Extended Postcard Gallery

"Blaven from Torrin, Skye"

"Blaven from Torrin, Skye"

This card is printed on photographic paper. The printed wording on the reverse is little more than the obligatory "post card." The publisher and date is not stated but it is a monochrome print of the colour "ox-eye daises" postcard found here. The photographer is therefore assumed to be W. S. Thomson.

A "2d. postage revenue" stamp dates this card to 1957 or earlier.

"Broadford Hotel and Beinn-na-Cailleach, Skye"

"Broadford Hotel and Beinn-na-Cailleach, Skye"

It was on the site of the Broadford Hotel that the Drambuie liqueur was first produced, the recipe having been gifted to the owner by Bonnie Prince Charlie as a reward for assisting in his escape from the evil English. The single track road to Elgol, Torrin and Blaven is to the left of the hotel.

Published by Valentines, reference "214968 J V", 1890s onwards.

"Blaven and Loch-An-Athain, Skye"

"Blaven and Loch-An-Athain, Skye"

This view from the southern end of Glen Slighachan looks down through Glen na Crèitheach, towards Loch an Athain and the back of Blaven. The base of Ruadh Stac 150m (493 feet) is to the middle left. The photograph has been taken near the 9 metre (30 feet) tall "Bloody Stone", site of the last clan battle between the MacDonalds and MacLeods in 1601.

Published by Valentines, "Bromotype" series, reference "21928 J V" 1890s onwards.

"Blaven from Ord, Skye"

"Blaven from Ord, Skye"

View from Ord on the Sleat peninsula. Looking to the north west across Loch Eishort.

Published by Judges Ltd., Hastings, reference "19225", date unknown.

"The winding road by Loch Slapin, Isle of Skye"

"The winding road by Loch Slapin, Isle of Skye"

This view from Faoilean has changed little in 70 years. Today the road remains as the single track B8083 though with the addition of passing places. The telephone poles and their fragile, whistling wires have gone, replace by miles of snaking armoured grey cable laid on the ground. New poles now carry electricity to the Elgol and the Strathaird peninsula.

An edition of this postcard carries the misspelling "Syke" on the front. "The best of all" series. Published by J. B. White Ltd., Dundee, reference "6922", dated by postmark to 1933 or earlier.

"On the shores of Loch Slapin, Skye"

"On the shores of Loch Slapin, Skye"

Sheep on the west bank of Loch Slapin. Looking north with Beinn na Cro 572m (1,878 feet) to the right. The background is similar to "The Winding Road" postcard from the same company. Could these photographs have been taken on the same day?

Published by J. B. White Ltd., Dundee, reference "A9355", date between 1948 and 1955.

"The Red Hills from Loch Slapin. Isle of Skye"

"The Red Hills from Loch Slapin. Isle of Skye"

Slightly further south than the previous two postcards and looking back at Faoilean with Torrin on the other side of the loch. Today there is a lochan in the foreground with buildings just beyond it associated with a fish farm.

Publisher unknown, reference "E. 1613", date unknown but probably pre-1951 (when the old Torrin marble quarry started operations).

"Spring snow on Blaven and Clach Glas as seen from Loch Slapin"

"Spring snow on Blaven and Clach Glas as seen from Loch Slapin"

Another postcard variation of the classic view of Blaven from the Torrin side of Loch Slapin.

Publisher unknown, no reference, dated by postmark to 1953 or earlier.

"Broadford Old Church and Blaven"

"Broadford Old Church and Blaven"

Also known as Cill Chriosd, literally Christ’s Church. This church served as the Parish Church of Strath until 1843 when the congregation moved to a new church in the nearby Broadford. More information on the history of the church can be found here. The peak of Blaven is just visible in the far distance to the right of the ruin.

Publisher unknown, no reference, date unknown.

"Blaven and Coruisk from Sgurr-nam-Eag, Skye"

"Blaven and Coruisk from Sgurr-nam-Eag, Skye"

The reverse of this card reads "Blaven and Coruisk from Sgurr-nan-Eag, Skye - On the right the stately, double-peaked Blaven (3,024 feet) dominates the scene, while far below lies the dark Loch Coruisk."

Published by Valentines, reference "AG 17", 1930s onwards.