Map of Outer
Hebrides copyright © 2011 John Moss, Papillon Graphics
The Outer
Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, is an island chain
off the west coast of Scotland. They are geographically contiguous
and form part of the Hebrides, separated from the Scottish mainland
and from the Inner Hebrides by the waters of the Minch, the Little
Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides. Scottish Gaelic was formerly
the dominant language and still remains widely spoken, although
in some areas English speakers form a majority. The prevailing
climate is mild and oceanic.
The archipelago
includes the main islands of Lewis and Harris, North Uist, Benbecula,
South Uist and Barra.
The 15 inhabited islands have a total population of about 26,500
and there are more than 50 substantial uninhabited islands.
There are various important prehistoric structures on the islands,
many of which predate the first written references to the islands
by Roman and Greek authors. The Western Isles were part of the
Norse kingdom in ancient times, until sovereignty was transferred
to Scotland by the Treaty of Perth in 1266. The Highland Clearances
of the 19th century had a devastating effect on many communities
and it is only in recent years that population levels have ceased
to decline. Much of the land is now under local control and commercial
activity is based on tourism, crofting, fishing, and weaving.
Sea transport is crucial and a variety of ferry services operate
between the islands and to mainland Scotland. Religion, music
and sport are important aspects of local culture, and there are
numerous designated conservation areas to protect the natural
environment.
