Portree library is located in the Fingal Centre situated next to Portree High School.
Disabled Parking
There are two car parks, one off the Dunvegan Road just off the junction near the pedestrian crossing and one off Viewfield Road at the front of the school building. Both offer disabled parking spaces, there are 8 spaces in the rear car park. The one to the front is nearer the entrance but is often busier and as the outdoor facilities for the school are near here it may be difficult to find a space at certain times. The front doors are automatic doors and the library door has a push pad. I remember on one of my visits there as I headed towards the library door a helpful schoolboy pushed the pad for me so the door was open and waiting as I arrived there. Seems chivalry lives on in the Highlands.
This Glen Varragill Forest Walk follows an old logging track which runs parallel to the A87 Sligachan to Portree. Heading North towards Portree from Sligachan the track starts approximately 4km or 2.5 miles up Glen Varragill on your left. The logging track starts at the A87 and bends down to the River Varragill crossing a bridge. There are a couple of parking spots immediately on your left at the top of the track.
Sarah only asked me if I had an ACE Target Sports leaflet she could give to her friend. The next thing we know we are up at ACE Base booking an Air Rifle session with the owner Matt. Now I have shot a few times but Sarah hadn’t so we decided to give it a go.
Firstly the walk to Glamaig Waterfalls is not suitable for wheelchair users or rollator users. However it is a rewarding gentle walk of just under 2 km or 1.25 miles in old money! It is on a good path and very easy going. The Glamaig waterfalls walk would be perfect for anyone who is a little unfit or is looking to regain some fitness by starting with some gentle walks. Depending on how fast you walk it will take from about 40 minutes to go there and back. Maybe a little longer if you need to. Even after rain the path is a good surface to walk on, and the waterfall is even more spectacular. Don’t get this walk confused with the Allt Dearg Waterfalls on the opposite side of Glen Sligachan, we’ll cover that another time!
You can find the Isle of Skye Baking Company set back from the A87 Dunvegan Road on the way out of Portree. If you are heading out of Portree it is the turning just before the big Howden’s building. A real hidden gem. The building itself was formerly a Woollen Mill. There is no allocated disabled parking spaces but the car park is large, smooth and on a level with the front door.
Wentworth Street Portree Accessibility – one smaller step from street level The two counters are at the rear of the shop, both are high but the staff are very helpful There is not a lot of floor space once inside, users of large wheelchair may struggle
Royal Bank of Scotland
Bank Street Portree Accessibility – level entry from the car park and street Disabled parking space and dropped kerb by front door External cash machine mounted at wheelchair height Automatic doors to gain entry inside
Clydesdale Bank
Somerled Square Portree Accessibility – ramp to the front door from the car park Disabled Parking space by the front door External cash machine mounted at wheelchair height Automatic doors to gain entry inside
Bank of Scotland
Somerled Square Portree Accessibility – ramp to the front door from the street Disabled Parking spaces across the road in the Square External cash machine mounted at wheelchair height Automatic doors to gain entry inside
Tigh na Sgire, Park Lane Portree Accessibility – step free access from the street Disabled parking by the front door Automatic front doors Low level reception desks Lift Disabled toilets, free for the public to use even when not using the Service Point
Fancy Hill Portree Accessibility – step free access from the car park Disabled parking spaces in the car park Automatic entry doors Minor Injuries Unit A&E is at Broadford Hospital
Sraid an Eorna Portree Accessibility – level entry from the car park to the dental surgery Disabled parking spaces in the car park Automatic doors Disabled toilet inside reception Very helpful staff
Boots the Chemist
Wentworth Street Portree – click here to be taken to our other page for more information
After a very cold snap and some snow on the ground we opted for a short walk by Storr Lochs. We were sheltered from the incoming weather by the Trotternish Ridge and more impressively the Old Man of Storr. This walk is on a tarmac surface so fully accessible for all abilities and wheelchair users if you are happy to cross a cattle grid.
The Green Portree Ladies, Gents and Disabled toilets. All level access from the street Free to use. RADAR key needed for access to the disabled toilet
MacIntyres Newsagent and Toy Shop
Wentworth Street, Portree Accessibility – Large step up to the front door Portable Wheelchair ramp available – ask inside Knock on the window if you are alone & can’t get up the step, a member of staff will come to your assistance.
Boots the Chemist
Wentworth Street, Portree Accessibility – level entrance Push button automatic doors One disabled parking space outside the store.
Co-op Supermarket
Bank Street, Portree Accessibility – level access Automatic doors Very narrow and crowded aisles Usually very busy, particularly in summer months. If you have transport you may be better taking a trip to the large Co-op supermarket on Woodpark Road.
Tourist Information Centre
Bayfield Road, Portree Accessibility – level access Automatic doors Low level help desk Two disabled parking spaces available in the car park in front of the centre.
Portree Knitwear
Wentworth Street, Portree Accessibility – one small, very visible step outside. Inside the Ladieswear is located upstairs, there is no lift. Staff may be able to give assistance if necessary. Floor space is tight but not totally crowded. Many items are displayed at a low level.
Stewarts Knitwear
Wentworth Street, Portree Accessibility – one small step in the front doorway Level inside and all on the ground floor Fairly spacious layout on the sales floor.
Inga’s Sweet Shop
Wentworth Street, Portree Accessibility – level entrance from the street Two doorways to navigate to get inside Space is a little tight once you are inside as it is a little sweet treasure trove Very helpful staff
Relish (Deli & sandwiches)
Wentworth Street – Portree Accessibility – one small step to gain access to the shop Plenty of floorspace once inside Helpful staff behind the counter There are a few tables and chairs inside where you can eat your lunch
Isle of Skye Ice Cream Company
Wentworth Street Portree Accessibility – one small step to gain access to the shop Plenty of floorspace once inside Staff can help you with items you cannot reach
Tippecanoe (Gifts & Cards)
Wentworth Street, Portree Accessibility – level entry from the street Space is tight inside due to all the lovely items on sale Staff very helpful in finding or handing you things you cannot reach
Alleycat (Gifts & Cards)
Bayfield Lane Portree Accessibility – two steps to the entrance Help was offered to help Sarah in and out of the shop and to also bring her rollator inside out of the rain No access for wheelchairs inside the shop
Isle of Skye Gin Shop & School
Bayfield Lane Portree Accessibility – one step to the entrance Very helpful staff Very spacious once inside No access for wheelchairs due to the step
Jackson’s Wholefoods
Bank Street Portree Accessibility – level from the street, though there is a raised area in part of the shop. Enough space to move around in inside Staff very willing to offer assistance
Cuillin Crafts
Bank Street Portree Accessibility – level from the street An external door leading to a shared entrance vestibule Level and spacious sales floor Helpful staff
Carmina Gadelica (Bookshop)
Bank Street Portree Accessibility – level from the street Shares the same from door and entrance vestibule as Cuillins Crafts Many books are displayed on lower level table tops Staff are happy to help with books on higher shelves
Òr (Homewares & Gallery)
The Green Portree Accessibility – level entry from the street Level sales floor once inside Items displayed at all levels Staff happy to help with harder to reach items Enough floor space to get around, a little tight in the window area.
Crossroads Charity Shop
King’s House The Green Portree Accessibility – ramp up to the front door Typical Charity Shop that is packed to the rafters with donations. Space is a little tight but staff are more than willing to help you out.
MacKenzies Bakery
Somerled Square Portree Accessibility – one step up to the front door from the path
Inside Out & Skye Batiks
The Green Portree Accessibilty – level entry from the street Two different shops in one building with very similar layouts Level floor once inside Space to move around between clothing racks Helpful staff in both stores
Fat Panda Chinese Takeaway
Bayfield Lane Portree Accessibility – one step up from the street Large waiting area inside with a low level counter Queenie the receptionist is very very helpful
Deli Gasta is situated in the old watermill building in Broadford. This building once housed a Serpentarium but is now home to a lovely Cafe. And don’t worry, we saw no snakes on our visit. It is open all year round 9am – 5pm for snacks, breakfast, lunches and drinks.