The Isle of Skye, commonly called Skye, is the largest and northern most of the significant islands in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island's peninsulas radiate from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin, the rocky inclines of which supply a few of the most dramatic hill surroundings in the country. Although it has been suggested that the Gaelic Sgitheanach defines a winged form there is no definitive contract regarding the name's beginnings. The island has been inhabited because the Mesolithic duration, and also its history consists of a time of Norse guideline and also a long period of supremacy by Clan MacLeod and also Clan Donald. The 18th century Jacobite risings resulted in the breaking up of the clan system and subsequent Clearances that changed entire neighborhoods with lamb ranches, some of which additionally included required emigrations to remote lands. Homeowner numbers declined from over 20,000 in the very early 19th century to simply under 9,000 by the closing years of the 20th century. Skye's populace increased by 4 percent in between 1991 and also 2001. Regarding a 3rd of the homeowners were Gaelic audio speakers in 2001, and although their numbers are in decline, this element of island society remains essential. The primary industries are tourism, farming, angling and forestry. Skye is part of the Highland Council city government area. The island's largest negotiation is Portree, which is likewise its funding, known for its picturesque harbour. There are web links to numerous nearby islands by ferry and also, since 1995, to the mainland by a road bridge. The environment is mild, wet and also gusty. The plentiful wild animals includes the golden eagle, red deer and Atlantic salmon. The regional plants are dominated by heather moor, and also there are nationally vital invertebrate populations on the surrounding sea bed. Skye has provided the areas for different novels and feature films as well as is celebrated in poetry and also song.