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The Outer Hebrides or Western Isles (Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Siar), are an island chain off the west coast of Scotland. They form part of the Hebrides and are separated from the Scottish mainland and the Inner Hebrides by the stormy stretch of water known as the Minch. Gaelic is spoken in most communities.
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2 Main island group 3 Other islands 4 Ferries 5 External links |
Council
The islands form one of 32 unitary council regions in Scotland, originally called Western Isles, although Eilean Siar is now its officially accepted name. The council is based in Stornoway on Lewis. Before 1975, the islands were split between Inverness-shire and Ross and Cromarty.
Main island group
The main islands form an archipelago, which with their smaller surrounding islands are sometimes known poetically as the Long Isle. From north to south, the major islands are:
To the west lie the Monarch Islands, Flannan Isles, Saint Kilda and Rockall, in increasing order of distance. The status of Rockall as part of the United Kingdom is disputed. Confusingly, Saint Kilda is also known as the West Isles.
To the east lie the Shiant Islands, located in the Minch.
To the north lie North Rona and Sula Sgeir, two small and remote islands.
Ferries
Ferry services operate on the following routes: