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List of Outer Hebrides

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A map of the island chain of the Outer Hebrides that lie to the west with numerous other islands—the Inner Hebrides—closer to the mainland of Scotland in the east.
The Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides (in orange) lie to the west with the Inner Hebrides closer to the mainland of Scotland in the east.
Satellite pictures of Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides is a chain of more than 100 islands and small skerries located about 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of mainland Scotland. There are 15 inhabited islands in this archipelago, which is also known as the Western Isles and archaically as the Long Isle (Scottish Gaelic: An t-Eilean Fada).[Note 1]

Lewis and Harris is the largest island in Scotland and the third largest in the British Isles, after Great Britain and Ireland.[2] It incorporates Lewis in the north and Harris in the south, both of which are frequently referred to as individual islands, although they are joined by a land border.[Note 2] The largest settlement in Lewis and in the Outer Hebrides is Stornoway.

To the south across the Sound of Harris lie the Uists and Benbecula, which were joined by a series of causeways constructed between 1940 and 1960 to improve transport links.[4] Further south are Barra and the smaller Barra Isles, whose southernmost extremity is Barra Head. There are other outliers with cultural links to the Outer Hebrides that are not part of the archipelago itself. These include the St Kilda group, which are quite distinct geologically and no longer inhabited,[5] Sula Sgeir and North Rona to the north and isolated Rockall, which is 367 kilometres (228 mi) to the west of North Uist.[Note 3]

The islands of Scotland's west coast are known collectively as the Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides are separated from the Inner Hebrides by The Minch to the north and the Sea of the Hebrides to the south. The Outer Hebrides are administered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and had a population of 26,502 in 2001.[7] The Outer Hebrides have historically been a strong Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) speaking area. Despite recent declines, in the 2001 census more than 50% of the resident population in each island was able to speak Gaelic, for an overall total of 15,842 speakers throughout the archipelago.[8] The modern economy centres on tourism, crofting, fishing, and weaving, the latter of which includes the manufacture of Harris tweed. The archipelago is exposed to wind and tide, and there are numerous lighthouses as an aid to navigation.[9]

The definition of an island used in this list is that it is "land that is surrounded by seawater on a daily basis, but not necessarily at all stages of the tide, excluding human devices such as bridges and causeways".[Note 4]

Inhabited islands

[edit]
Still blue water in the foreground with numerous small coloured boats along a harbour and buildings against a blue sky in the background
The harbour, Stornoway
The ruins of a double-walled circular stone tower on top of a green hillock with a blue sky in the background
The ruins of Dun Carloway Iron Age broch
Four gold-coloured chess pieces sit on a glass shelf with a red wall in the background. All four pieces are seated and wear crowns. Two of the pieces are larger and have beards, the other two are female figures.
Two kings and two queens from the Lewis chessmen
A large stone statue of a tall and slender woman by a field. The woman has long hair and wears a hat and carries a child on her shoulders.
Our Lady of the Isles, South Uist
A large mansion house in the Scottish baronial style of the 19th century sits at the end of a narrow driveway with the shore on the left and moorland to the right.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, Harris

The inhabited islands of the Outer Hebrides had a total population of 26,502 in 2001[7] and 27,684 at the time of the 2011 census.[10]

The highest peaks of the islands have names deriving from both Gaelic and Old Norse indicating the historical importance of these two cultures. The archeological record for the period of Viking domination during the Early Historic period is however very limited, the Lewis chessmen being an exception.

In addition to the North Ford (Oitir Mhòr) and South Ford causeways that connect North and South Uist, Benbecula and the northern of the two Grimsays in the southern part of the island chain, several other islands are now connected by causeways and bridges. Great Bernera and Scalpay have bridge connections to Lewis and Harris respectively, Baleshare and Berneray are linked to North Uist, Eriskay to South Uist, Flodaigh, Fraoch-eilean and the southern Grimsay to Benbecula, and Vatersay is connected to Barra by the Vatersay Causeway.[4][11][12] This means that all of the inhabited islands are now connected to at least one other island by a land transport route.

Island Gaelic name Group[Note 5] Area (ha)[13] Population[10] Highest point[14] Height (m)[Note 6]
Baleshare Am Baile Sear Uists and Benbecula 910 58 12
Barra Barraigh Barra 5,875 1,174 Heaval 383
Benbecula Beinn nam Fadhla Uists and Benbecula 8,203 1,303 Ruaval 124
Berneray Beàrnaraigh Uists and Benbecula 1,010 138 Beinn Shleibhe 93
Eriskay Èirisgeigh Uists and Benbecula 703 143 Ben Scrien 185
Flodaigh Flodaigh Uists and Benbecula 145 7[Note 7] 20
Fraoch-eilean Fraoch-eilean Uists and Benbecula 55[15] ?[Note 8] Cnoc Mor 11
Great Bernera Beàrnaraigh Mòr Lewis (Loch Ròg) 2,122 252 87
Grimsay (North)[Note 9] Griomasaigh Uists and Benbecula 833 169 22
Grimsay (South)[Note 10] Griomasaigh Uists and Benbecula 117 20 20
Lewis and Harris Leòdhas agus na Hearadh[3] Lewis and Harris 217,898 21,031 Clisham 799
North Uist Uibhist a Tuath Uists and Benbecula 30,305 1,254 Eaval 347
Scalpay Sgalpaigh na Hearadh Harris 653 291 Beinn Scorabhaig 104
South Uist Uibhist a Deas Uists and Benbecula 32,026 1,754 Beinn Mhòr 620
Vatersay Bhatarsaigh Barra 960 90 Theiseabhal Mòr 190

Ensay, Kisimul Castle and Eilean na Cille are "included in the NRS statistical geography for inhabited islands but had no usual residents at the time of either the 2001 or 2011 censuses".[10]

Uninhabited islands

[edit]
A small white building is barely visible on top of dark and imposing cliffs with deep blue water at their base.
The lighthouse atop the cliffs of Sloc na Bèiste, Barra Head
An island seen from above sits in a dark green water and sandy shallows. The island has some sandy beaches and contains a body of water that makes up about a sixth of its area.
Boreray, North Uist
A small concrete pillar sits amongst long grass. There is a body of water in the background.
Cnoc Bhàrr on Ceann Iar is the highest point of the Monach Islands at only 19 metres (62 ft). Shillay can be seen in the distance.
A grass-covered driveway leads between two stone pillars with orange lichen on their pyramid-shaped tops. Beyond is a stone building with ruined outhouses and green hills with a blue sky in the background
Ruins of the old school house, Mingulay
A small blue sailing dinghy lies in an aquamarine body of water next to a rocky shore underneath light blue skies. Three people are swimming off the stern of the boat next to a red buoy.
Hintinish Bay, Hellisay in summer
A large, dark green island seen from above is surrounded by smaller islands in a dark blue body of water. Wispy clouds partially obscure the view.
Barra from space. Eriskay is to the north at the top, with Fiaraidh, Fuday, Orosay, Gighay and Hellisay further south in the Sound of Barra. Sandray and Vatersay are to the south of Barra itself.
A rocky moorland in the foreground and low, dark islands against a blue sky in the background.
Flodday, Lingeigh and Pabbay from Vatersay
Two dark green areas of land are separated from one another by a shallow and narrow strait. There are small islands in the distance under white clouds.
Orosay from the air, with Gighay and Hellisay beyond.

This is a list of islands with an area greater than 25 hectares (approximately 37 acres). Records for the last date of settlement for the smaller uninhabited islands are incomplete, but most of the islands listed here would have been inhabited at some point during the Neolithic, Iron Age, Early Historic or Norse periods.

In common with the other main island chains of Scotland many of the more remote islands were abandoned during the 19th and 20th centuries, in some cases after continuous habitation since the prehistoric period. This process involved a transition from these places being perceived as relatively self-sufficient agricultural economies[16] to a view becoming held by both island residents and outsiders alike that the more remote islands lacked the essential services of a modern industrial economy.[17]

Some of the islands continue to contribute to modern culture. The "Mingulay Boat Song", although evocative of island life, was written after the abandonment of the island in 1938[18] and Taransay hosted the BBC television series ‘’Castaway 2000’’. Others have played a part in Scottish history. On 4 May 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie hid on Eilean Liubhaird with some of his men for four days whilst Royal Navy vessels patrolled the Minch. They camped under a sail stretched over a "low pitiful hut" while it rained torrentially.[19]

The difficulties of definition are considerable in some cases. For example, Haswell-Smith (2004) treats Eileanan Iasgaich[Note 11] as a single island of 50 ha, although during high tides it becomes several tidal islets—none of which is ever connected to the "mainland" of South Uist. Despite its name Eilean an Taighe (English: "house island") in the Shiant Islands does not qualify for inclusion as it is connected to Garbh Eilean by a natural isthmus.

Island Gaelic name Group[Note 12] Area (ha)[20] Last inhabited[Note 13] Highest point[14] Height (m)[Note 14]
Barra Head or Berneray Beàrnaraigh Cheann Bharraigh Barra Isles 204 1980 Sotan 193
Boreray Boraraigh North Uist 198 1960s Mullach Mòr 56
Calbhaigh Calbhaigh South Uist[Note 15] 26[15] Unknown 10
Ceabhaigh Ceabhaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) 25[15] Unknown 20
Ceallasaigh Beag Ceallasaigh Beag Loch Maddy 55[15] Unknown 10
Ceallasaigh Mòr Ceallasaigh Mòr Loch Maddy 55[15] Unknown 10
Ceann Ear An Ceann Ear Monach Islands 203 1931–33 17
Ceann Iar An Ceann Iar Monach Islands 154 1931–33 Cnoc Bharr 19
Eilean Chaluim Chille Eilean Chaluim Chille Lewis (Loch Erisort) 85 Post-16th century Creag Mhor 43
Eilean Chearstaidh Eilean Chearstaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) 77 No census records 37
Eileanan Iasgaich Eileanan Iasgaich South Uist 50 No census records 20
Eilean Liubhaird Eilean Liubhaird Lewis (Loch Sealg) 125 Early 19th century 76
Eilean Mhealasta Eilean Mhealasta Lewis (Park) 124 1823 Cnoc Àrd 77
Eilean Mhuire Eilean Mhuire Shiant Islands 30[15] 18th century 90
Ensay Easaigh Sound of Harris 186 1971 49
Fiaraidh Fiaraigh Sound of Barra 41 No record of habitation 30
Flodaigh Flodaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) 39[15] 1827 48
Flodaigh Mòr Flodaigh Mòr North Uist 58 No census records 28
Flodday[Note 16] Flodaigh Barra Isles 35 Inhabitation unlikely 43
Flodday[Note 17] Flodaigh Sound of Barra 40 1851 41
Fodragaigh Fodragaigh Benbecula 25[15] Unknown 10
Fuaigh Beag Fuaigh Beag Lewis (Loch Ròg) 35[15] 1827 48
Fuaigh Mòr Fuaigh Mòr Lewis (Loch Ròg) 84 1840s[Note 18] Mullach na Beinne 67
Fuday Fuideigh Sound of Barra 232 1901 Mullach Neacail 89
Fuiay Fuidheigh Sound of Barra 84 Mid-19th century 107
Garbh Eilean Garbh Eilean Shiant Islands 143 1901 Mullach Buidhe 160
Gighay Gioghaigh Sound of Barra 96 Early 19th century Mullach a' Chàrnain 95
Groaigh Groaigh Sound of Harris 28[15] Unknown 26
Hellisay Theiliseigh Sound of Barra 142 1890 Beinn a' Chàrnain 72
Hermetray Theàrnatraigh Sound of Harris 72 1840s Compass Knoll 35
Killegray Ceileagraigh Sound of Harris 176 1970s 45
Kirkibost Eilean Chirceboist North Uist 205 Unknown 10
Lingeigh Lingeigh Barra Isles 27 Inhabitation unlikely 83
Little Bernera Beàrnaraigh Beag Lewis (Loch Ròg) 138 1861 Tordal 41
Mingulay Miùghalaigh Barra Isles 640 1912 Càrnan 273
Muldoanich Maol Dòmhnaich Barra Isles 78 No census records Maol Dòmhnaich 153
Orosay Orasaigh Sound of Barra c. 30[12] Unknown 38
Oronsay Orasaigh North Uist 85 19th century 25
Pabbay Pabaigh Barra Isles 250 1911–20 An Tobha 171
Pabbay Pabaigh Harris 820 1970s[Note 19] Beinn a' Chàrnain 196
Pabaigh Mòr Pabaigh Mòr Lewis (Loch Ròg) 101 1827 Beinn Mhòr 68
Ronay Rònaigh North Uist 563 1920s Beinn á Charnain 115
Sandray Sanndraigh Barra Isles 385 1934 Carn Ghaltair 207
Scarp An Sgarp Harris 1,045 1971 Sròn Romul 308
Seaforth Island Eilean Shìophoirt Lewis (Loch Seaforth) 273 No record of habitation 217
Sgeotasaigh Sgeotasaigh Harris (East Loch Tarbert) 49 1921 57
Sibhinis Sibhinis Monach Islands 28 Unknown 15
Shillay Siolaigh North Uist 47 No evidence of habitation 79
Soay Mor Sòdhaigh Mòr Harris 45 1890s 37
Stromay Stròmaigh[Note 20] Sound of Harris 66 Unknown 16
Stockinish Island Eilean Stocainis Harris 49 No record of habitation 44
Stuley Stulaigh South Uist 45 19th century?[Note 21] 40
Sursaigh Sursaigh Sound of Harris 30[15] Unknown 27
Tahay Taghaigh Sound of Harris 53 1850s 65
Taransay Tarasaigh Harris 1,475 1974 Ben Raah 267
Trialabreac Trialabreac Benbecula 25[15] Unknown 20
Torogaigh Torogaigh Sound of Harris 28[15] Unknown 13
Vacsay Bhacasaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) 41 1869 34
Vallay Bhàlaigh North Uist 260 19th century? Ceann Uachdarach 38
Wiay Fuidheigh Benbecula 375 1901 Beinn a' Tuath 102

The Eileanan Chearabhaigh are a complex group of islets off the east coast of Benbecula, the area of which changes as the tides rise and fall. The total area is circa 49 hectares[15] and largest part that might be considered to be a genuine island is circa 32 hectares.[27]

Smaller islets and skerries

[edit]
A white building sits above a concrete pier. Offshore there is a small island on which there is a building with grey featureless walls. Various other islets can be seen in the background through the mist.
Kisimul Castle, the ancient seat of Clan MacNeil, Castlebay, Barra

Smaller islands, tidal islets only separated at higher stages of the tide, and skerries that are only exposed at lower stages of the tide pepper the North Atlantic surrounding the main islands. This is a continuing list of these smaller Outer Hebridean islands.[12]

Many of them are obscure and few have ever been inhabited. Nonetheless, some have a significant degree of notability. The islet on which Kisimul Castle stands is the ancient seat of Clan MacNeil and Shillay in the Monach Isles had a staffed lighthouse until 1942.[28] The tiny Beasts of Holm of the east coast of Lewis were the site of the sinking of the Iolaire during the first few hours of 1919,[29] one of the worst maritime disasters in United Kingdom waters during the 20th century. Calvay in the Sound of Barra provided the inspiration for Compton MacKenzie's 1947 novel Whiskey Galore after the SS Politician ran aground there with a cargo of whisky. Unusually for an island without permanent inhabitation, Eilean na Cille (NF847459) is connected to Grimsay (south) by a causeway.

Various Gaelic names are used repeatedly. The suffix ay or aigh or aidh is generally from the Norse øy meaning "island". Eilean (plural: eileanan) also means "island". Beag and mòr (also bheag and mhòr) mean "little" and "big" and are often found together. Sgeir is "skerry" and often refers to a rock or rocks that lie submerged at high tide. Dubh is "black", dearg is "red" and glas means "grey" or "green". Orasaigh is from the Norse Örfirirsey meaning "tidal" or "ebb island".[30]

Smaller islands grouped geographically:

Barra and the Barra Isles

[edit]
A green hill ends in dark brown cliffs over blue water.
The western cliffs of Mingulay with the stack of Arnamuil at centre
  • Barra: Eilean a' Mhail, Eilean Mhiathlais, Eileanan Dubha, Greanamul, Healam, Kisimul Castle, Lamalum, Lingeigh-Fada, Orasaigh (2), Sgeir Mhòr, Sgeirislum
  • Barra Head: Rubha Niosaim and Sgeir Mhòr
  • Flodday: None
  • Lingeigh: None.
  • Mingulay: Arnamuil, Barnacle Rock, Geirum Beag, Geirum Mòr, Gunamul. Lianamul, Sgeirean nan Uibhein, Solon Beag, Solon Mòr, Sròn à Dùin and The Red Boy.
  • Muldoanich: An Laogh, Sgeirean Fiaclach.
  • Pabbay: Greenamul, Heisgeir a-muigh, Heisgeir a-staigh, Lingeigh, Roisnis
  • Sandray: Cleite, Creag an Sheadair, Eilean Mòr, Sgeir Lithinis
  • Vatersay: Biruaslum, Orasaigh, Sgeir Liath, Sgeir na Muice, Snuasamul, Uineasan

Sound of Barra

[edit]
  • Eriskay: Calbhaigh, Eilean à Gheoidh, Eileanan Dubha, Hearteamul, Lingay, Na Stacan Dubha, Sgeir an Fheidh
  • Fiaraidh: Corran Bàn
  • Flodday: Snagaras
  • Fuday: Traillisgeir
  • Fuiay: Eilean Sheumis, Garbh Lingeigh
  • Gighay: Eilean à Ceud
  • Hellisay: Bodha nan Sgeiran Mòra
  • Orosay: None

South Uist

[edit]
Grey hills back green moors beyond a grey body of water. A small island is separated from the cliffs of the shore by a deep chasm.
Beinn Mhòr and Thacla in the distance and Dùn Othail and Nicholson's Leap in the foreground
  • West coast: Eilean Bheirean, Eilean Cuithe nam Fiadh, Gualan, Orasaigh
  • North east coast: Dioraigh, Eilean à Mhadaidh, Eilean Ban, Eilean Ornais, Eilean na h-Airde Mhoire, Gasaigh, Glas-Eileanan, Luirsaigh Dubh, Luirsaigh Glas, Orasaigh, Sioloagh Mòr, Tathanais
  • East coast: Cleit a' Ghlinn Mhòir, Dùn Othail, Eilean Bholuim, Eilean nan Ghamna, Na Dubh-sgeiran
  • Loch Aineort: Eilean Ailein, Eilean an Easbuig, Eilean Mhic Eachain, Rosgaigh, Unsaraigh Islands
  • Lochboisdale:
    • Eileanan Iasgaich: Main group: Eilean Bàgh Mhic Rois, Eileanan Iasgaich Beag, Eileanan Iasgaich Meadhonach, Eileanan Iasgaich Mòr, Eilean nam Feannag. Surrounding: Eilean Mòr, Eilean nan Moireachean, Gasaigh, Pabaigh, Sgeir Chaise. Further east: Calbhaigh, Calvay Castle.
  • Stuley: Dubh-Sgeir Mhòr, Glas-Eilean Mòr

Benbecula

[edit]
Islands in Loch Uisgebhagh. Bearran is at top right, Orasaigh, middle right and the peninsula of Meanais at top left. Eilean nan Each, Maragaidh Beag and Maragaidh Mòr are in the distance.
  • North coast: Calabhagh, Eilean Leathann, Eilean Mhic Caoilte, Sunamul, Traillabreac Mòr
  • East coast: Bearran, Collam, Eilean Baile Gearriadh, Eilean Dubh na Muice, Eilean nan Each, Fuidheigh Beag, Greanamul, Greanamul Deas, Maithidh Glas, Maithidh Riabhach, Maragaidh Beag, Maragaidh Mòr, Orasaigh (2), Orasaigh Uisgeabhagh
  • South coast: Eilean Ard an Eoin, Heistamuil
  • Fraoch-eilean: Eilean Roinoch, Mas Grimsay
  • Flodaigh: Lingay and numerous others but none named by Ordnance Survey
  • Grimsay (North): Eilean à Ghobha, Eilean Mòr
  • Grimsay (South): Caraigh Mhòr, Eilean na Cille, Eilean nan Gamhna, Eileanan Stafa, Oitir Bheag, Siusaigh, Steiseigh
  • Ronay: Eilean an Fheidh, Eilean na Clioche, Eilean nan h-Iolaire, Eilean nan Gamhna, Eilean nan Gearr, Garbh Eilean Mòr, Huanariagh
  • Wiay: An Dubh-sgeir à Deas, Cleit Mhòr, Lingeigh, Reagam, Scaracleit

North Uist

[edit]
A rocky shoreline on a cloudy day. The outline of a building is just visible at left.
Haskeir Lighthouse, with Haskeir Eagach in the distance
An indistinct image from space of brown and green islands in dark blue water.
North Uist and surrounding islands. The Monach Isles are at left, Pabbay in the Sound of Harris is at top centre, Loch Maddy and narrow Loch Euphort at right
  • North west coast: Eilean Mhorain, Haskeir, Hesgeir Eagach, Lingeigh
    • Traigh Bhalaigh: Eilean Dubh Mòr, Stangram, Torogaigh
  • Sound of Harris, East:
    • Loch Mhic Phail: Cafuam, Croabhagun, Eilean Fhionnlaidh, Frobost Island, Hestum, Mealla Bru, Rangas, Teilum
  • West Coast: Causamul, Eilean Trostain
  • East coast:
    • Loch Euphort: Eilean an Stiobuill, Eilean Mhic Shealtair, Eilean nam Mult, Orasaigh, Riobhaig Mhòr, Steisaigh, Treanaigh
    • Loch nam Madadh: Cnap Ruigh Dubh, Eilean Bhalaig, Eilean Phail, Fathoire, Fearamas, Flodaigh, Glas Eilean Mòr, Hamarsaigh, Madadh Beag, Madadh Gruamach, Madadh Mòr, Oronsay
      • Ceallasaigh Mòr: Orasay
      • Ceallasaigh Beag: Callum More, Cliasagh Beag, Cliasagh Mor, Corr Eilean Keallasay, Eileanan Dhomhnuill, Eilean Bridich, Eilean Gheoidh, Eilean Mhidhinis, Eilean nan Lion, Fearamas, Lonachan, Rhiobhagan Mhidhinis
  • South Coast: Craigionn, Eilean an Teampaill, Eilean Iochdrach, Eilean Mòr
    • Causeway: Eileanan Glasa, Eilean Ghiorr, Eilean Leathann, Eilean na h-Airigh, Gairbh-eilean
  • Baleshare: Bhorogaigh, Eilean Mòr, Eilean nan Carnan, Glas-eilean Beag, Horaigh
  • Flodaigh Mòr: Duibh-eilean, Flodaigh Beag
  • Kirkibost: Bior Eilean, Eilean Mòr, Sromaigh
  • Oronsay: Fuskafaol, Greanam, Lingay
  • Vallay: Dun Tomaidh, Sgeir Dubh Mòr

Monach Isles

[edit]
A tall, conical grey tower with outbuildings sits in a green field. A second small, white tower is in the background.
The lighthouse on Shillay
  • Ceann Ear: Heilleam, Stocaigh
  • Ceann Iar: Deasgair, Raisgeir, Stromay
    • Shillay: Eilean Siorruidh, Thusigeirean
  • Sibhinis: None

Sound of Harris

[edit]
  • Harris – Rubha Reinis to Gob an Tobha: Bumersam Beag, Copaigh, Crago, Dun Arn, Eilean Reinis, Eire, Gilsaigh, Gousman, Gumersam Mhòr, Langaigh, Liungaigh, Saghaigh Beag, Saghaigh Mòr, Sgarabhaigh, Sgeir Sine, Sromaigh
  • Berneray: Bhaiteam, Greineam
  • Boreray: Bogha Mairi, Spuir
  • Ensay: Creag Ruadh, Dubh Sgeir, Sleicham, Sromaigh, Suam
  • Hermetray: Bhacasaigh, Dun Mhic Leathann, Eileana Dubha, Fuam, Greineam, Grodaigh, Hulmatraigh, Orasaigh, Righe nam Ban
  • Killegray: Caolaigh, Eilean Chodam, Eilean na Ceardaich, Langa Sgeir, Sgeir Dhubh, Sgeir Mhurain
  • Pabbay: Cuidhnis
  • Shillay: Siolaigh Beag
  • Stromay: Heastam Sròmaigh, Rusgaigh, Orasaigh
  • Tahay: Bhotarsaigh, Cleite nan Luch, Creag nan Sealladh, Fuam na h-Ola, Narstaigh, Opasaigh, Sarstaigh, Sgeir à Chuain, Trollaman

West Harris

[edit]
  • Gob an Tobha to Rubha Huisinis: Gaisgeir, Glas-sgeir, Gloraig Huisinis, Gloraig Tharasaigh, Iosaigh
  • Rubha Huisinis to Ceann Loch Resort: Greine Sgeir,
  • Scarp: Cearstaigh, Duisgeir, Fladaigh
  • Soay Mòr: Soay Beag
  • Taransay: None

East Harris

[edit]
  • Loch Seaforth: Eilean Mharaig, Glas Sgeir
  • Àrd Caol to Rubha Crago: Eilean Reiningeadil
  • Rubha Crago to Rubha Bocaig (including East Loch Tarbert): Cuidsgeir, Eilean à Gheoidh, Eileanan à Ghille-bheid, Eilean Aird Rainis, Eilean an Direcleit, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Mhic Fionnlaidh, Eilean na Gearrabreac, Eilean na Sgaite, Gloraig à Chaimbeulach, Gloraig Dubh, Gloraig Iosal, Sgeir an Leim Mhoir, Sgeir Glas, Sgeir Urgha
  • Rubha Bocaig to Rubha Reinis: (see also Stockinish Island): Bhalaigh, Caiream, Corr-eilean, Eilean Chuidhtinis, Eilean Dubh, Eilean Dubh Chollaim, Eilean Fhionnsbhaigh, Eilean Lingreabhaigh, Eilean Mhanais, Glas Sgeir (2)
  • Scalpay: Fuam an Tolla, Greineam, Raiream, Rosaigh, Stiolamair, Stiughaigh, Stiughaigh na Leum, Thamarasaigh
  • Sgeotasaigh: Eilean Dubh, Eilean Rainich, Sgeir Ghlas
  • Stockinish: Eilean Leasait, Eilean nan Eun

Shiant Islands

[edit]
  • Eilean Mhuire: Seann Chaisteal
  • Garbh Eilean: Sgeir Mianais
    • The Galtachan: Bodach, Damhag, Galta Beag, Galta Mòr, Stacan Laidir, Sgeir Mhic a' Ghobha

Lewis

[edit]
A narrow metal bridge crosses a steep gorge
The bridge connecting Dùn Èistean to Lewis
A black and white image of a twin-masted motor yacht with a funnel afloat with no sails set.
Admiralty yacht HMS Iolaire, sunk with the loss of 205 lives on the Beasts of Holm skerries near the entrance to Stornoway harbour in 1919.[29]

South west coast

[edit]

Ceann Loch Resort to Aird Dhrolaige: Liongam, Staca Liath

  • Aird Dhrolaige to Camas Uig: Eilean Molach, Greineam, Sgeir an Tamna, Sgeir Liath, Staca Leathann
  • Camas Uig: Fraoch Eilean, Leac Holm, Sarah's Island, Sgeir a' Chàis, Sgeir Liath, Sgeir Sheilibhig, Tom, Tolm
  • Camas Uig to Gallan Head: Gallan Beg, Sgeir Fiabhaig Tarras, Sgeir Gallan
  • Eilean Mhealasta: Hairsgeir Beag, Hairsgeir Mòr

Loch Ròg

[edit]
  • Loch Ròg:
    • Loch Ceann Hulabhig: Eilean Trosdam, Eilean Orasaigh, Eilean an Tighe, Eimisgeir
    • Loch Charlabhaigh: Eilean Bhinndealaim
    • Loch Ròg Beag: Eilean Dubh, Eileanan Glasa
    • Loch Shiadair: Crovag
  • Ceabhaigh: Greinam, Sgeir nan Cliabh
  • Eilean Chearstaidh: Bratanais Mòr, Eilean Sgarastaigh
  • Flodaigh: Gousam
  • Fuaigh Beag: Aird Orasaigh, Cliatasaigh, Eilean nam Feannag, Floday, Geile Sgeir, Garbh Eilean, Glas Eilean, Linngeam
  • Fuaigh Mòr: EileanTeinis, Eunaigh Beag, Eunaigh Mòr, Geile Sgeir, Sgeir Dubh Mhòr, Sgeir Liath
  • Great Bernera: Eilean Beag, Eilean Bhacasaigh, Eilean Mòr, Eilean Riosaigh, Eughlam, Greineam, Liongam Valasay
  • Little Bernera: Bearasaigh, Campaigh, Cealasaigh, Cruitear, Cul Campaigh, Eilean Fir Chrothair, Flodaigh, Hairsgeir, Mas Sgier, Seanna Chnoc, Sgeir à Mhurain, Sgeir Dhearg, Sgeir na h-Aon Chaorocah.
  • Pabaigh Mòr: Bogha Dubh, Mas Sgeir, Pabeigh Beag, Siaram Mòr
  • Vacsay: Sgeir Bocaig, Sgeir Fail, Sgeir na h-Aon Chaorach, Trathasam

North west coast

[edit]
  • Aird Laimisiadair to Butt of Lewis: Buistean, Cleite Gile, Cul Chraigeam, Craigeam, Dubh Sgeir, Eilean Arnol, Lith Sgeir, Mas Sgeir, Sgeir Dhail, Sgeir Dhearg Cul Chraigeam, Sgeir Lainganish, Sgeir Mhòr, Stac à Phris

East Coast

[edit]
A map of the chain of islands that form the Outer Hebrides with the largest island of Lewis to the north. The Butt of Lewis lies at the northern tip of this island.
A map of the chain of islands that form the Outer Hebrides with the largest island of Lewis to the north. The Butt of Lewis lies at the northern tip of this island.
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The location of the Butt of Lewis
  • Butt of Lewis to Tolsta Head: Am Braga, Braighe Mhòr, Dùn Èistean, Dun Eoradail, Eilean Glas, Mas Sgeir
  • Tolsta Head to Tiumpan Head: Heisgeir, Lada Sgeir, Langasgeir Mòr, Sgeir Leathann
  • Tiumpan Head to Rubha Raerinis: Beasts of Holm, Buaile Mhòr, Eilean à Chaise, Eilean à Chrotaich, Eilean Beag Phabail, Eilean Mòr Phabail, Eilean na Greinne, Eilean Grioda, Eilean nan Uan, Eilean Thuilm, Mol Shildinis, Sgeir Mhòr Shildinis
  • Rubha Raerinis to Rubha na Creige Moire (including Loch Erisort and Loch Liurbost): Bhatarsaidh, Dun Bharclin, Eilean à Bhlair, Eilean Cheois, Eilean Glas, Eilean Miabhiag, Eilean Mòr Lacasaidh, Eilean Mhic Thormaid, Eilean Orasaigh (2), Eilean Rosaidh, Eilean Thoraidh, Garbh Eilean, Glas Sgeir, Riosaigh, Seumas Cleite, Sgeiran Arbhair, Sgeir Tanais, Stac Tabhaidh, Tabhaigh Beah, Tabhaigh Mòr, Tannaraidh
  • Rubha na Creige Moire to Gob Rubha Uisnis (including Loch Sealg): Bogha Ruadh
  • Gob Rubha Uisnis to Rubha Brìodog: Eilean Beag à Bhaigh, Eilean Dubh à Bhaigh, Eilean Glas na h-Acarsaid Fhalaich, Eilean Mòr à Bhaigh, Eilean Thinngartsaigh, Sgeir Mhòr Bhalamuis
  • Eilean Chaluim Chille: Eilean Calabraigh, Crois Eilean, Duine, Eilean a Bhlair, Riasiagh, Sgeir nan Muirsgian, Sgeir nan Each
  • Eilean Liubhaird: Sgeir Fhraoich, Sgeir nan Caorach, Stac à Bhaigh
  • Seaforth Island: None

Small archipelagos

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Two yachts lie in a dark blue cove set amongst green cliffs and a stony shore.
The Shiant Islands

There are various small archipelagos within the Outer Hebrides. These include:

Name Location
Barra Isles (or Bishop's Isles) South of Barra
Flannan Isles 32 kilometres (20 mi) west of Lewis
Monach Islands 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) west of North Uist
Shiant Islands 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) southeast of Harris

The St Kilda group is 64 kilometres (40 mi) west-northwest of North Uist.

See also

[edit]

References and footnotes

[edit]
General references
  • Armit, Ian (1998) Scotland's Hidden History. Tempus (in association with Historic Scotland). ISBN 0-7486-6067-4
  • Haswell-Smith, Hamish. (2004) The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh. Canongate. ISBN 1-84195-454-3
  • Hunter, James (2000) Last of the Free: A History of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Edinburgh. Mainstream. ISBN 1-84018-376-4
  • Mac an Tàilleir, Iain (2003) Ainmean-àite/Placenames. (pdf) Pàrlamaid na h-Alba. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
Notes
  1. ^ Murray (1973) notes that "Western Isles" has tended to mean "Outer Hebrides" since the creation of the Na h-Eileanan an Iar or Western Isles parliamentary constituency in 1918. The phrase can also be used to refer to the Hebrides in general. Murray also notes that "Gneiss Islands"—a reference to the underlying geology – is another name used to refer to the Outer Hebrides but that its use is "confined to books".[1]
  2. ^ The island does not have a common name in either English or Gaelic and is referred to as "Lewis and Harris", "Lewis with Harris", "Harris with Lewis" etc.[3]
  3. ^ Aird an Runair, North Uist approximately Mean High Water Springs ETRS89 57°36'10.42010"N 7°32'56.63226"W, grid reference NF 68686,70560. Distance to Rockall approximately 366.966 km (228.022 mi / 198.146 nmi).[6]
  4. ^ Other definitions are used in the Scottish context. For example the General Register Office for Scotland define an island as "a mass of land surrounded by water, separate from the Scottish mainland" but although they include islands linked by bridges etc. this is not clear from this definition. Haswell-Smith (2004) uses "an Island is a piece of land or group of pieces of land which is entirely surrounded by water at Lowest Astronomical Tide and to which there is no permanent means of dry access". This is widely agreed to be unhelpful as it consciously excludes bridged islands.
  5. ^ Geographically, the inhabited islands can easily be separated into those that are or surround Lewis and Harris, The Uists and Benbecula, and Barra.
  6. ^ The Ordnance Survey maps mark the height above sea level of a high point on most islands, but in a small number of cases, this may not be the highest point.[12]
  7. ^ The 2001 and 2011 censuses refer to the island by its anglified name of Flodda.
  8. ^ This island is at (grid reference NF860580) and the evidence of both Ordnance Survey maps and photographs (e.g. "Houses on Seana Bhaile" Geograph. Retrieved 10 August 2009) indicates a resident population. There is even a name, "Seana Bhaile" for the main settlement. However, neither the census nor the main reference work (Haswell-Smith 2004) refer to the island at all. Its population is presumably included in nearby Grimsay by the census.
  9. ^ There are two inhabited islands called "Grimsay" or Griomasaigh that are joined to Benbecula by a road causeway, one to the north at grid reference NF855572 and one to the south east at grid reference NF831473.
  10. ^ See above note.
  11. ^ Eileanan Iasgaich is at grid reference NF785186.
  12. ^ Geographically, these islands can be separated into those surrounding Lewis and Harris, North and South Uist, Benbecula, and Barra—plus those that are members of the smaller archipelagos of the Barra Isles, the Flannan Isles, the Monach Isles, and the Shiant Islands. There is also a complex group that lies between North Uist and Harris in the Sound of Harris.
  13. ^ Indicates the last known date of permanent, year round settlement.[21]
  14. ^ Note that the Ordnance Survey maps mark the height above sea level of a high point on most islands, but in a small number of cases, this may not be the highest point.[12]
  15. ^ Calbhaigh is a tidal islet in Loch Eynort, not to be confused with Calvay or Calbhaigh in Loch Boisdale, both of which are also off South Uist.
  16. ^ There are two "Flodday"s near Barra. One is in the Barra Isles at grid reference NL612924, the other in the Sound of Barra to the north at grid reference NF751022.
  17. ^ See above note.
  18. ^ It is said that the Clearances here were of a particularly brutal nature.[22]
  19. ^ Pabbay had a population of about 100 in the early 19th century but was cleared in 1846 and by 1868 there was only a single shepherd living there.[23]
  20. ^ The Gaelic name is Stromaigh in the Gazetteer for Scotland and the English name "Stromay" is used both here and by the JNCC. The Ordnance Survey calls the island Sròmaigh but this is not used in other sources. It is connected to North Uist at all but the highest stages of the tide and a JNCC report describes it as "the low 'island' of Stromay".[24][25]
  21. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) writes "old lazybeds and a few scattered shieling ruins show that Stuley was probably yet another place where people who were considered of less importance than sheep fought to survive."[26]
Citations
  1. ^ Murray (1973) p. 32.
  2. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 262.
  3. ^ a b Thompson (1968) p. 13.
  4. ^ a b "Fleet Histories" Archived 11 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine Caledonian MacBrayne. Retrieved 3 August 2009.
  5. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 313–331 lists these islands in "Section 9: The Atlantic Outliers".
  6. ^ Admiralty Chart NE Atlantic (1) Reykjanes Ridge & Rockall Plateau. Chart C6566. (2009) Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson. St Ives.
  7. ^ a b General Register Office for Scotland (2003).
  8. ^ Mac an Tàilleir, Iain 1901–2001 Gaelic in the Census, PowerPoint Presentation made available via Linguae Celticae[usurped]. Retrieved 1 June 2008.
  9. ^ "Lighthouse Library" Archived 18 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine Northern Lighthouse Board. Retrieved 14 July 2007.
  10. ^ a b c National Records of Scotland (15 August 2013). "Appendix 2: Population and households on Scotland's Inhabited Islands" (PDF). Statistical Bulletin: 2011 Census: First Results on Population and Household Estimates for Scotland Release 1C (Part Two) (PDF) (Report). SG/2013/126. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  11. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 205–253.
  12. ^ a b c d e "Get-a-map" Archived 22 January 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Ordnance Survey. Retrieved 1–15 August 2009.
  13. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 206 save those indicated with a separate footnote.
  14. ^ a b Haswell-Smith (2004) and Ordnance Survey maps. Blanks indicate that no name is recorded for this eminence.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Rick Livingstone's Tables of the Islands of Scotland" Archived 29 September 2018 at the Wayback Machine (pdf) Argyll Yacht Charters. Retrieved 12 December 2011.
  16. ^ See for example Hunter (2000) pp. 152–158.
  17. ^ See for example Maclean (1977) Chapter 10: "Arcady Despoiled" pp. 125–35.
  18. ^ "Mingulay Boat Song" Archived 21 July 2012 at archive.today Cantaria. Retrieved 26 December 2006.
  19. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 282–83.
  20. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) and Ordnance Survey maps for islands <40 ha (100 acres) unless otherwise stated.
  21. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) unless otherwise stated.
  22. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 306.
  23. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 268.
  24. ^ "Stromay (Stromaigh)" Archived 23 December 2005 at the Wayback Machine Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  25. ^ "Loch Maddy – Sound of Harris Coastline" Archived 8 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine (PDF) Geological Conservation Review 28 Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  26. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 234.
  27. ^ Estimate from Ordnance Survey Maps.
  28. ^ "Monach Light". Northern Lighthouse Board. Archived from the original on 7 August 2009. Retrieved 8 December 2007.
  29. ^ a b Thompson (1968) p. 76.
  30. ^ Mac an Tàilleir (2003) various pages.

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