Sir Iain Noble's Hebrides

BANKER, ENTREPRENEUR AND LANDOWNER SIR IAIN NOBLE, BASED ON THE ISLE OF SKYE FOR OVER 30 YEARS, SHARES HIS IMPRESSIONS OF THE ISLANDS

In 1969, established entrepreneur Sir Iain Noble decided to buy the Eilean Iarmain estate on Skye. There he founded the Gaelic whisky company Pràban na Linne, and made the ultimate commitment to the islands: becoming a fluent Gaelic speaker.

Q: What first brought you to the Hebrides?

A: I became interested in the Hebrides during the 1960s, and especially after visiting the Faroe Islands, and seeing their high level of prosperity, remoteness and the retention of their own language. I saw no reason why the Hebrides should not be the same. I have always been interested in what used to be called “The Highland Problem”, created by immigration and brain drain, and wanted to help find a solution.

Q: What, in your opinion, are the area's main attractions?

A: There are a few interesting archaeological sites, a handful of historic buildings, mostly ruins, beaches, unpredictable weather.

Q: What would be your ideal day in the islands?

A: Spending time with Gaelic-speaking friends who know the history and traditional Gaelic music of the area.

Q: Has devolution changed the Hebrides in your eyes?

A: Yes, it has been a painful experience but a necessary one. The Scottish Parliament needs to learn about flair, excitement and stimulation in order to play a proper leadership role in Scotland. It has to untie the apron strings from Westminster to a much greater extent. Home rule in Scotland has not yet impacted very much except that administration is in the hands of people who ar...

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