Ruins of St Mary's Church and cemetery — Attraction in Skye

St Mary's Old Church built in 1694,the walled enclosure contains three medieval grave slabs carved with traditional claymore and foliage symbols. The most striking memorial inside the burial ground is the large ashlar obelisk commemorating Lord Thomas Fraser, 10th Lord Lovat, who died in 1699 when visiting his brother-in-law at Dunvegan Castle.The monument was erected by his son Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat. The younger Fraser supported Bonnie Prince Charlie's 1745 rebellion, and, as a result, was tried for treason and executed on Tower Hill in London in 1747. Lord Lovat was the last person to be executed by beheading in England. He was sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, but King George commuted the sentence to a less painful death...

Scenic views from this high vantage point next to the church. There is also a large standing stone that looks down into the loch below - however you can not see the castle from here which was a little disappointing. The walk is up a hill so it not suited to everyone. There is a lay-by where you can park up for a bit so there is no need to go into the town unless you want some tea and cake to recover from...

One of those magical places where you can read about the local history, walk in tall grass, check out the view to the sea and look at the ruins of the church and the cemetery, for free! Just a beautiful place. Dont forget to read the tombstones of those who left the island and went to Australia, they say a lot about the history...