“But what do you do in winter?!” That’s a question we often get asked by our visitors during the summer months. And the middle of January seems a good time to try and answer it!
Winter can be challenging here as anywhere, but there are plenty of compensations. It’s actually Roger’s favourite season – he was definitely designed for northern climes. Being surrounded by sea we don’t get as much snow as the Scottish mainland but things do generally ice up for a week or two each year. This can be a bit tricky when it comes to manoeuvring up and down our drive.
Of course the winter is when the mountain scenery really comes into its own. Seeing the first snows on the Cuillins is always a wonderful moment. As we love getting into the hills we always keep an eye on the weather and try to make most of the sunshine. Being the quieter season in terms of visitors means we have a bit more flexibility to go for it when we see a weather window and the perfect patch of snow.
Short days mean long nights – not so great for walking, but brilliant for getting on with the weaving. The workshop can be quite the hive of activity after dark. Photographer Andrew Tobin captured this perfectly when he visited us recently for his book ‘Skye At Night’. Here’s a peek at some of his photos, to be published next year.
As weavers we can’t write a blog about the winter without mentioning the best bit: it’s a chance to wrap up in woolly warmth. Our local sheep know a thing or two about keeping cosy in the cold and we love dreaming up new ways of using the gorgeous warm fleeces they provide us with every year. Have a look at our Skye Wool page to see how we work with local farmers to make the most of this natural and renewable resource.
If you’re tempted by a winter visit to Scotland have a read of this Visit Scotland article for some hints and tips. Andrew Tobin’s book will be published in 2025 with the profits going to Skye Mountain Rescue. Find out more on the Skye At Night website.
