Ten thousand years on the Isle of Skye

Journey through 10,000 years of history on the Isle of Skye. The island in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland has been home to hunters, Vikings, kings and one of the country’s biggest clans.

One of the first things you’ll see when you get to the island is the mountain range called The Cuillin, which is one of the most dramatic and challenging ranges in the country. Walk along a rocky beach and watch out for wildlife, especially red deer and golden eagles.

You’ll feel like you’re travelling back in time at An Corran in Staffin, which is one of the UK's oldest archaeological sites and was home to hunter-gatherers about 10,000 years ago. Then visit settlements from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages by the lake of Loch na h-Airde.

Dunvegan Castle, near the town of Dunvegan, has been home to a famous family called Clan MacLeod since the 13th century. The castle has many family heirlooms, including the Dunvegan Cup, Sir Rory Mor's Horn and the Fairy Flag, which some say has magical powers.

Don’t be surprised to hear people speaking Scottish Gaelic, especially in the north and southwest of the island. You don’t have to understand the language to join a live folk music session or a game of shinty, a sport played with sticks and a ball that is popular on the Scottish Highlands.

If you’re on the island in winter, you can celebrate the time the Vikings lived there at an annual fire festival. Join locals as they dress up as warriors, feast on meat and ale and set fire to a replica longship.