Skye, Isle of

one of the islands in the Hebrides, in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwestern coast of Scotland; part of Great Britain. Area, approximately 1,740 sq km. Population, approximately 10,000 (1970). The Isle of Skye is a lava plateau; a mountain mass—the Cuillin Hills—rises to an elevation of 1,009 m. Green meadows fill the valleys, and heath covers the mountains. The economy is based on animal husbandry, fishing (herring), and the cultivation of potatoes, oats, and turnips. Skye terriers originated on the Isle of Skye. Portree is the largest town.