A woman who lives on one of Scotland’s most visited islands and shares her everyday life online has opened up on how it may not match what many tourists imagine
Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking terrain featuring peaks, such as the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness. Countless visitors flock to the nation to experience its natural beauty and scenery, alongside attractions like historic castles.
The country is equally celebrated for its cultural heritage, made up of its diverse selection of whisky, tartan kilts, bagpipes and the traditional delicacy haggis. Scotland is believed to provide a tranquil retreat from England’s bustling cities, but one woman has revealed the stark truth about living on the nation’s most sought-after island, the Isle of Skye. Stretching 50 miles in length, it’s the biggest island in the Inner Hebrides, distinguished by its striking landscape and charming fishing communities.
Niamh Mackinnon, 22-years-old, documents her island life through clips on TikTok and YouTube.
In a recent TikTok upload, the Scottish local explained: “I live on the most popular island in Scotland and the reason we’re so popular is because of specific landscapes, one of them being the Old Man of Storr, so I thought today I would show you what it’s like at the height of summer because it might not be the picturesque, tranquil, peaceful dream that you are being sold online sometimes but we’ll see, let’s go.”
The Old Man of Storr is a soaring rocky formation on the Trotternish Ridge that is considered the most iconic hike on the Isle of Skye.
Niamh prepared for her journey to the beloved landmark, bundling up in several clothing layers, waterproof trousers and hiking boots.
As she arrived, Niamh was faced with rows of parked cars and dreary weather, prompting her to say: “I’m not trying to just complain in this vlog but the midges are so bad. I need to get a move on and look how busy it is.”
She embarked on the trek up the Old Man of Storr, but the conditions were far from ideal – grey skies, rain, fog, and a muddy path surrounded by grass.
The young vlogger reflected on the changes over time: “I’m not even that old and there was a time when I was younger where you would come up here and know every single person that you passed. Tragic.”
Sitting amidst the bustle, Niamh shared her mixed feelings: “I’m just sitting here like looking at how busy it is and everything and I don’t know, this is when I start to feel a bit like hypocritical or like bad about how much I post Skye online because it also makes me sad seeing this place so busy when I remember a time when it was so quiet and peaceful.”
She continued, grappling with her emotions: “And of course it’s nice for other people in the world to get to experience this and it’s on my doorstep so I don’t wanna be greedy but yeah, it’s a weird feeling to be honest.”
Although the Old Man of Storr was the focus of her video, the fog meant it was barely visible.
Niamh concluded her video early, opting to head back down due to the wet conditions, crowds, and limited visibility of the Storr. She pointed out that this is “just the reality of Skye sometimes.”
Niamh’s TikTok video has racked up an incredible 2.4 million views, alongside thousands of likes and comments. A shocked viewer asked: “This is…the HEIGHT of summer???”
Another user shared their experience: “I know this weird feeling. It’s the same here in the Swiss alps.
“As a kid you knew almost everyone you met on a hike. Now it’s packed and most tourists don’t even say hello.”
A third remarked: “A lot of places seem to struggle with excessive tourism having a negative impact. Hope that a happy balance can be found for the area you live in.”