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Merge Inner and Outer Hebrides articles
The '''Hebrides''' are an [[archipelago]] of [[island]]s 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 '''Hebrides''' are an [[archipelago]] of [[island]]s 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 [[America]]s.
Forced displacement of communities during the Highland [[Clearances]] by the [[British]] nobility led to the emigration of many Hebrideans to the [[America]]s.
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.
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.
==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.
==References==
==References==