walter Scott in the Lord of the Isles, is Loch Coiruisg, a small fresh-water lake near the head of the Bay of Seavaig, Glen Sligachan, extending from the head of the loch of that name about nine miles to Caumsunary, is considered the grandest glen in the Highlands. The coasts abound in
herring, cod, ling, and saithe. and the fisheries are extensive. Lobster fishing is also carried on to a considerable extent, Sheep-raising en grosses almost exclusively the attention of the farmers. The island produces a well-known breed of pet dog. The principal exports are cattle and sheep, wool, fish, shell fish, and eggs. There are manufactures of tweed at Portree and of whisky at Carabost. The principal port of Skye is Portrce, a picturesque village with a'popula tion of 2798. Among the famous castles are those of Armadalc and Dunvegan. The popu lation, in 1891, was 15,705; in 1901, 14,642, chiefly Celtic, with a mixture of the Norse element. The common language is Gaelic. Con sult: Boswell, Tour in the Hebrides (London, 1802) ; Smith, A Summer in Skye (Edinburgh, 1885).