Timelines

Welcome to the story of Kyleakin, a village steeped in history, myth, and maritime legacy. From the legendary Norwegian princess Saucy Mary to royal landings and historic innovations, this timeline offers a glimpse into the key events that shaped the area over the centuries.

Spanning from ancient discoveries—like bog butter buried on the slopes of Cnoc a’ Fhradhairc—to the arrival of electric light in 1947, Kyleakin has witnessed Norse invasions, clan gatherings, herring booms, and visits from monarchs. Each entry below marks a moment in time where the village and its people left a mark on history.

Explore the milestones that chart the evolution of Kyleakin—from a Norse stronghold and fishing port to a vibrant community known for its unique place in Highland heritage.

A Journey Through Kyleakin’s Past

The stones we walk on, worn by time,
Were shaped by hands now gone.
In the quiet of the village,
Their footsteps still linger,
Whispering tales of what was built,
Of hearts that gave, of lives that loved.

The past breathes in the wind,
In the hills, in the sea,
A legacy of precious people,
Their strength carved into the land,
Their sacrifices still holding us,
Guiding us forward with what they gave.

Kyleakin

246–346 A.D.

Bog Butter Burial

Cnoc a’ Fhradhairc, Kyleakin

Cask of butter thought to have been buried in bog on slopes of Cnoc a’ Fhradhairc.

1263

King Haakon's Visit

Stopped en route to Battle of Largs

King Haakon IV called here with his fleet on his way to the Battle of Largs. About this time the hills were wooded; said to have been burned down by the ‘Danes' (Vikings).

Pre-1263

Saucy Mary’s Castle

Castle Maol inhabited by Norwegian princess

Dunakin (Castle Maol) inhabited by Norwegian princess (Saucy Mary), according to tradition.

c. 1695

Martin Martin’s Record

Refers to Eilean nan Gillean (Eilean Bàn)

Martin Martin, in his book ‘A Description of the Western Island of Scotland’, refers to Eilean nan Gillean (Eilean Bàn) at Kyleakin.

Middle Ages

MacKinnon Stronghold

Castle Maol used by clan until 1600s

Castle Maol built as MacKinnon stronghold and inhabited by them until the 1600’s. A great meeting of chieftains was held here in 1513.

c. 1805

First Schoolhouse Built

Church of Scotland near Kyle Farm

Kyleakin ‘General Assembly School’ - a small thatched house at the head of the Obbe near Kyle Farm - was built by the Church of Scotland and managed by the Presbytery of Skye.

1811

New Liverpool Planned

Model town design by Gillespie Graham

Lord Macdonald had plans drawn up by Gillespie Graham for the model town of New Liverpool on the site of Kyleakin.

1840

Kyleview School Opens

Rent-free house gifted by Lord Macdonald

School transferred to one room (for boys only) in house known as Kyleview (built in 1814), given rent free by Lord Macdonald. Remainder of the house was occupied rent free by teacher and continued to be managed by the Presbytery of the Bounds.

1841

Ferry Service Begins

Kyle to Kyleakin

First official ferry, Kyle-Kyleakin.

1844

Last Kelp Fire Witnessed

Seen by geologist Hugh Miller

One of the last fires of kelp making was observed in Kyleakin by Hugh Miller, Geologist, Cromarty.

1857

Lighthouse First Lit

Eilean Bàn, by Stevenson brothers

Kyleakin Lighthouse on Eilean Bàn, built by David and Thomas Stevenson, first lit.

c. 1860

Herring Boom Pier

Shop & industry buildings added

Stone pier built during boom in herring fishing, including first custom-built shop on Skye (H&J Munro) and other industry-related buildings.

1875

Mission Church Built

Church of Scotland, Parish of Strath

Kyleakin Mission Church built by the Church of Scotland, Parish of Strath.

1876

Schoolhouse Rebuilt

Now Kyleakin Connections

Kyleakin Public School and Schoolhouse built following Education Act of 1872, building now known as Kyleakin Connections.

1884

Bog Butter Rediscovered

Opposite Kyle Farm

Bog butter discovered on slopes of Cnoc a’ Fhradhairc, opposite Kyle Farm.

Until 1892

Fishing Thrives

Shellfish trade and curing stations

Main livelihood of the village was fishing and ancillary occupations, e.g. dealing in shellfish. There were four fish curing stations, one near the ferry pier.

1893-1898

Wooden Pier & Steamers

Steamers called here until 1914

Wooden pier (opposite Saucy Mary’s today) was built and steamers called here until 1914. It was eventually demolished. The village had a customs’ officer.

1897

Free Church Constructed

Still standing today

Free Church built.

c. 1898

First Village Hall

Community gathering space

First Village Hall built.

Until 1914

Anchors in the Bay

Ships of the rich and famous

Sailing ships and schooners, steamships and yachts of the rich and famous anchored in the bay.

1921

War Memorial Dedicated

By Rev. Martin Macrae, native of Kyleakin

War Memorial on The Lump dedicated by Martin Macrae, minister of Dervaig, Mull and a native of Kyleakin, who served with the HLI (Highland Light Infantry) in Mesopotamia during World War I. The Memorial was unveiled by Mrs MacInnes of the King’s Arms Hotel.

1924-1953

Highland Games Begin

Held in two periods

Kyleakin Highland Games held over two periods during this time.

c. 1925

W.R.I. Founded

Kyleakin Women’s Rural Institute

Kyleakin W.R.I. started.

1929

Second Village Hall

Replacing the first

Second Village Hall built.

14 September 1933

Royals Visit Kyleakin

Duke & Duchess of York

14th September: Duke and Duchess of York landed at Kyleakin en route to Dunvegan Castle.

6 May 1947

Skye’s First Electric Light

Switched on by Tom Johnston

6th May: first electric light on Skye switched on at Kyleakin by Tom Johnston, then Scottish Secretary. Electricity was supplied by North of Scotland Hydro Board generators and carried by undersea cable from Kyle of Lochalsh.

14 August 1956

Queen’s Visit to Skye

Landed at Kyleakin Pier

14th August: Queen Elizabeth II, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Margaret landed at Kyleakin Pier at the start of their visit to Skye.

16 October 1995

Last Ferry from Kyle to Kyleakin

End of an Era: The Last Ferry Crossing to Skye

On 16 October 1995, the last ferry crossed between Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin, ending a 150-year tradition. The Skye Bridge opened on the same day, changing island travel forever.