The Sleat Peninsula is said to be one of Britain’s best kept secrets. Pronounced “slate” (derived from the Norse that means “level land”) it is part of South Skye which is of a softer, gentler nature and, consequentially, a very different landscape to its northern counterparts. (The term ‘level’ should be read as ‘in comparison to the mountainous, rugged North’). With its milder climate supporting a wider variety of plant life and extensive woodland, it has earned the nickname :”The Garden of Skye.” Deer roam freely and buzzards, peregrines and sparrowhawks compete for air space above the moorland; dolphins and porpoises frolic in the Sound of Sleat. Dominated by the Clan MacDonald, you can still see the ruins of Sleat’s ancient castles which are shrouded in many mysterious legends.
Indeed, you can visit the Clan Donald Skye center at the Clan’s home which is based around the ruined Armadale castle. Sleat is also famous today for the Gaelic College, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, at Kilberg.