Boreraig: A Walk Through Skye’s Cleared Village History

Ruin at Boreraig – Photo © John Allan (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Reaching Boreraig

Boreraig is a well-preserved example of a cleared village on Skye, set on the north shore of Loch Eishort. It can be reached either by boat or via a 6km walk from Strath Suardal. The route starts on the Marble Line Path and then follows a decent track across the moor.

For those planning to walk directly to Boreraig, parking near the ruins of Cill Chiosd is ideal, just off the road between Broadford and Torrin. From here, a signed path begins at corrects.remover.herds. The trail passes the old marble quarry at before turning uphill educates.delight.sonic a rougher but still clear route that leads south to the village. This walk can also be combined with a stroll along the Marble Line for those looking to extend their route.

House Entryway – Photo © John Allan (cc-by-sa/2.0)

New Growth and Old Ghosts

Between the quarry and Boreraig, the path leads through open moorland where 240,000 trees have been planted. These trees were grown from seeds collected in native woodlands across Skye. Over time, this area will develop into a natural woodland, with a mix of species like birch, rowan, alder, willow, ash, oak, hazel, aspen, and holly. It’s a long-term project aimed at restoring native woodlands, offering a welcome contrast to the vast tracts of Sitka spruce found elsewhere.

Arriving at Boreraig, the scale of the village is clear. The settlement was forcibly cleared in 1853, with the remaining families sent away, many to Australia and New Zealand. This was a common story in Scotland at the time, where landlords prioritised sheep farming over people. The village ruins, including the remains of homes and farm structures, are remarkably well-preserved after more than 150 years.

There’s a palpable sense of history here. Sitting among these ruins, it’s hard not to feel the weight of what happened, as if the past lingers in the air around you.

The people of Boreraig were forced to leave behind the land their families had called home for generations, sent far across the globe. Many of those cleared from the Highlands and Skye never made it to their destination, succumbing to dysentery and illness during the long sea voyages. Their suffering on those journeys, and the loss of their homeland, still lingers in collective memory, stirring anger and grief that hasn’t faded with time.

The clearances were not just a relocation. They were a severing of ties, a rupture in history. What was once a vibrant community was emptied, and the ruins of Boreraig today stand as a reminder of that painful past. The land remains, the stone walls endure, but the people were scattered, many never to return. Their story is part of the landscape now.

Allt na Peighinn waterfall – Photo © John Allan (cc-by-sa/2.0)

A short walk from Boreraig’s ruins leads to a little-known waterfall, where the Allt na Peighinn stream cascades down onto the beach. From the village, head down toward the shore, turn left, and you’ll come across it. It’s a quiet spot, perfect for a break or a bit of fun if the weather is kind.