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Outer Hebrides, comprise an island chain off the west coast of Scotland.
They form part of the Hebrides, separated from the Scottish mainland and
from the Inner Hebrides by the stormy waters of the Minch, the Little Minch
and the Sea of the Hebrides. Harris is the southern
part of the largest island of the Western Isles of Scotland or Outer
Hebrides. The northern part of the island is called Lewis. Despite the use
of the terms 'Isle of Lewis' and 'Isle of Harris', the two names 'Harris'
and 'Lewis' refer to the two parts of the same island. Lewis is, in general,
the lower lying part of the island with Harris being the more mountainous. Harris divides naturally into northern and southern parts which are separated by West Loch Tarbert. These halves are joined by a narrow isthmus at the main settlement of Tarbert (An Tairbeart or Tairbeart na Hearadh), from which ferries sail to Uig in Skye. Harris was previously part of Inverness-shire, under older administrative divisions. In the 2001 census, Harris had a usually resident population of 3,601. Harris is also known for Harris tweed, although it is mostly now made in Lewis. Lewis is, in general, the lower lying part of Lewis and Harris, with Harris being more mountainous. The flatter, more fertile land means Lewis contains the only town, Stornoway, and three-quarters of the population of the Western Isles. Beyond human habitation, the island's diverse habitats are home to an assortment of flora and fauna, such as the golden eagle, red deer and seals and are recognised in a number of conservation areas. The Isle of Barra is a predominantly Gaelic-speaking island, and apart from the adjacent island of Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides. At the 2001 census the resident population was 1,078, and mostly Roman Catholic. The area of Barra is 35 square miles, the main village being Castlebay. Barra is now linked by a man-made causeway to the neighbouring island of Vatersay. The west of the island has white sandy beaches backed by shell-sand machair and the east has numerous rocky inlets. Barra is abundant with stunning scenery, rare flowers and wildlife, which can be appreciated by coastal or hill walks, drives or cycle rides along the various small roads. Car and bicycle hire are available locally. Kisimul Castle at Castlebay is located on an island in the bay, so giving the village its name. Places of interest on the island include a ruined church and museum at Cille Bharra, a number of Iron Age brochs such as those at Dùn Chuidhir and An Dùn Bàn and a whole range of other Iron Age and later structures which have recently been excavated and recorded. North Uist is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. North Uist is the ninth largest Scottish island and the thirteenth largest island surrounding Great Britain. It has an area of 118 square miles (305.6 sq km), slightly smaller than South Uist. North Uist is connected by causeways to Benbecula via Grimsay, to Berneray, and to Baleshare. With the exception of the south east, the island is very flat, and covered with a patchwork of peat bogs, low hills and lochans, with more than half the land being covered by water. Some of the lochs contain a mixture of fresh and tidal salt water, giving rise to some complex and unusual habitats. According to the 2001 census North Uist had a population of 1,271 South Uist is an island of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. In the 2001 census it had a usually resident population of 1,818. There is a nature reserve and a number of sites of archaeological interest, including the only location in Great Britain where prehistoric mummies have been found. The population is about 90% Roman Catholic. The island, in common with the rest of the Hebrides, is one of the last remaining strongholds of the Gaelic language in Scotland. In 2006 South Uist, and neighbouring Benbecula and Eriskay were involved in Scotland's biggest community land buyout to date. In the north west there is a missile testing range. |
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