MY FAVOURITE PLACE

KATE SPIERS, TV PRESENTER AND BLOGGER SKYE

WHY DO YOU GO THERE?

I’ve only ever been there for work and once with a friend for a quick overnight trip, but from my first visit I fell in love. The scenery is mesmerising, it’s like no other place I’ve ever been.

The breathtaking, volcanic landscape feels otherworldly, and I’ll never tire of the view from the Skye Bridge, especially at sunset. This summer I’m hoping I can stay a little longer and really see the sights. It truly is a special place.

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER IT?

The first time I went to Skye was to film the debut series of Scotland’s Home of the Year, and we’ve been back every year since. We’ve managed to see a fair bit of the island now, but it still amazes me with its natural beauty.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORY?

We spend a lot of time just driving between locations during filming, so I have a lot of memories of listening to music through my headphones while taking in the surroundings. Occasionally we stop to take photos because it deserves to be captured.

I try to see as much of the island as I can – not following the map too much but seeing where the road takes me.

I always make a stop at Caora Dhubh coffee shop in Carbost for a flat white with a view and, of course, the Sligachan Old Bridge and the Fairy Pools can’t be missed.

WHO DO YOU TAKE?

I’ve been promising to take my husband Jordan for years so I’m hoping we can travel there this summer. He’s never been to Skye before but I’m sure he’s sick of hearing about it. I can’t wait to show him my favourite corners of the isle.

WHAT DO YOU TAKE?

A good playlist for the long drive, my camera, plus a warm coat and walking shoes. I’ll grab a bottle of

local gin while we’re there.

WHAT DO YOU LEAVE BEHIND?

My laptop. Some trips should be free of distractions.

SUM IT UP IN FIVE WORDS.

Rugged. Raw. Spectacular. Peaceful. Untouched.

WHAT TRAVEL SPOT IS ON YOUR POSTLOCKDOWN WISH LIST?

Sri Lanka. It was on our list for last year and I’m still hoping to make it at some point. As soon as it’s safe to do so, we’ll be booking those flights.

We’d love to do a bit of a tour to see the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella and Pidurangala Rock further north. Sri Lanka is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world, so I’d make sure we spent some time on the coast too.

Scotland’s Home of the Year is on BBC Scotland, Wednesdays at 8pm. Episodes are repeated on BBC One Scotland on Mondays at 7.35pm and available on BBC iPlayer