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.
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 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]

Contents

[edit] Inhabited islands

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 at the time of the 2001 census[7] and Lewis and Harris is the 13th most populous of the British Isles.

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 which 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 a causeway.[4][10][11] 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)[12] Population[7] Highest point[13] Height (m)[Note 6]
Baleshare Baile Sear Uists and Benbecula &10000000000000910000000910 &1000000000000004900000049 &1000000000000001200000012
Barra Barraigh Barra &100000000000058750000005,875 &100000000000010780000001,078 Heaval &10000000000000383000000383
Benbecula Beinn nam Fadhla Uists and Benbecula &100000000000082030000008,203 &100000000000012190000001,219 Ruaval &10000000000000124000000124
Berneray Beàrnaraigh Uists and Benbecula &100000000000010100000001,010 &10000000000000136000000136 Beinn Shleibhe &1000000000000009300000093
Eriskay Eirisgeigh Uists and Benbecula &10000000000000703000000703 &10000000000000133000000133 Ben Scrien &10000000000000185000000185
Flodaigh Flodaigh Uists and Benbecula &10000000000000145000000145 &1000000000000001100000011[Note 7] &1000000000000002000000020
Fraoch-eilean Fraoch-eilean Uists and Benbecula &1000000000000005500000055[14] &10000000000000000000000?[Note 8] Cnoc Mor &1000000000000001100000011
Great Bernera Beàrnaraigh Mòr Lewis (Loch Ròg) &100000000000021220000002,122 &10000000000000233000000233 &1000000000000008700000087
Grimsay[Note 9] Griomasaigh Uists and Benbecula &10000000000000833000000833 &10000000000000201000000201 &1000000000000002200000022
Grimsay[Note 10] Griomasaigh Uists and Benbecula &10000000000000117000000117 &1000000000000001900000019 &1000000000000002000000020
Lewis and Harris Leòdhas agus na Hearadh[3] Lewis and Harris &10000000000217898000000217,898 &1000000000001991800000019,918 Clisham &10000000000000799000000799
North Uist Uibhist a Tuath Uists and Benbecula &1000000000003030500000030,305 &100000000000012710000001,271 Eaval &10000000000000347000000347
Scalpay Sgalpaigh na Hearadh Harris &10000000000000653000000653 &10000000000000322000000322 Beinn Scorabhaig &10000000000000104000000104
South Uist Uibhist a Deas Uists and Benbecula &1000000000003202600000032,026 &100000000000018180000001,818 Beinn Mhòr &10000000000000620000000620
Vatersay Bhatarsaigh Barra &10000000000000960000000960 &1000000000000009400000094 Theiseabhal Mòr &10000000000000190000000190

[edit] Uninhabited islands

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 Faray, 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[15] 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.[16]

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[17] 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.[18]

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 Isles does not qualify for inclusion as it is connected to Garbh Eilean by a natural isthmus.

Island Gaelic name Group[Note 12] Area (ha)[19] Last inhabited[Note 13] Highest point[13] Height (m)[Note 14]
Barra Head or Berneray Beàrnaraigh Cheann Bharraigh Barra Isles &10000000000000204000000204 1980 Sotan &10000000000000193000000193
Boreray Boraraigh North Uist &10000000000000198000000198 1960s Mullach Mòr &1000000000000005600000056
Ceabhaigh Ceabhaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) &10000000000000025000000c. 25 Unknown &1000000000000002000000020
Ceallasaigh Beag Ceallasaigh Beag Loch Maddy &1000000000000004600000046 Unknown &1000000000000001000000010
Ceallasaigh Mòr Ceallasaigh Mòr Loch Maddy &1000000000000005500000055[14] Unknown &1000000000000001000000010
Ceann Ear An Ceann Ear Monach Islands &10000000000000203000000203 1931–33 &1000000000000001700000017
Ceann Iar An Ceann Iar Monach Islands &10000000000000154000000154 1931–33 Cnoc Bharr &1000000000000001900000019
Eilean Chaluim Chille Eilean Chaluim Chille Lewis (Loch Erisort) &1000000000000008500000085 Post-16th century Creag Mhor &1000000000000004300000043
Eilean Chearstaidh Eilean Chearstaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) &1000000000000007700000077 No census records &1000000000000003700000037
Eileanan Iasgaich Eileanan Iasgaich South Uist &1000000000000005000000050 No census records &1000000000000002000000020
Eilean Liubhaird Eilean Liubhaird Lewis (Loch Sealg) &10000000000000125000000125 Early 19th century &1000000000000007600000076
Eilean Mhealasta Eilean Mhealasta Lewis (Park) &10000000000000124000000124 1823 Cnoc Àrd &1000000000000007700000077
Eilean Mhuire Eilean Mhuire Shiant Isles &10000000000000025000000c. 25 18th century &1000000000000009000000090
Ensay Easaigh Sound of Harris &10000000000000186000000186 1971 &1000000000000004900000049
Fiaraidh Fiaraigh Sound of Barra &1000000000000004100000041 No record of habitation &1000000000000003000000030
Flodaigh Flodaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) &10000000000000030000000c. 30 1827 &1000000000000004800000048
Flodaigh Mòr Flodaigh Mòr North Uist &1000000000000005800000058 No census records &1000000000000002800000028
Flodday[Note 15] Flodaigh Barra Isles &1000000000000003500000035 Inhabitation unlikely &1000000000000004300000043
Flodday[Note 16] Flodaigh Sound of Barra &1000000000000004000000040 1851 &1000000000000004100000041
Fuaigh Beag Fuaigh Beag Lewis (Loch Ròg) &10000000000000030000000c. 30 1827 &1000000000000004800000048
Fuaigh Mòr Fuaigh Mòr Lewis (Loch Ròg) &1000000000000008400000084 1840s[Note 17] Mullach na Beinne &1000000000000006700000067
Fuday Fuideigh Sound of Barra &10000000000000232000000232 1901 Mullach Neacail &1000000000000008900000089
Fuiay Fuidheigh Sound of Barra &1000000000000008400000084 Mid-19th century &10000000000000107000000107
Garbh Eilean Garbh Eilean Shiant Isles &10000000000000143000000143 1901 Mullach Buidhe &10000000000000160000000160
Gighay Gioghaigh Sound of Barra &1000000000000009600000096 Early 19th century Mullach a' Chàrnain &1000000000000009500000095
Hellisay Theiliseigh Sound of Barra &10000000000000142000000142 1890 Beinn a' Chàrnain &1000000000000007200000072
Hermetray Theàrnatraigh Sound of Harris &1000000000000007200000072 1840s Compass Knoll &1000000000000003500000035
Killegray Ceileagraigh Sound of Harris &10000000000000176000000176 1970s &1000000000000004500000045
Kirkibost Eilean Chirceboist North Uist &10000000000000205000000205 Unknown &1000000000000001000000010
Lingeigh Lingeigh Barra Isles &1000000000000002700000027 Inhabitation unlikely &1000000000000008300000083
Little Bernera Beàrnaraigh Beag Lewis (Loch Ròg) &10000000000000138000000138 1861 Tordal &1000000000000004100000041
Mingulay Miùghalaigh Barra Isles &10000000000000640000000640 1912 Càrnan &10000000000000273000000273
Muldoanich Maol Dòmhnaich Barra Isles &1000000000000007800000078 No census records Maol Dòmhnaich &10000000000000153000000153
Orosay Orasaigh Sound of Barra &10000000000000030000000c. 30[11] Unknown &1000000000000003800000038
Oronsay Orasaigh North Uist &1000000000000008500000085 19th century &1000000000000002500000025
Pabbay Pabaigh Barra Isles &10000000000000250000000250 1911–20 An Tobha &10000000000000171000000171
Pabbay Pabaigh Harris &10000000000000820000000820 1970s[Note 18] Beinn a' Chàrnain &10000000000000196000000196
Pabaigh Mòr Pabaigh Mòr Lewis (Loch Ròg) &10000000000000101000000101 1827 Beinn Mhòr &1000000000000006800000068
Ronay Rònaigh North Uist &10000000000000563000000563 1920s Beinn á Charnain &10000000000000115000000115
Sandray Sanndraigh Barra Isles &10000000000000385000000385 1934 Carn Ghaltair &10000000000000207000000207
Scarp An Sgarp Harris &100000000000010450000001,045 1971 Sròn Romul &10000000000000308000000308
Seaforth Island Eilean Shìophoirt Lewis (Loch Seaforth) &10000000000000273000000273 No record of habitation &10000000000000217000000217
Sgeotasaigh Sgeotasaigh Harris (East Loch Tarbert) &1000000000000004900000049 1921 &1000000000000005700000057
Sibhinis Sibhinis Monach Islands &1000000000000002800000028 Unknown &1000000000000001500000015
Shillay Siolaigh North Uist &1000000000000004700000047 No evidence of habitation &1000000000000007900000079
Soay Mor Sòdhaigh Mòr Harris &1000000000000004500000045 1890s &1000000000000003700000037
Stromay Stròmaigh[Note 19] Sound of Harris &1000000000000006600000066 Unknown &1000000000000001600000016
Stockinish Island Eilean Stocainis Harris &1000000000000004900000049 No record of habitation &1000000000000004400000044
Stuley Stulaigh South Uist &1000000000000004500000045 19th century?[Note 20] &1000000000000004000000040
Tahay Taghaigh Sound of Harris &1000000000000005300000053 1850s &1000000000000006500000065
Taransay Tarasaigh Harris &100000000000014750000001,475 1974 Ben Raah &10000000000000267000000267
Vacsay Bhacsaidh Lewis (Loch Ròg) &1000000000000004100000041 1869 &1000000000000003400000034
Vallay Bhàlaigh North Uist &10000000000000260000000260 19th century? Ceann Uachdarach &1000000000000003800000038
Wiay Fuidheigh Benbecula &10000000000000375000000375 1901 Beinn a' Tuath &10000000000000102000000102

[edit] Smaller islets and skerries

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 which 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.[11]

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 manned lighthouse until 1942.[26] 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,[27] 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 uninhabited island, 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".[28]

Smaller islands grouped geographically:

[edit] Barra and the Barra Isles

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

[edit] Sound of Barra

  • 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

[edit] South Uist

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: Calbhaigh (2), Dùn Othail, Eilean nan Ghamna
  • 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
  • Stuley: Dubh-Sgeir Mhòr, Glas-Eilean Mòr

[edit] Benbecula

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 nan Cille, Eilean nan Gamhna, Eileanan Stafa, Fodragaigh, Oitir Bheag, Siusaigh, Steiseigh, Triallabreac
  • 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, Eileanan Chearabhaigh, Lingeigh, Reagam, Scaracleit

[edit] North Uist

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, Hasgeir 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

[edit] Monach Isles

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

[edit] Sound of Harris

  • Harris - Rubha Reinis to Gob an Tobha: Bumersam Beag, Copaigh, Craigo, Dun Arn, Eilean Reinis, Eire, Gilsaigh, Gousman, Grodhaigh, Gumersam Mhòr, Langaigh, Liungaigh, Saghaigh Beag, Saghaigh Mòr, Sgarabhaigh, Sgeir Sine, Sromaigh
  • Berneray: Bhaiteam, Greineam, Torogaigh
  • 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, Sursaigh, Trollaman

[edit] West Harris

  • 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

[edit] East Harris

  • 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

[edit] Shiant Isles

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

[edit] Lewis

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.[27]

[edit] South west coast

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

[edit] Loch Ròg

  • 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

[edit] North west coast

  • 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

[edit] East Coast

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.
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

[edit] Small archipelagos

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

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 Isles 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) southeast of Harris

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

[edit] See also

[edit] References and footnotes

General references
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.[11]
  7. ^ The 2001 census refers 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, those which 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.[20]
  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.[11]
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ See above note.
  17. ^ It is said that the Clearances here were of a particularly brutal nature.[21]
  18. ^ 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.[22]
  19. ^ 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".[23][24]
  20. ^ 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."[25]
Citations
  1. ^ Murray (1973) p. 32.
  2. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 262.
  3. ^ a b Thompson (1968) p. 13.
  4. ^ a b "Fleet Histories" 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 c General Register Office for Scotland (2003).
  8. ^ Mac an Tàilleir, Iain 1901–2001 Gaelic in the Census, PowerPoint Presentation made available via Linguae Celticae. Retrieved 1 June 2008.
  9. ^ "Lighthouse Library" Northern Lighthouse Board. Retrieved 14 July 2007.
  10. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 205–253.
  11. ^ a b c d e "Get-a-map". Ordnance Survey. Retrieved 1–15 August 2009.
  12. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 206 save those indicated with a separate footnote.
  13. ^ a b Haswell-Smith (2004) and Ordnance Survey maps. Blanks indicate that no name is recorded for this eminence.
  14. ^ a b "Rick Livingstone’s Tables of the Islands of Scotland" (pdf) Argyll Yacht Charters. Retrieved 12 Dec 2011.
  15. ^ See for example Hunter (2000) pp. 152–158.
  16. ^ See for example Maclean (1977) Chapter 10: "Arcady Despoiled" pp. 125–35.
  17. ^ "Mingulay Boat Song" Cantaria. Retrieved 26 December 2006.
  18. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) pp. 282–83.
  19. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) and Ordnance Survey maps for islands <40 ha (100 acres) unless otherwise stated.
  20. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) unless otherwise stated.
  21. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 306.
  22. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 268.
  23. ^ "Stromay (Stromaigh)" Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  24. ^ "Loch Maddy – Sound of Harris Coastline" (PDF) Geological Conservation Review 28 Retrieved 12 August 2009.
  25. ^ Haswell-Smith (2004) p. 234.
  26. ^ "Monach Light". Northern Lighthouse Board. http://www.nlb.org.uk/ourlights/history/monach.htm. Retrieved 2007-12-08. 
  27. ^ a b Thompson (1968) p. 76.
  28. ^ Mac an Tàilleir (2003) various pages.
Prehistoric Western Isles
Callanish Sites
Other Neolithic Sites
Bronze and Iron Age Sites
Inhabited islands of the Hebrides
Inner Hebrides
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