Skye
Welcome to Skye, a Temperate island in the Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland, part of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Skye unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Skye
Size: 1656 km²
Coastline: 604 km
Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
Sea: Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
Continent: Europe
Skye is a Very Large Island spanning 1656 km² with a coastline of 604 km.
Archipel: British Isles – A group of islands off the northwest coast of mainland Europe, including Great Britain, Ireland, and over 6,000 smaller islands, known for their rich history and cultural diversity.
Tectonic Plate: Eurasia – One of the world’s largest tectonic plates, the Eurasian Plate covers a significant portion of Europe and Asia. It’s characterized by diverse geological features, including the Ural Mountains, the European Plain, and the Himalayas formed from its collision with the Indian Plate.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 57.36160088 / Longitude: -6.24702212
Climate and weather of Skye
Climate Zone: Temperate
Climate Details: Temperate Oceanic Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer
Climate Characteristics: Known for its moderate year-round temperatures with ample rainfall and no dry season. Warm summers are characteristic.
Topography and nature of Skye
Timezone: UTC±00:00
Timezone places: Europe/London
Max. Elevation: 788 m
Mean Elevation: 159 m
Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
Tree Coverage: 28%
The mean elevation is 159 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 788 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plateau: Elevated flatlands rising sharply above the surrounding area, with a maximum elevation over 500 meters but a mean elevation less than 300 meters, forming unique highland areas on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
A mix of cropland and natural vegetation, often seen in rural landscapes where agricultural fields are interspersed with patches of natural habitats. Skye has a tree cover of 28 %.
Vegetation: 12 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Skye
Does the island have a public airport? no.
There is no public and scheduled airport on Skye. The nearest airport is Stornoway Airport, located 56 km away.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
Skye is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: KYLEAKIN, PORTREE HARBOR, UIG.
The mean population of Skye is 7 per km². Skye is Gently Populated. The island belongs to United Kingdom.
The name of the island resonates across different cultures and languages. Here is how it is known around the world: Arabic: بريطانيا العظمى; German: Großbritannien; Spanish: Gran Bretaña; French: Grande-Bretagne; Portuguese: Grã-Bretanha; Russian: Великобритания; Chinese: 大不列顛島
Continuing your journey, Soay is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
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United Kingdom is classified as Developed region: G7: Group of Seven – Major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Skye
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Skye. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
Social Media Posts about Skye
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.