The Hebrides

The Hebrides can be divided into two main groups. The Inner Hebrides lie closer to mainland Scotland and include Islay, Jura, Skye, Mull, Raasay, and Staffa. There are 36 inhabited islands in this group. The Outer Hebrides is a chain of more than 100 islands located about 70 kilometres/43 miles west of mainland Scotland. There are 15 inhabited islands in this archipelago. The main islands include Barra, Benbecula, Berneray, Harris, Lewis, North Uist, South Uist, and St Kilda. Lewis and Harris are the largest islands in Scotland and the third and fourth largest in the UK.

These islands have a long history of occupation and the culture of the residents has been affected by the successive influences of Celtic, Norse, and English-speaking peoples. Today, the economy of the islands is dependent on crofting, fishing, tourism, the oil industry and renewable energy. The Hebrides have a significant presence of seals and seabirds.