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The Hebrides, also known as Fingal's Cave, are probably the best-known group of Scottish islands, but other groups include the islands of the lower Firth of Clyde and the Northern Isles. The island chain of beaches, culture, wildlife and adventure is a haven for outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. The Islands are rich in Archaeology and History. The islands in the Clyde, especially Arran, are sometimes mistakenly called Hebrides too. The Hebrides was first mentioned by the Ancient Greeks c. 55 B.C. In ancient times the archipelago was known as the Hebudae or the Ebudae. The Vikings called the islands Havbrodoy. The islands came under Norse control and settlement before the 9th century AD. In the 1266 Treaty of Perth the Outer Hebrides, along with the Isle of Man, were given to the Kingdom of Scotland. Scottish chieftains, primarily the leaders of the clans MacDougall and MacDonald, ruled the islands.
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OUTER HEBRIDES - NA H-EILEANAN SIAR
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MAP OF HEBRIDES
MAP OF SKYE
MAP UNITED KINGDOM
MAP GOOGLE MAP UK
Capital:Steornabhagh (Stornoway)
Largest city: Steornabhagh
Ports: Steornabhagh
Hebridean & Clyde Ferries
Location: West of Northern Scotland
Area:4.650 km˛
Border countries:Scotland
Geography:The Outer Hebrides comprise a 210 km archipelago off the north west coast of Scotland. It consists of hundreds of islands, the major ones being Barra in the south, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, and the largest of the group, Lewis and Harris, in the north. Skye is a perfect location for walkers/hillwalkers and mountaineers.
Coastline:The coastline of the Hebrides is a labyrinth of complex bays, inlets, dramatic cliffs secret coves, sandy beaches and offshore islands
Climate:The climate of the Hebrides is comparatively mild. The archipelago has a rocky terrain, which is broken by many bogs, moors, lakes, and valleys.
Lowest point: Sea level
Highest point: An Clisham (799 m)
Population: 26.260 ( 2005). The population as a whole is declining through emigration, especially to Canada.
Ethnic groups: The original Celtic inhabitans were conquered by the Norwegians
Languages: English. Mainly Scottish Gaelic
Religions: The Western Isles (particularly Harris) have been described as the last bastion of fundamentalist Calvinism in Britain with large amounts of inhabitants subscribing to the Free Church of Scotland or the more hardline Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Many church services have no music and do not allow women to wear trousers. The islands south of North Uist are predominantly Roman Catholic.
Currency: British pound (GBP) -
Administrative divisions: Inner Hebrides, including Skye, Mull, Islay, Jura, Staffa and the Small Isles.
Outer Hebrides, including Lewis and Harris, Berneray, North Uist, South Uist, Barra and St Kilda. Lewis is both the largest and most populous of the Western Isles. The Outer Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland provide spectacular scenery and is a favorite place for bird watchers. The main islands are North & South Uist, Lewis and Harris .The Isle of Barra is considered by many to be the most beautiful little island in Britain.
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