Boreraig is one of the best, most intact, examples of a cleared village on Skye. It lies on the north shore of Loch Aisort and is reached either by boat or by a walk of some four miles across the moor from Strath Suardal.  It is a straightforward walk, starting on the recently constructed Marble Line Path and then over the moor on a fairly good track. This walk can be done as an extension of the marble line 'stroll'.

If you plan to do it on its own, it is best to park close to the wonderful ruins of Cill Chiosd, on the road between Broadford and Torrin. A signed path leaves the road just east of there, at NG621209, and goes to the derelict marble quarry at NG620197. Then take the clear, but less established, path that heads uphill to the south. Following this path will take you all the way to the village.

Between the quarry and Boreraig, you will cross an area of exposed moorland. This has been planted with 240,000 trees grown from seeds gathered in other native woodlands on the Isle of Skye. Eventually it will mimic a native woodland with a mixture of Birch, Rowan, Alder, Willow, Ash, Oak, Hazel, Aspen and Holly. That seems to me to be a whole lot better than another 1,000 acres of Sitka.

Boreraig

And then to Boreraig itself. I think the pictures tell the story well. The place was emptied, completely, by force, in 1853. As in many other places in Scotland at that time, the landlords favoured sheep to people on their lands. Many of the inhabitants from here were 'assisted' to travel to Australia or New Zealand.This was a big village. The remains of the houses and of the agriculture are in amazing condition after more than 150 years.

Ruined House in Boreraig

All such places are haunted and haunting. You would be heartless to sit with the ghosts in Boreraig without feeling just a little of their pain.

Allt na Peighinn waterfall

A treat nearby is the seldom visited waterfall where the Allt na Peighinn drops onto the beach. Head down from the ruins to the shore and go left. You'll find it!