Today we're going to talk about being a responsible visitor.
I know I'm preaching to the choir with this one - why would you be researching the best way to visit the Isle of Skye if you didn't care?
The thing is, there's so much more to being a responsible visitor than not throwing your litter on the ground: it's all about being proactive.
But yes, let's talk about litter. Millions of people visit Scotland every year, and whilst the majority of people, such as yourselves, are considerate and dispose of their waste in a responsible manner, many think it's ok to leave their mess (including dogs' mess) scattered around the countryside for others to deal with. This is actually one of my biggest bug bears, and I've been known to occasionally scream at people who do this. I cannot for the life of me understand why people think it's ok to just dump their trash for others to deal with. (Do they just throw stuff on the floor of their homes when they don't want it anymore?!)
So please dispose of your rubbish in a bin, preferably sorting out your recycling, or take it home with you. This includes dog poo - it is absolutely not ok to put it in a poo bag and then leave it next to a rock by the Fairy Pools.
I also think it's nice to do a spot of litter picking when I visit somewhere; inevitably there is going to be rubbish lying around, and so wherever I go I take my litter picker with me, especially if it's a beach or another place by water, and I try to fill up at least one bag. It's a very conflicting feeling - one of white hot rage that some people are so careless and inconsiderate, but also a feeling of satisfaction in knowing I'm doing what I can to help.
When you're in Skye, why not spend an afternoon - even just an hour or two - doing a spot of litter picking? You could see if one of the local groups are having an event, and it's a great way to make new friends and to give something back to a place that gives so much to others.
Here are some pages for you to check out:
Keep Skye's beaches beautiful and clean for everyone to enjoy
Ok, enough of my ranting about litter. (Sorry!)
Let's continue in the same line of thought though, of giving back to the community.
Skye and her residents give so much. They have to contend with ridiculously busy roads at times, and overcrowding of both towns and natural spaces. But they're always so kind and welcoming.
That's why, I strongly believe, that part of being a responsible tourist is to give something back to the local community. Be a good, polite guest at cafes, restaurants and hotels. The hospitality on Skye is incredible, and they are services provided by good people who deserve to be treated with dignity.
On a side note, please be COVID-19 conscious - if the shops have a limit on the number of people allowed inside, patiently wait or come back. If the shops require you to wear a face mask or to use the hand sanitiser at the door, just do it and don't make a fuss. They have a business to run, so they can't afford to get sick, and they're mainly thinking of you and your safety.
If you're staying at a self-catering property or camping, don't bring all your own food with you. Buy some local eggs or cheese, or some locally grown fruit and veg. Get some of the locally brewed ales and spirits! Eat lunch at a cafe, or get dinner at a restaurant. I'm not saying you have to do it every day, especially if you're on a budget, but it's all part of the unique experience of visiting different places, and it would be a shame to miss out on the local delicacies and the opportunity to show some love to the residents on Skye!
Buy locally hand-crafted souvenirs - Skye is renowned for its arts and crafts, and the local artists produce all kinds of amazing gifts to take home for loved ones, or as a nice treat for yourself.
Shop locally; give back. I will be posting about some of the local businesses in time.
Also - respect the roads! Many of the roads on Skye are single-track and have passing places. Please don't ever park in the passing places! It creates chaos for everyone else. (Make sure not to park on peoples' land or driveways too - that's just bad manners.)
If somebody is driving behind you and they are clearly a local (i.e. going faster than you) please let them overtake at the next passing place. Basically, just use common sense and courtesy.
Finally, please respect the wildlife! (I will also be doing a post about Skye's wildlife, good & bad..) Don't try and get up close to where animals and birds might be breeding or nesting - that's what binoculars and zoom lenses are for. How would you feel if a bear (not a teddy bear) tried to get up close to your kids? That's how the seals and otters feel when you intrude on their territory. I'm not saying you have to be miles away, but keep a respectful distance so they aren't disturbed and you can enjoy watching them without freaking them out.
Ok kids, that's the end of today's lecture!
Seriously though, I am sorry if this came across as preachy. I know that you all love wildlife and the environment, otherwise you wouldn't be travelling to the Isle of Skye. It's just good to be reminded sometimes. Often, I'll read things and see it from an angle I've never considered before, and it makes me want to do better.
It's important that we all respect these beautiful places - for the sake of the wildlife, and for the people that are left behind to clear up our mess.
Tioraidh!
A pair of oystercatchers at Brothers' Point... I was good and used my zoom lens
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