I have been guiding on the island of Skye since 1997. I am passionate about this island, the Gaelic culture, its place in Scottish history, geology, archeology, wildlife, the art and craft produced here. I specialised in the Highland Clearances as part of my training and wether I am in a coach giving a commentary or out walking in a cleared village, I try to give my clients an opportunity to absorb this very special place by looking closely at what we see around us as we move through this awe inspiring landscape.
This review came from a day out with The Crewel Work Company & Lady Anne's Needlework Retreats.
…”Thank you so much for your brilliant input for our retreat. As far as we are concerned you made our lives so easy! The ladies loved your tone - just enough information on a well paced and informative tour. You were so generous with your advice about Skye and informative about the Highland life, both past and present, without being political or personal which was perfect for our international group. We saw parts of Skye we would never have found. Loved it”.
Phillipa Turnbull
Skyetrak Safari was founded in 1997. In those days I offered tours and walks from a long wheelbase Safari model landrover. In 2003 the cruise ship industry took off and I became the local representative for a number of shore excursion agents: booking guides, advising on and planning itineraries, coordinating dispatch of coaches when ships call at any of the five local harbours. There was also a growing demand for step on local guides. During this time I qualified as a guide with the Scottish Tourist Guides Association as well as pursuing Scottish studies offered by Aberdeen University. I am a member of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association and a qualified Green Badge Guide: Regional affiliate qualified to guide in Skye and mainland Lochalsh.
I am currently the local representative for: Excursions LTD and European Cruise Services, and manage their calls and excursions from local harbours at Portree, Kyle, Kyleakin, Armadale and Dunvegan. I continue to guide on a regular basis for; Intercruises, Go Ahead Tours, The Railway Touring Company, Pathfinders, ACLux, JAC Travel. Other clients include Lady Annes Needlework Retreats, Dream Escape, The National Trust and previously Backroads leading hikes into the cleared villages of Borreraig and Susinish.
My background is steeped in Art and Culture and alongside Skyetrak Safari I have also had a successful career as an arts professional, responsible for establishing two contemporary arts organisations on the island, An Tuireann Arts Centre and more recently ATLAS Arts Portree. I have also worked as a fundraiser and consultant on many projects.