The unwritten story of Orbost is subject to archaelogical research. Although the beginnings of settlement are lost in the mist of time, there is evidence that the place has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years.

Orbost is located in the north-west of the Isle of Skye, which is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides group, west of the Scottish mainland, being about 50 miles long and from 7 to 25 miles broad, with a coastline of nearly 350 miles. Its area is roughly 350,000 acres.

GEOLOGY

The area is dominated by basaltic lava flows of early Tertiary age forming the characteristic flat topped terraced hills of Skye´s north-west. Beneath the lava is a variety of sedimentary rocks dominated by sandstone and shales of Jurassic age. These sediments are intruded by horizontal sheets (sills) of basic igneous rock, Dolerite, causing the distinctive landscape of strongly terraced hills and valley sides with the valley forms being determined principally by lines of structural weakness created during the original rock formation.

The harder lava flow now forms the characteristical terraces whereas the softer material has been eroded by glacial activity to create colluvial drifts up to a metre in depth.

 

THE FIRST SETLLEMENTS

Coming soon...

Until then: http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/161140/details/skye+orbost/