Off Whites Archives - Isle of Skye Paint Company

Coral Beach

Carol Campbell — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:12:30 +0000

Skye is famous for many things, but great beaches are not high on the list. You'll find better ones on Harris, or Tiree, or Uist, or Berneray, or Iona. But there are a few wee gems on Skye, and the Coral Beach at Claigan is one of them.

Its combination of accessibility and white sand make it a very attractive option on a warm sunny day.

Despite its name, and all these tales of the Gulf Stream, the beach is not made of coral at all. It is actually composed of pieces of dessicated and sun-bleached algae. If you look carefully it is still possible to find some fairly big bits.

Colour Description: Creamy white

Please note: Whilst we try to replicate each colour on our website, colour on screen may vary due to a number of factors including screen resolution. We therefore advise that you order a colour card or sample pot to check actual finished colour.

Colour Combinations

Coral Beach	Red Cuillin
Winter Bracken

The post Coral Beach appeared first on Isle of Skye Paint Company.

Fairy Glen Serenity

Carol Campbell — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:05:44 +0000

On the West side of Trotternish at Balnacnoc (which means - the village or township in the hills) above Uig, is the Fairy Glen – a Quirang-like landslip in miniature. The road winds around small round-topped grassy hills with lochans (ponds) in between which gives the glen an otherworldly feel.

Skye has a long history involving the Fairys, most of which is related to Dunvegan Castle and their ‘Fairy Flag’. The Fairy Glen (much like the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle) has no real legends or stories involving fairys that can be traced. The simple fact that the location is unusual so it has been given the nickname Fairy Glen.

One of the hills still has its basalt topping intact which, from a distance, looks like a ruin and has been called (inexplicably) Castle Ewan. It is possible to climb to the top where there is not much room, but does have wonderful views. In the low cliff behind Castle Ewan there is a very small cave where it has been said pressing coins into cracks in the rock will bring Good Luck.

Colour Description: A versatile tranquil off white

Colour Combinations

Fairy Glen Serenity	Flora MacDonald
Coral Beach

The post Fairy Glen Serenity appeared first on Isle of Skye Paint Company.

Skye Marble

Carol Campbell — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 11:55:48 +0000

Skye Marble has been extracted from Strath Suardal in Torrin for centuries. Marble from Torrin was used in Armadale Castle and Iona Abbey. The extracted rock was used primarily in the production of agricultural lime.

Marble is mined and crushed on site, producing agricultural lime, pebbledash for housing, ready-mix concrete products and some decorative marble.

A narrow gauge line, built in 1907 ran for 3½ miles from the quarry at Suardale to Broadford pier. It transported Skye Marble from the nearby village of Kilbride (Cille Bhrìghde). The railway closed in the early 20th century and the track bed remains as a public footpath. A number of old railway remains can be seen.

Colour Description: Clean fresh off white

Colour Combinations

Skye Marble	Winter Bracken
Flora MacDonald

The post Skye Marble appeared first on Isle of Skye Paint Company.