Fairy Bridge – Gateway to Waternish
If you are visiting Waternish, you will pass the famous Fairy Bridge, marking the entrance to our beautiful peninsula and welcoming you into a place where history, legend and landscape meet.
The Legend of Fairy Bridge
Fairy Bridge takes its name from local folklore associated with Clan MacLeod of Dunvegan Castle. According to the best-known version of the tale, a MacLeod chief married a faerie princess who was permitted to live in the human world for only a year and a day. When her time came to return to Fairyland, the couple parted at Fairy Bridge, where she returned to her own people.
Before leaving, she wrapped their infant son in a silken shawl and left it behind. This shawl became the famous Fairy Flag of Clan MacLeod, said to possess magical powers that could be invoked up to three times in moments of great need to protect the clan. Today, the Fairy Flag can be seen on display at Dunvegan Castle.
A later version of the story appears in Skye – The Island and Its Legends by Otta Swire. She recounts that when the child was once left alone and began to cry, his mother heard him from the fairy realm. She returned, soothing him with song and covering him with the Fairy Flag. At that moment, fairy voices promised future assistance whenever the flag was raised — again, up to three times.
A Place of Gathering and History
Beyond romance and magic, Fairy Bridge has long played an important role in Waternish life. The bridge and surrounding junction historically served as a local meeting place and a key access point to the peninsula. During the 19th-century church disruptions, it was even used as an open-air preaching site, with residents gathering on the riverbanks and surrounding land to worship together.
The bridge also features in significant events in Clan MacLeod history, including those linked to Waternish, such as the burning of Trumpan Church and the Battle of the Spoiling of the Dyke.
Explore Further – Discover the Real Skye
At the Fairy Bridge car park, you’ll find the Visit Waternish information board, highlighting historic sites, walks for all abilities, accommodation providers, and our local arts, crafts, food and drink businesses.
A short drive beyond Fairy Bridge brings you to Loch Bay, where breathtaking views open out towards the Western Isles. It’s often said that Waternish is where sky meets Skye. It really is worth taking that short drive and exploring our peninsula further.
Jayne Cooke
Explore Our Peninsula Further
Why not visit Skye’s oldest inn and enjoy a dram or a meal during your travels? Discover our potters, tanners, crofters, crafters, tablet makers and artists, and take home unique souvenirs, local produce and lasting memories.
To make exploring easier, we’ve also brought together 11 great ideas to help you enjoy your visit to Waternish.
Waternish is best experienced at a relaxed pace — even short walks and small stops reveal big views and a true taste of Skye life.
Don’t Just Visit… Come and Stay
Why not stay a little longer and truly experience Waternish? Enjoy our peaceful sunrises and sunsets, and if you’re lucky, witness the Aurora Borealis or the Milky Way lighting up our dark skies.
We have a wonderful range of accommodation across the peninsula.
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We really do hope to welcome you to Waternish, our home, soon.