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List of Outer Hebrides facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Hebridesmap
The Hebrides. The Outer Hebrides (in orange) lie to the west with the Inner Hebrides closer to the mainland of Scotland in the east.
Outer Hebrides by Sentinel-2
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).

Lewis and Harris is the largest island in Scotland and the third largest in the British Isles, after Great Britain and Ireland. 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. 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. 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, Sula Sgeir and North Rona to the north and isolated Rockall, which is 367 kilometres (228 mi) to the west of North Uist.

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. 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. 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.

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".

Inhabited islands

Stornoway Harbour
The harbour, Stornoway
Dun Carloway
The ruins of Dun Carloway Iron Age broch
UigChessmen SelectionOfKings
Two kings and two queens from the Lewis chessmen
Our Lady of the Isles
Our Lady of the Isles, South Uist

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

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. 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 Area (ha) Population Highest point Height (m)
Baleshare Am Baile Sear Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&&0910.&&&&&0910 &&&&&&&&&&&&&058.&&&&&058 &&&&&&&&&&&&&012.&&&&&012
Barra Barraigh Barra &&&&&&&&&&&05875.&&&&&05,875 &&&&&&&&&&&01174.&&&&&01,174 Heaval &&&&&&&&&&&&0383.&&&&&0383
Benbecula Beinn nam Fadhla Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&08203.&&&&&08,203 &&&&&&&&&&&01303.&&&&&01,303 Ruaval &&&&&&&&&&&&0124.&&&&&0124
Berneray Beàrnaraigh Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&01010.&&&&&01,010 &&&&&&&&&&&&0138.&&&&&0138 Beinn Shleibhe &&&&&&&&&&&&&093.&&&&&093
Eriskay Èirisgeigh Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&&0703.&&&&&0703 &&&&&&&&&&&&0143.&&&&&0143 Ben Scrien &&&&&&&&&&&&0185.&&&&&0185
Flodaigh Flodaigh Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&&0145.&&&&&0145 &&&&&&&&&&&&&&07.&&&&&07 &&&&&&&&&&&&&020.&&&&&020
Fraoch-eilean Fraoch-eilean Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&&&055.&&&&&055 &10000000000000000000000? Cnoc Mor &&&&&&&&&&&&&011.&&&&&011
Great Bernera Beàrnaraigh Mòr Lewis (Loch Ròg) &&&&&&&&&&&02122.&&&&&02,122 &&&&&&&&&&&&0252.&&&&&0252 &&&&&&&&&&&&&087.&&&&&087
Grimsay (North) Griomasaigh Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&&0833.&&&&&0833 &&&&&&&&&&&&0169.&&&&&0169 &&&&&&&&&&&&&022.&&&&&022
Grimsay (South) Griomasaigh Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&&0117.&&&&&0117 &&&&&&&&&&&&&020.&&&&&020 &&&&&&&&&&&&&020.&&&&&020
Lewis and Harris Leòdhas agus na Hearadh Lewis and Harris &&&&&&&&&0217898.&&&&&0217,898 &&&&&&&&&&021031.&&&&&021,031 Clisham &&&&&&&&&&&&0799.&&&&&0799
North Uist Uibhist a Tuath Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&030305.&&&&&030,305 &&&&&&&&&&&01254.&&&&&01,254 Eaval &&&&&&&&&&&&0347.&&&&&0347
Scalpay Sgalpaigh na Hearadh Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&0653.&&&&&0653 &&&&&&&&&&&&0291.&&&&&0291 Beinn Scorabhaig &&&&&&&&&&&&0104.&&&&&0104
South Uist Uibhist a Deas Uists and Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&032026.&&&&&032,026 &&&&&&&&&&&01754.&&&&&01,754 Beinn Mhòr &&&&&&&&&&&&0620.&&&&&0620
Vatersay Bhatarsaigh Barra &&&&&&&&&&&&0960.&&&&&0960 &&&&&&&&&&&&&090.&&&&&090 Theiseabhal Mòr &&&&&&&&&&&&0190.&&&&&0190

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".

Uninhabited islands

Barra Head Lighthouse cliffs
The lighthouse atop the cliffs of Sloc na Bèiste, Barra Head
Cnocbharr
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.
Old School house Mingulay
Ruins of the old school house, Mingulay
Hellisay
Hintinish Bay, Hellisay in summer
Barra Satellite Photo
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.
Orosay
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 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.

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 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.

The difficulties of definition are considerable in some cases. For example, Haswell-Smith (2004) treats Eileanan Iasgaich 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 Area (ha) Last inhabited Highest point Height (m)
Barra Head or Berneray Beàrnaraigh Cheann Bharraigh Barra Isles &&&&&&&&&&&&0204.&&&&&0204 1980 Sotan &&&&&&&&&&&&0193.&&&&&0193
Boreray Boraraigh North Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&0198.&&&&&0198 1960s Mullach Mòr &&&&&&&&&&&&&056.&&&&&056
Calbhaigh Calbhaigh South Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&&026.&&&&&026 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&010.&&&&&010
Ceabhaigh Ceabhaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) &10000000000000025000000 25 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&020.&&&&&020
Ceallasaigh Beag Ceallasaigh Beag Loch Maddy &&&&&&&&&&&&&055.&&&&&055 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&010.&&&&&010
Ceallasaigh Mòr Ceallasaigh Mòr Loch Maddy &&&&&&&&&&&&&055.&&&&&055 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&010.&&&&&010
Ceann Ear An Ceann Ear Monach Islands &&&&&&&&&&&&0203.&&&&&0203 1931–33 &&&&&&&&&&&&&017.&&&&&017
Ceann Iar An Ceann Iar Monach Islands &&&&&&&&&&&&0154.&&&&&0154 1931–33 Cnoc Bharr &&&&&&&&&&&&&019.&&&&&019
Eilean Chaluim Chille Eilean Chaluim Chille Lewis (Loch Erisort) &&&&&&&&&&&&&085.&&&&&085 Post-16th century Creag Mhor &&&&&&&&&&&&&043.&&&&&043
Eilean Chearstaidh Eilean Chearstaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) &&&&&&&&&&&&&077.&&&&&077 No census records &&&&&&&&&&&&&037.&&&&&037
Eileanan Iasgaich Eileanan Iasgaich South Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&&050.&&&&&050 No census records &&&&&&&&&&&&&020.&&&&&020
Eilean Liubhaird Eilean Liubhaird Lewis (Loch Sealg) &&&&&&&&&&&&0125.&&&&&0125 Early 19th century &&&&&&&&&&&&&076.&&&&&076
Eilean Mhealasta Eilean Mhealasta Lewis (Park) &&&&&&&&&&&&0124.&&&&&0124 1823 Cnoc Àrd &&&&&&&&&&&&&077.&&&&&077
Eilean Mhuire Eilean Mhuire Shiant Islands &10000000000000030000000 30 18th century &&&&&&&&&&&&&090.&&&&&090
Ensay Easaigh Sound of Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&0186.&&&&&0186 1971 &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049
Fiaraidh Fiaraigh Sound of Barra &&&&&&&&&&&&&041.&&&&&041 No record of habitation &&&&&&&&&&&&&030.&&&&&030
Flodaigh Flodaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) &10000000000000039000000 39 1827 &&&&&&&&&&&&&048.&&&&&048
Flodaigh Mòr Flodaigh Mòr North Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&&058.&&&&&058 No census records &&&&&&&&&&&&&028.&&&&&028
Flodday Flodaigh Barra Isles &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035 Inhabitation unlikely &&&&&&&&&&&&&043.&&&&&043
Flodday Flodaigh Sound of Barra &&&&&&&&&&&&&040.&&&&&040 1851 &&&&&&&&&&&&&041.&&&&&041
Fodragaigh Fodragaigh Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&&&025.&&&&&025 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&010.&&&&&010
Fuaigh Beag Fuaigh Beag Lewis (Loch Ròg) &10000000000000035000000 35 1827 &&&&&&&&&&&&&048.&&&&&048
Fuaigh Mòr Fuaigh Mòr Lewis (Loch Ròg) &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 1840s Mullach na Beinne &&&&&&&&&&&&&067.&&&&&067
Fuday Fuideigh Sound of Barra &&&&&&&&&&&&0232.&&&&&0232 1901 Mullach Neacail &&&&&&&&&&&&&089.&&&&&089
Fuiay Fuidheigh Sound of Barra &&&&&&&&&&&&&084.&&&&&084 Mid-19th century &&&&&&&&&&&&0107.&&&&&0107
Garbh Eilean Garbh Eilean Shiant Islands &&&&&&&&&&&&0143.&&&&&0143 1901 Mullach Buidhe &&&&&&&&&&&&0160.&&&&&0160
Gighay Gioghaigh Sound of Barra &&&&&&&&&&&&&096.&&&&&096 Early 19th century Mullach a' Chàrnain &&&&&&&&&&&&&095.&&&&&095
Groaigh Groaigh Sound of Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&&028.&&&&&028 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&026.&&&&&026
Hellisay Theiliseigh Sound of Barra &&&&&&&&&&&&0142.&&&&&0142 1890 Beinn a' Chàrnain &&&&&&&&&&&&&072.&&&&&072
Hermetray Theàrnatraigh Sound of Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&&072.&&&&&072 1840s Compass Knoll &&&&&&&&&&&&&035.&&&&&035
Killegray Ceileagraigh Sound of Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&0176.&&&&&0176 1970s &&&&&&&&&&&&&045.&&&&&045
Kirkibost Eilean Chirceboist North Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&0205.&&&&&0205 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&010.&&&&&010
Lingeigh Lingeigh Barra Isles &&&&&&&&&&&&&027.&&&&&027 Inhabitation unlikely &&&&&&&&&&&&&083.&&&&&083
Little Bernera Beàrnaraigh Beag Lewis (Loch Ròg) &&&&&&&&&&&&0138.&&&&&0138 1861 Tordal &&&&&&&&&&&&&041.&&&&&041
Mingulay Miùghalaigh Barra Isles &&&&&&&&&&&&0640.&&&&&0640 1912 Càrnan &&&&&&&&&&&&0273.&&&&&0273
Muldoanich Maol Dòmhnaich Barra Isles &&&&&&&&&&&&&078.&&&&&078 No census records Maol Dòmhnaich &&&&&&&&&&&&0153.&&&&&0153
Orosay Orasaigh Sound of Barra &10000000000000030000000c. 30 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&038.&&&&&038
Oronsay Orasaigh North Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&&085.&&&&&085 19th century &&&&&&&&&&&&&025.&&&&&025
Pabbay Pabaigh Barra Isles &&&&&&&&&&&&0250.&&&&&0250 1911–20 An Tobha &&&&&&&&&&&&0171.&&&&&0171
Pabbay Pabaigh Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&0820.&&&&&0820 1970s Beinn a' Chàrnain &&&&&&&&&&&&0196.&&&&&0196
Pabaigh Mòr Pabaigh Mòr Lewis (Loch Ròg) &&&&&&&&&&&&0101.&&&&&0101 1827 Beinn Mhòr &&&&&&&&&&&&&068.&&&&&068
Ronay Rònaigh North Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&0563.&&&&&0563 1920s Beinn á Charnain &&&&&&&&&&&&0115.&&&&&0115
Sandray Sanndraigh Barra Isles &&&&&&&&&&&&0385.&&&&&0385 1934 Carn Ghaltair &&&&&&&&&&&&0207.&&&&&0207
Scarp An Sgarp Harris &&&&&&&&&&&01045.&&&&&01,045 1971 Sròn Romul &&&&&&&&&&&&0308.&&&&&0308
Seaforth Island Eilean Shìophoirt Lewis (Loch Seaforth) &&&&&&&&&&&&0273.&&&&&0273 No record of habitation &&&&&&&&&&&&0217.&&&&&0217
Sgeotasaigh Sgeotasaigh Harris (East Loch Tarbert) &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 1921 &&&&&&&&&&&&&057.&&&&&057
Sibhinis Sibhinis Monach Islands &&&&&&&&&&&&&028.&&&&&028 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&015.&&&&&015
Shillay Siolaigh North Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&&047.&&&&&047 No evidence of habitation &&&&&&&&&&&&&079.&&&&&079
Soay Mor Sòdhaigh Mòr Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&&045.&&&&&045 1890s &&&&&&&&&&&&&037.&&&&&037
Stromay Stròmaigh Sound of Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&&066.&&&&&066 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&016.&&&&&016
Stockinish Island Eilean Stocainis Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&&049.&&&&&049 No record of habitation &&&&&&&&&&&&&044.&&&&&044
Stuley Stulaigh South Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&&045.&&&&&045 19th century? &&&&&&&&&&&&&040.&&&&&040
Sursaigh Sursaigh Sound of Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&&030.&&&&&030 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&027.&&&&&027
Tahay Taghaigh Sound of Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&&053.&&&&&053 1850s &&&&&&&&&&&&&065.&&&&&065
Taransay Tarasaigh Harris &&&&&&&&&&&01475.&&&&&01,475 1974 Ben Raah &&&&&&&&&&&&0267.&&&&&0267
Trialabreac Trialabreac Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&&&025.&&&&&025 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&020.&&&&&020
Torogaigh Torogaigh Sound of Harris &&&&&&&&&&&&&028.&&&&&028 Unknown &&&&&&&&&&&&&013.&&&&&013
Vacsay Bhacasaigh Lewis (Loch Ròg) &&&&&&&&&&&&&041.&&&&&041 1869 &&&&&&&&&&&&&034.&&&&&034
Vallay Bhàlaigh North Uist &&&&&&&&&&&&0260.&&&&&0260 19th century? Ceann Uachdarach &&&&&&&&&&&&&038.&&&&&038
Wiay Fuidheigh Benbecula &&&&&&&&&&&&0375.&&&&&0375 1901 Beinn a' Tuath &&&&&&&&&&&&0102.&&&&&0102

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 and largest part that might be considered to be a genuine island is circa 32 hectares.

Smaller islets and skerries

Kisimul
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.

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. 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, 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".

Smaller islands grouped geographically:

Barra and the Barra Isles

Western cliffs of Mingulay
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

  • 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

South Uist
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

Loch Uisgebhagh
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

Haskeirlighthouse
Haskeir Lighthouse, with Haskeir Eagach in the distance
North Uist Satellite Map
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

Shillaylighthouses
The lighthouse on Shillay
  • Ceann Ear: Heilleam, Stocaigh
  • Ceann Iar: Deasgair, Raisgeir, Stromay
    • Shillay: Eilean Siorruidh, Thusigeirean
  • Sibhinis: None

Sound of Harris

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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

Lewis

Drochaid dhùn Èistean
The bridge connecting Dùn Èistean to Lewis
Admiralty-yacht-HMS-Iolaire-ship-Amalthaea-1908
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.

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

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

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

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.
Location in Outer Hebrides
  • 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

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

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Anexo:Islas del archipiélago de las Hébridas Exteriores para niños

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List of Outer Hebrides Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.