If you’re planning a trip to the Isle of Skye, do yourself a favour – don’t drive over that boring bridge, take the Glenelg to Kyelrhea car ferry – a little piece of Scottish history, the last surviving turntable ferry in the world.
The crossing at Kyle Rhea is not only the shortest sea crossing to Skye (only about 800 yards) but also one of the earliest. The crossing has been used for hundreds of years and there has been a ferry there since the mid 18th century.
Turntable ferries used to be a common site around the West coast of Scotland; the unique turntable deck design allows the boat to dock and be loaded at any angle depending on the slipway/pier design and the tides.
The ferry used is the Glenachulish, built in 1969, originally to run on the Ballachulish crossing but after the bridge was built in 1975, she served on various routes including Corran and Kylesku. She has plied the route from Glenelg to Kylerhea since 1982 and is the last turntable ferry still in operation.
After the Skye bridge was built there were doubts as to the viability of the ferry but since a community buy out in 2007 her future has been secured.
So next time you travel to Skye, do support this amazing little ferry - the scenery and wildlife are stunning (look out for seals, otters and sea eagles) – and a stop at the newly built Shore Station for a hot drink and some homemade cake is a must.
Talking of stops, a look round the village of Glenelg and the surrounding area is highly recommended as is a visit to The Glenelg Inn – fabulous food there and lovely rooms if you fancy a stay.
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