I.

Introduction

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.

II.

Land and Resources

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.

III.

Population

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.

IV.

Economy

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.

V.

History

In ancient times the archipelago was known as the Hebudae or the Ebudae. In AD 563, the Irish missionary Saint Columba established a Celtic monastery on the tiny island of Iona in the Inner Hebrides. During the 8th century the islands were invaded by Vikings. In the 9th century the Hebrides—together with the Orkney and Shetland islands and the Isle of Man—became dominions of Norway. During the 12th century the family of Somerland, ruler of Argyll and founder of Clan Donald of Islay, won control and was recognized as lord of the isles. Scotland finally gained possession in 1266 in exchange for a payment to the Norwegian crown.

During the next few centuries, many families struggled for supremacy, primarily the leaders of the clans MacDougall and MacDonald (see Clan). Scottish king James IV suppressed clan rule in the Hebrides, but the islands long remained turbulent. The Jacobite movement found many supporters among the islanders, which led to government reprisals after the defeat of Charles Edward Stuart at the Battle of Culloden Moor in 1746. Population growth in the Hebrides after that time pushed many islanders into poverty and eventually led to a prolonged period of emigration.

The Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott wrote of the Hebrides in the Lord of the Isles (1815). British author George Orwell wrote the satirical novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) while living in his home on the island of Jura.