Article Outline
Hebrides or Western Isles, archipelago of about 500 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of western Scotland. The islands are divided into two groups, the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides. The groups are separated by the North Minch and Little Minch straits (see The Minch) and by the Sea of the Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides are often called the Western Isles.
The chief islands of the Outer Hebrides, which extend 210 km (130 mi) from north to south, are Lewis with Harris, North Uist, South Uist, and Barra. The largest of the Inner Hebrides is the Isle of Skye. Other important islands of the group are Mull, Islay, Jura, Tiree, and Coll. The total area of the Hebrides is 7,500 sq km (2,900 sq mi).
The climate of the Hebrides is generally wet and mild, owing to the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream. Snow and frost are almost unknown on the smaller islands. In winter tempestuous storms occasionally arise. The archipelago has a rocky terrain, which is broken by many bogs, moors, lochs (lakes), and valleys. The only forests of importance are on Lewis with Harris, Skye, Mull, and Jura.
About 100 islands of the Hebrides are populated, and most of the inhabitants live on Lewis with Harris, Skye, and Islay. The largest town in the Western Islands is Stornoway (1991 population, 5,975), on the island of Lewis with Harris. In many communities in the Outer Hebrides, Scottish Gaelic (see Celtic Languages) is spoken more commonly than English.
Approximately 13 percent of the total area of the Hebrides is suitable for cropland, much of which is used for growing oats, barley, potatoes, and turnips. The fishing industry (including sport fishing, fish farming, and fish processing), the raising of sheep and cattle, and tourism during the summer months are the principal occupations. Other economic activities include distilling, quarrying, and the production of woolen textiles. The islands are famed for their coarse tweeds, especially Harris tweed. Regular ferry and air connections are maintained between the Scottish mainland and the principal islands.
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