Hebrides

The Hebrides are an archipelago of islands off the North West Coast of Scotland, in the United Kingdom. They are one of the last areas where the Gaelic language is spoken. They are generally subdivided into the Inner Hebrides (parts of which are included in Argyll and Bute & Highland Council Areas) and Outer Hebrides (also known as the Western Isles or Comhairle nan Eilean Siar). The two parts are separated from each other and the Scottish mainland by the Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides.

Forced displacement of communities during the Highland Clearances by the British nobility led to the emigration of many Hebrideans to the Americas.

The New Hebrides, now Vanuatu, in the south Pacific Ocean are named after the Hebrides.

The origins of the name Hebrides are somewhat vague. It has, however, often been pointed out that the Hesperides of Greek Myth were considered the Westernmost lands of the ancient world.

Inner Hebrides

The major islands of the Inner Hebrides are Skye, Rhum, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Iona, Colonsay, Islay and Jura, as well as a large number of smaller islands.

Centres of population are at Portree (Skye), Tobermory (Mull) and Bowmore (Islay). The islands are served by CalMac ferry services, and most also have small airports. Whisky distilling is an important local industry, especially on Islay and Skye.

The largest of the Inner Hebrides (and the Western Isles) is Skye, sometimes referred to in Gaelic poetry and song as Eilean a' Cheò (The Misty Isle). It is renowned for its natural beauty, history and wildlife. The spectacular and rugged Cuillin Hills of Skye are the highest British mountains not on the mainland. In common with many of the Western Isles, Skye is a very traditional and deeply religious community.

Outer Hebrides

The main islands of the Outer Hebrides are Lewis and Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist, and Barra. The archipelago of St Kilda and occasionally even the distant islet of Rockall are also sometimes included amongst the group.

The largest town is Stornoway on Lewis.

The Outer Hebrides are the last part of the Scotland in which Scottish Gaelic is still widely spoken.