Waternish facts for kids
Waternish, also known as Vaternish (Bhàtairnis in Scottish Gaelic), is a long piece of land sticking out into the sea on the beautiful Isle of Skye in Scotland. It's about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long. You can find it in the northwest part of Skye, nestled between two sea lochs called Loch Dunvegan and Loch Snizort. For a very long time, this area has been home to the Clan MacLeod, a famous Scottish clan. Their main castle, Dunvegan Castle, is nearby, and the current clan chief is Hugh MacLeod of MacLeod.
Exploring Waternish
Waternish is home to several small villages, often called hamlets. These include Stein and Lusta, which are found by Loch Bay. Further north, you'll find Halistra, Hallin, and Trumpan. There's also Gillen to the west. You can reach all these places from the main A850 road by crossing a special spot called the Fairy Bridge. The highest point in Waternish is a hill called Ben Geary, which is about 284 meters (932 feet) tall. The very tip of the peninsula to the north is known as Waternish Point. People aren't entirely sure where the name Waternish came from, and its origin is still debated.
A Look at History
The history of Waternish is long and full of changes. In the past, there were often disagreements between different clans. Later, during a time called the Highland Clearances, many people had to leave their homes. This caused the population to shrink a lot. However, in more recent times, Waternish has started to grow again.
One important historical event happened in Trumpan. This was the site of a fight known as the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke. The churchyard there is also where Rachel Chiesley, Lady Grange is buried.
Life in Waternish Today
Today, Waternish has a growing population. It's a place where you can find many different arts and crafts businesses. The main way people make a living here is through tourism, as many visitors come to enjoy the beautiful scenery. In recent years, there has also been a return to crofting, which is a type of small-scale farming.
The local school in Waternish is called Knockbreck. Like some small schools in rural areas, it has faced challenges because there aren't as many young families. In 2015, the school was planned for closure due to only having four students. If you're looking for a place to eat or stay, the Stein Inn is a famous local pub. It first opened in 1790, making it the oldest pub on the Isle of Skye!
