In 1540, the Scottish King James V (James V in English) entered the natural bay with several warships. Knowledge: Why Portree is the King’s Port Because instead of gallows, today it offers a nice lookout tower.

In less civilized days, the executioners would string up those condemned to death on its crest. Tip: A photo from the hangman’s perspective The lookout tower on “the Lump”ĭirectly above the harbor line with the ferry terminal at the end, a hill juts deep into the bay. It’s just outside of town and houses exhibits, a theater, and a shop, among other things. At the time, however, the house was still called “MacNab’s Inn”.Īlso certainly worth mentioning is the Aros Experience Center – it’s relatively new, though, so I haven’t seen it yet. Bonnie Prince Charlie said goodbye for the last time to his faithful escapee Flora MacDonald in this building. But it has history: this is where a long flight through the Highlands ended in 1746 after the failed Jacobite Rebellion. Just above the harbour overlooking the sea is the Royal Hotel, a not too pretty building. Special features: Last farewell to Bonnie Prince Charlie The Royal Hotel in Portree Portree is just a feast for the eyes and the palate. Quay Street is lined with houses with colourful facades, housing hotels and restaurants as well as Christian charities.

Later, even ferries stopped here – and unfortunately, in the course of the Highland Clearances, many Scots also left for America. The harbour was developed as early as the 18th century to encourage fishing.

And so from here small boats go out fishing and sailors seek shelter for the night. Cliffs, hills and the bay make it a safe anchorage for ships. From the hill “the Lump” the visitor looks over the whole city Around the Somerled Square, some more important things of the daily life are grouped: a church, the police station, a bank and restaurants, a hotel, … of course not to forget: The beginning of the small shopping street called Wentworth Street, which leads straight down towards the harbour and hawks many a trifle for tourists.

Portree capital island