If you are interested in researching general history or archaeology in Skye and Scotland the following links should help you get started.

Archaeology

• The National Library of Scotland is a wonderful resource with Ordnance Survey maps going back over 100 years. They have several options to view the maps and it's worth playing around with them to decide which method works for you.

• Archaeological sites are recorded on Historic Environment Scotland Records. There are several portals to these records including Canmore and Pastmap. I find it easier to search using a map as there are a huge number of records and sometimes places in Scotland have the same name. It's also worth exploring the InSites pages in Canmore which give overviews of historic periods with representative sites.
  
  The Historic Environment Scotland Records above are part of Historic Scotland/Historic Environment Scotland which provides information on listing of buildings and monuments as well as planning guidance. Membership of Historic Scotland gives free access to many archaeological sites, and includes discounted entry to English Heritage sites. There is also a members magazine.
  
  Historic Environment Scotland | Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba

• ScARF, the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework is full of information about current Scottish Archaeology. Search on the National, Thematic or Regional tabs, based on 7 time periods. The Sources tab gives links to many other archaeological websites. Skye is covered by the Highland Archaeological Research Framework within the SoARF Regional tab.
  
  The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework The go-to research resource for Scottish Archaeology
  Highland Archaeological Research Framework The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework
  
  
• If you want to access archaeological reports on excavations and surveys in Skye then have a look at the Archaeology Data Service. This holds reports for the whole of the UK, including 173 reports on Skye. All the reports are open access.

• ARCH - Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands is worth following, they hold events, including online talks, regularly and publicise and help with community projects. There is a good Links page on their website.

• Archaeology Scotland is another organisation worth joining. They provide lots of information online and offer opportunities to take part in community digs. And importantly they publish Discovery and Excavation in Scotland annually. This gives details of all excavations in Scotland during the preceding year.
  
  Archaeology Scotland | Explore Scotland's Past to Discover Better Futures

History

There are many sites dealing with historical documents and records. I'm linking to official sites in this list as they deal with primary sources.

• The National Records of Scotland webpage is a portal to a huge amount of information and records, including the Scotlands People website whioh is the starting place for any genealogical research. The NRS / Research / Family History page gives an overview and research guide to the records available in their Scotlands People website, including: Birth, death and marriage records, Census records (1841 to 1911). Highland and Island Emigration Society records, Valuation roll indexes and Wills and testaments. There are charges for digital copies of records which range from 50p (2 credits) to €10 (40 credits) Minimum cost €7.50 for 30 credits
  
  (The webpage for the National Records of Scotland is being updated in December 2024). Scotlands Places is another quick way to access many of these records.
  
  Home National Records of Scotland
  Explore your Scottish heritage | Scotland's People
  What is ScotlandsPlaces? ScotlandsPlaces

• Not a website but a physical place which has to be visited by anyone interested in the story of Skye is the Skye and Lochalsh Archive centre, next to the secondary school and Library in Portree. They can access all the records in the National Records website and also hold copies of many of them as detailed on their website.These include photos, family papers, local newspapers and business records.
  
  Archives held in the Skye and Lochalsh. Archive Centre - Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre
  
  The Archive also has a large reference collection of books and the Martin Wildgoose collection of his archaeological surveys and reports as well as Microfilm Census Records 1841 - 1901. The archivists are really helpful and are happy to chat about what you want to research. If you want them to do the research there are fees, and there is also a charge for photocopies.
  
  Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre - Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre

• AmBaile is part of Highlife Highland and is full of photographs, documents and other records of the Highlands. It's a fascinating resource, especially the photographs.

• Of course the National Library of Scotland doesn't hold just maps. In digital.nis there are photographs, prints, manuscripts, books, journals and newspapers. There is also an introduction to Family History resources. The Digital Gallery holds the fascinating OS Books of Reference as well as Gazeteers and P.O. Directories.

• The Statistical Accounts of Scotland have two editions written in 1791 and 1845. Each parish in a county Inverness-shire for Skye is covered with a brief history and then a description of the then current state of agriculture, business, population numbers and people. Remember that 1845 was the year before the potato blight brought famine and destitution to the Highlands.

• Research Alliances - The Napier Commission. Giving the ordinary people of Skye their first chance to speak, the Napier Commission asked the ordinary people of Skye to give their own account of life in the 19th century. The volumes are available online here and can be read in book form at the Archive Centre.