Sconser Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Sconser is easily accessible via the A87, the main road that crosses the Skye Bridge and continues through the island. From Portree, Skye's largest town, it's just a 15-minute drive south, while from the mainland town of Kyle of Lochalsh, you can reach Sconser in approximately 40 minutes. Regular bus services connect Sconser with Portree and Broadford, conveniently stopping at the ferry terminal. If arriving by car, there's a modest car park available at the terminal, though spaces can fill quickly during peak season. For those planning to leave vehicles, consider arranging drop-off or using the public transport options.

Nestled on the eastern shore of the Isle of Skye, Sconser serves as a vital maritime link to neighboring islands in Scotland's breathtaking Inner Hebrides. This small settlement offers stunning views across the sound to the mountains of Raasay, making even the wait for your ferry a scenic experience. Sconser's strategic location makes it an essential stopping point for travelers exploring the magical landscapes of Scotland's western isles.

Sconser, like much of Skye, experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild but often wet conditions throughout the year. The summer months of May through September offer the most pleasant weather, with longer daylight hours perfect for exploring the surrounding landscapes. July and August bring the warmest temperatures and busiest ferry schedules but also the largest crowds. Consider visiting in May or September for a perfect balance of good weather and fewer tourists. Winter visits from November to March can reveal a wild, atmospheric side of Sconser, though ferry crossings may be less frequent and occasionally disrupted by weather conditions.

From Sconser's compact harbor, the Isle of Raasay beckons just a short 25-minute ferry crossing away, offering spectacular hiking trails and the award-winning Isle of Raasay Distillery. Further connections can be made to the Isle of Rona, a remote nature lover's paradise accessible via charter from Raasay. Using Skye as your base, other ferry connections are available from nearby ports to reach the Outer Hebrides, including Harris and Lewis. The journey from Sconser to Raasay is particularly scenic, passing between dramatic mountainous landscapes on both islands and offering wildlife spotting opportunities, including seals, otters, and sea eagles.

While Sconser itself is small, it serves as an excellent base for exploring Skye's natural wonders. Just a short drive away lies the majestic Cuillin Mountains, offering world-class hiking and climbing opportunities for adventurers of all levels. Seafood enthusiasts shouldn't miss sampling fresh local catches at nearby establishments, with the Sconser Scallops farm providing some of Scotland's finest hand-dived scallops. The nearby Sligachan area offers dramatic mountain views and access to picturesque walking routes along the river, complete with an iconic old bridge perfect for photography. For whisky aficionados, both Talisker Distillery and Raasay Distillery are within easy reach, offering tours and tastings of their distinctive island malts.

Sconser's name derives from Old Norse, reflecting the Viking heritage that shaped much of Skye's history and place names. The waters around Sconser are home to one of Scotland's most sustainable seafood operations, where scallops are still hand-dived rather than dredged, preserving the delicate marine ecosystem. Despite its small size, Sconser played a significant role in historical clan conflicts, with the MacLeods and MacDonalds frequently contesting this strategic crossing point. The ancient standing stones visible near the ferry terminal date back thousands of years, suggesting this narrow crossing between islands has been important to humans since prehistoric times.