In 1818 Lauchlan Maclean took over the lease of Talisker House and started to clear its estate for sheep farming

In 1827, brothers Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill, who could be considered the classic clearance landlords, returned to their family home on Skye from the smaller island of Eigg. Upon their return, they secured the lease for Talisker, marking the beginning of their involvement in the distillery’s history.

The brothers embarked on a campaign to relocate the crofters from their lands, either resettling them in new settlements along the shores or relocating them off the island entirely. Finding this profitable, they subsequently leased a 20-acre site in Carbost with the intention of establishing a distillery.

In 1830, they inaugurated their Talisker distillery in Carbost, employing the cleared populace as its workforce. This decision met with opposition from the local parish minister, Reverend Roderick MacLeod, who regularly denounced the vices of whisky in his weekly sermons.

Over the following thirty years, Talisker faced a succession of challenges under various owners, who struggled to sustain a distillery situated in a remote location, even by 21st-century standards.

However, in 1880, Talisker’s fortunes took a turn for the better when Roderick Kemp and Alexander Allen acquired the distillery. Under their stewardship, significant changes were implemented.

In its early days, the distillery depended on sea transport for malt supplies, as the wet and infertile conditions of Skye made barley cultivation impractical. Whisky-filled casks had to be manually rowed out to steamers, which were anchored hundreds of meters out in the loch. From there, they were transferred onto waiting steamers, a process that required careful man handling from small boats, a dangerous practice. Initially, MacLeod, the Laird, had rejected a request to construct improved loading and unloading facilities for the distillery.

However, a subsequent Laird eventually granted approval for the construction of a pier. Completed in 1900, the pier was located half a mile along the loch shore, where deep waters permitted ships to approach closer to shore. To this day, a narrow railway track is visible running across the pier, serving as a reminder of this historical development.

Today, the distillery is supplied by lorries and tankers from the mainland, ensuring accessibility.

The late 1990s marked a turning point for Carbost and its surrounding areas on the Isle of Skye, as infrastructure improvements revolutionized accessibility and connectivity. Prior to this, Carbost grappled with isolation due to limited transportation networks. However, the advent of new roads linking Skye to the mainland transformed travel dynamics, fostering easier and more efficient movement to and from the village. This enhancement not only facilitated increased interaction and trade with neighbouring communities but also reshaped Carbost’s relationship with its surroundings.

With the newfound ease of travel, the significance of Carbost’s old pier, once a lifeline connecting the village to the outside world, began to wane. Historically pivotal, the pier had served as a crucial hub for transportation. However, the improved accessibility by the new roads lessened its importance. Consequently, the old pier fell into disuse and disrepair.

When the Talisker Distillery, a cornerstone of Carbost’s identity, announced plans to demolish and sell the pier, the community rallied. Recognizing the historical and communal value of the site, locals intervened and negotiated a deal to preserve it, ensuring that this piece of Carbost’s heritage would endure for generations to come.

Now enhanced along the tranquil shores of Loch Harport, on the idyllic west side of the Isle of Skye, this has become a little haven for seafarers with expanded facilities to accommodate visiting boats.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of a local community company, Carbost has transformed into a welcoming destination for maritime travellers. The village now offers upgraded berthing facilities alongside the beautifully renovated pier, complete with visitor moorings and convenient overnight pontoon berths.

Adding to the allure, a new building housing modern toilets and showers has been constructed, ensuring the comfort and convenience of all who visit.

For those arriving by road, a newly constructed slipway allows for the easy launching and recovery of boats, accessible at most tidal stages. Ample parking is available for towing vehicles and trailers, ensuring a seamless transition from land to sea.

But Carbost offers more than just maritime amenities. The village boasts a bustling community-run shop and post office, alongside a charming waterfront inn and a local seafood take-away. And of course, no visit to Carbost would be complete without a tour of the world-renowned Talisker Distillery, where visitors can expect a warm welcome year-round.

Whether arriving by land or by sea, Carbost beckons with its unparalleled beauty, warm hospitality, and a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered.

In my mind Carbost exemplifies the resilience found in numerous small communities across mainland Scotland and it islands. It’s a place where innovation thrives, as locals continuously strive to shape and support their own future while steadfastly preserving their community values and traditional charm,

In contrast to the greed or self-righteousness often found in bustling tourist spots, the locals here exude genuine warmth, greeting visitors with friendly smiles. It’s like entering a close-knit community, where mutual respect creates a sense of partnership. Experiencing such a beautiful place, cherished by its residents, is a privilege. I take pleasure in contributing to the local economy during my visits.