King's Arms Hotel and the shore, Kyleakin, Isle of Skye

The wide grassy verge fronting Kyleakin in this panoramic photograph was a feature of the village before an increase in traffic, due to the ferry to the mainland, necessitated much of the grass being replaced with a car park. The King's Arms Hotel on the right originally comprised the Kyleakin Hotel, built by J. Gillespie Graham around 1812 - 20, and a shooting lodge. Around 1898 the shooting lodge was converted into an hotel and both were combined in 1900 to become the King's Arms. At that time it was tenanted by Mr and Mrs Donald MacInnes, and remained the only licensed premises in the village until the outbreak of World War ll. Some of the well known guests to have stayed at the hotel include Thomas Carlyle, H.M. Stanley the explorer, and Sir Henry Wood the famous conductor. A later proprietor, Donald Skinner, is remembered for being the first to introduce bus tours to various parts of Skye. The War Memorial, erected in 1921, with Casteal Maol to its right, is visible beyond the remains of the wooden pier, with the mountains of Kintail in the distance. Kyle of Lochalsh lies on the left across Loch Alsh <br /> <br /> <br /> This image can be purchased.<br /> For further information about purchasing and prices please email<br /> <a href= "mailto: skyeandlochalsh.archives@highlifehighland.com" >Skye and Lochalsh Archives</a>