Portree is the main town on Skye. Its gaelic name is Port-an-Righ, which translates as 'the King's Port' and dates back to a visit by King James V in 1540.

The Royal Hotel on Bank Street is the modern day site of McNab's Inn where in 1746 Bonnie Prince Charlie finally took leave of Flora MacDonald, who had famously conveyed him "Over the Sea to Skye" and where, some 27 years later, Boswell and Johnson had "a very good dinner, porter, port and punch".

Much of modern day life in Portree revolves around its harbour, which is in a superb natural setting, being surrounded by high ground and cliffs. Once providing a most spectacular setting for public hanging, the southern peninsula (known as The Lump) affords amazing views over the harbour and is used in modern days for the annual Highland Games. Fishing boats continue to use the harbour today, although it is also home to other vessels, from pleasure craft to luxury liners to the lifeboat.

As you walk down the harbour you will notice a range of buildings by the harbourside which will be instantly recognisable, as they appear on almost every postcard, calendar and book about Portree. The row of brightly coloured buildings is especially striking.

The main town of Portree lies above and behind the harbour, the centre of which is Somerled Square, home to the war memorial, car parking, and the bus terminus. Leading off the Square is Wentworth Street which is the main shopping street in Portree, containing many shops catering to the tourist trade as well as a local chemist and post office.